Cheap Gladiator (Single Disc Edition) (DVD) (Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Connie Nielsen) (Ridley Scott) Price

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Customer Reviews of Gladiator (Single Disc Edition)

An excellent revival of the epic genre
Gone are the days of massive budgets, casts of thousands, overwhelming scenery, and huge scale. Lawrence, Ben-Hur, Zhivago,Kwai and other epics have been replaced by teenage hormonal studies, endless sequels, lousy scripts and "bankable star power". Amid the debris comes Gladiator, which like Braveheart, manages to tell an epic, compelling story with excellent performances, an intelligent and uplifting script, taut direction and the advantages of modern computer effects. Net effect- the epic is alive again, but with more sophistication. The most fascinating aspect is the performance of Russell Crowe, a true craftsman whose nuanced characterization of Maximus is so layered and diverse that he compels attention in his every scene. Many viewers, alas, may think Crowe is simply playing a heroic, strong character in the mode of earlier Hollywood icons. To realize what he does, think of Crowe in Insider, Beautiful Mind and other roles and ask what is he doing differently in this part? Maximus could be a simple creature of macho conquest and revenge, ala Arnold, Sly, Willis and others in familiar parts.Instead, he is at once restrained, coiled,furious,repressed,obsessed,crafty,charismatic,wounded, determined,naive,fatalistic,brilliant,strategic,devoted,patriotic,principled,humble,conflicted,honorable,cynical,romantic,restrained,tragic,redeemed,complex and ultimately human and recognizable.If one watches Crowe combine all these and many other aspects of the character,with an economy of words,gestures and motions,(and the most effective use of eyes in years)one senses that this meticulous actor is not only a dedicated craftsman, but has a special genius.This film, particularly the acting, direction and staging, may seem simple and familiar, but that is a tribute to the artistry. Gladiator merits watching more than once to appreciate its value and stature.

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A Rousing Epic.
Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is a roaring, romantic, moving spectacle about the glory that was Rome. This is a great film, one that brings back classic themes of the cinema that we haven't seen since the days "Spartacus" or "Quo Vadis" or even "Ben-Hur" stirred screen audiences. People have been waiting exactly for this kind of film for a long time. The purpose of a movie like "Gladiator" is to exhilarate the viewer and capture him with red-blooded drama and action. The screenplay by David Franzoni, John Logan and William Nicholson barrows from other films and molds into a riveting story, a simple yet entertaining tale. Ridley Scott (Alien, G.I. Jane) directs with the eyes of a master, with great taste for epic material. The cinematography by John Mathieson is rich, making some scenes look like classic paintings of Ancient Rome. The editor is Pietro Scalia, who won an Oscar for Oliver Stone's "JFK," he creates some great, gritty, bone-crunching action sequences. And of course, the music by Hans Zimmer and Lisa Gerrard is effective, moving and a romping experience all in itself. "Gladiator" also works for women, it's not just a guy-flick, it has a nice, sensual feeling to the romantic material. This is fun, moving and enjoyable cinema. "Gladiator" will call you back for a second viewing.

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okay
this is a three star movie with a five star dvd. one of the biggest problems with the movie was the first battle. i was expecting braveheart quality but ended with a battle less entertaining than the one in dragonheart. the blurry camera and closeups made it impossible to tell what was happening. if you want to see a movie like this but better, see the last samurai or braveheart.