Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Strength and Honour - Gladiator on DVD
Gladiator, Academy Award Winner for 2000 Best Picture. The story of a General's fall and rise to Arena champion in his pursuit of vengeance is powered by Russel Crowe's great performance and Ridley Scott's impressive direction. This 2 Disc set does the film justice. Another impressive effort from Dreamworks.The video transfer presented in anamorphic widescreen is extremely impressive. With vibrant colours to the bleak greys and blues of Rome this transfer never ceases to impress. The opening battle is also complemented by the earthy tones present in the transfer giving the film a gritty and realistic look.The sound on the DVD is extremely impressive. The Dolby Digital track is very impressive. The clarity is there and it makes an impressive use of the surrounds. However the DTS-ES 6.1 Discrete soundtrack is amazing. I consider it reference quality. The sound is absolutely amazing. If you have a DTS capable amplifier don't even bother with the Dolby Digital Track.The extras are not as plentiful as some other DVDs on the market yet they are of very good quality. The 3 documentaries are very interesting. There is an extensive deleted scenes section. As well as plenty of storyboards and trailers and TV Spots. The Spencer Treat Clark journal is actually quite interesting so give it a read. Lastly the commentary with Ridley Scott and the Cinematographer and Pietro Scalia is very interesting and entertaining.A film that could be considered an epic has received a very worthy treatment on DVD.