Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
***** For the Extended Edition - Bravo!
I wasn't expecting much when I bought this DVD. I hadn't read any reviews or content lists. I just bought it for the 17 minutes of extra footage, but this release is so much more than just that!The extra footage in itself is fantastic. Some dialogue is repititive, but it draws out the story and make the intentions of the characters much clearer. Also while some of the footage was in the earlier DVD release's deleted scenes section, putting it into the movie gives it much more perspective than can be provided by watching single scenes by themselves. Overall, it's fantastic addition to the already stellar theatrical release.Disc 2 has a a mammoth 200 minute documentary that delves into just about every aspect of the production, answers questions and doesn't just offer a glossy TV view; you actually hear the personal opinions of the people involved without any censors. You hear about the writers' dissapointment with story changes, the producers talking about getting Ridley, their reactions to the death of Oliver Reed, etc.Disc 3 features some additional deleted scenes, storyboards, massive production photo albums and other nifty things that a viewer can sift through.To sum up: Just the extra scenes more than make up for the money spent on this set, however Ridley doesn't stop there. The rest of the additional content is absolutely stunning and makes this a must-buy for all fans of the movie.