Product: Gladiator [VHS] (2000)
Rating: 5.0
Russell Crowe outstanding as Maximus.
I agree with all the reviews in Amazon that caution buyers from purchasing this extended presentation of Gladiator. The added story frames are not enough to make up for the significant loss in sound quality, particulary during quiet moments when the dialogue is difficult to hear, even with the sound turned up.Many reviewers are also angry with all the historical inaccuracies in the film -- too many for me to list here. Even so, I think most people don't go to the movies to get history. If they do, they are almost certain to be disappointed even with films that make a point of trying to be accurate. Story always seems to take precedence over truth value.Russell Crowe won the academy award as best actor for his perfomance as Maximus, Roman general turned gladiator. He dominates the film from beginning to end, and a good thing too. It is his story we care about, not the senatorial nonsense that comprises only a small part of the film. Crowe is good enough to give this movie five stars. Earlier versions of the film are the best bet for first time viewers because of improved sound quality.