Gladiator: Extended Edition DVD Review:

After successfully defeating the barbarian armies of northern Germania, General Maximus (Crowe) wants to go home to his family after nearly two and half years of war. But when the dying emperor Marcus Aurelius (Harris) asks Maximus to be the new Caesar, instead of his own son Commodus (Phoenix), the young prince seeks vengeance by killing his father and condemning Maximus death. Maximus escapes with his life, only to find his home burnt to the ground and his wife and son dead. Almost dead, he is captured and taken into slavery in North Africa, where he is bought by Proximo (Reed) to become a Gladiator.

After over 40 years of failure, director Ridley Scott and his cast and crew did the impossible, made a brilliant ‘Sword and Sandals’ movie.

A genre that was considered dead was resurrected from the movie graveyard to prove that an epic can be viable in modern Hollywood. Not since Charlton Heston rode the chariots in ‘Ben Hur’ has the historical epic had such and impact on the type of movie that can make money for Tinsel town. ‘Gladiator’ made this genre possible again and led to ‘Troy’, ‘Kingdom of Heaven’ and ‘Alexander’ getting the greenlight and even paved the way for ‘The Lord of the Rings’ trilogy been as successful as it was.

In the 40 years previous, Hollywood had been building towards the come back of this type of movie. Advances in visual effects, stunts, costume design, set construction and makeup techniques have all reached a level that made the ‘Sword and Sandals’ epic a realistic proposition again. Computer generated images mean that ancient Rome can be visually realised without have to construct everything. The Colosseum can now be brought to life in all its glory as we witness the spectacle of the games with all the scope and grandeur you would expect if you had actually been there. When you combine this with brilliantly constructed sets, realistic makeup and costumes and armour and weapons that are as historically accurate as they could be, filmmakers can now take you back to the time of Ancient Rome.

Having all the technology means nothing if you haven’t got a story to utilise all these advances but ‘Gladiator’ has plot that is simply captivating. What could have been perceived as a simple revenge movie is so much more as we see the political power struggles between the new, young Caesar Commodus and the role of the Roman Senate, secretly backed by his sister Lucillia. Commodus longs to be loved by the people and his family, after never receiving the love and respect his yearned for from his father Marcus Aurelius but whatever he seems to do he can’t get out of his father’s shadow. This underpinning story runs concurrently with Maximus’s story of finding peace for his family in death after their murder at the command of Commodus. This main story draws you into the film but it takes little time to make you realise that there is much more to the movie.

Bringing these characters to life are some brilliant performances from the cast. Leading the way is Russell Crowe as Maximus. This is one of the great cinematic roles and character that will be remembered as one of the best to ever hit the silver screen. Maximus is not just the powerful warrior easily slays anyone who enters the arena, he is a driven man empowered by the memory of his family and the Rome that his mentor Marcus Aurelius had envisaged. On paper this is a powerful character but it is Crowe’s performance that makes Maximus such a classic character. From total anger and power on the battlefield and in the arena, to scenes of humility and pain as he discovers what Commodus has done to his family, Crowe makes this character real and not the screen superman he could have so easily have been. Joaquim Phoenix is a skilled actor who can turn his talents to any kind of character. As Commodus, he portrays a man who is consumed by power of his position and the need to be loved, after receiving nothing from his father. This is a role that really made Phoenix’s career and lead him on to establish himself in Hollywood as a big hitter. Connie Nielsen is also extremely good as Commodus’s sister Lucillia, who lives in fear of her brother and for the safety of her son and heir to the throne Lucius. She has both the beauty and dignity needed to make the role as regal as the character needed to be. Almost stealing the show from the principles are two supporting performances from two legendary actors, Richard Harris and Oliver Reed, both who are sadly not with us anymore. As Emperor Marcus Aurelius and gladiator trainer and owner Proximo, the pair show the talents that made them cinematic legends in the first place. Each of their performances are exceptional and they both grab your attention every time they grace the screen. There are also very good performances from Djimon Hounsou and Derek Jacobi.

This version of the movie has an extra seventeen minutes of extra footage compared to the theatrical cut. The main emphasis of the added material is adding more to the Commodus character and the political plot between the Senate and Lucillia to have him removed from power. This adds more to the secondary story and makes Commodus a much more evil and power hunger villain. The footage does add to the movie and makes it an even better watch.

‘Gladiator’ is a classic that quite rightly deserved all the accolades and awards it received. With brilliant performances and a visual spectacle, Ridley Scott and his cast and crew have produced one of the best films in the ‘Sword and Sandals’ genre and, to be honest, one of the best films in Hollywood’s history. Hail Maximus!

Star Rating = * * * * *

PICTURE & SOUND

Presented in Widescreen 2.35:1 Anamorphic with Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack, the transfer is extremely good. However unlike the original 2-Disc release this version does not have a dts soundtrack.

BONUS FEATURES

Disc 1

Introduction by Ridley Scott (0.32 mins)

The director introduces the extended version of the movie.

Commentary by Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe

Participating in his first audio commentary track, Maximus himself Russell Crowe joins director Ridley Scott for an informative and fun chat about ‘Gladiator’. Feeling more like two friends getting together to reminisce about old times, this is a great commentary to listen to and makes you wonder why Russell Crowe hasn’t done a track before. The pair talks about shooting the film, revealing behind the scenes gossip and discussing the many problems with the incomplete script and the obstacles they had to overcome on set. The director and actor also talk about the UK, Morocco and Malta location shoots, revealing behind the scenes gossip and offering insights into the shooting such a complex historical epic. They also chat extensively about the cast, with the pair talking about the techniques and acting processes each of them went through to get into character and what it was like working with Richard Harris and Oliver Reed. This is a fantastic commentary that is a joy to listen to.

“Are you not entertained?”: Historical and Production Trivia Track

Read information and trivia titbits about the history and production of ‘Gladiator’ while you watch the movie.

Disc 2

Strength And Honour: Creating the World of Gladiator (3hrs 15 mins)

This feature length documentary features contributions from director Ridley Scott, writers David Franzoni and William Nicholson, producers Douglas Wick, Branko Lustig and Walter F. Parkes, production designer Arthur Max, editor Pietro Scalia, 2nd assistant director Adam Sommer, costume designer Janty Yates, supervising armourer Simon Atherton, fight manager Nicholas Powell, visual effects supervisor John Nelson, visual effects producer Nikki Penney and stars Russell Crowe, Connie Nielsen, Richard Harris, Oliver Reed, Joaquim Phoenix, Djimon Hounsou, David Hemmings and Tomas Arana, and is split into seven parts.

Tale of the Scribes: Story Development (34.03 mins)

The origins and evolution of the story is discussed, as the director, cast and crew talk about resurrecting a long dead genre after almost fifty years but how they had to make it relevant for a modern audience. The problems with the script are also discusses, as writers David Franzoni and William Nicholson talk about their contributions and how the story changed significantly, even during shooting. Director Ridley Scott also reveals how he became involved in the project and how he approached the movie, relying on accuracy and intensive research to make the film as realistic as possible.

Tools of War: Weapons (12.56 mins)

Supervising armourer Simon Atherton takes you through the various weapons such as swords, shields, bows, tridents, spears, crossbows and ball and chain weapons that were designed for the Germania battle and the gladiatorial fights in Rome and Zuccuhabar.

Attire of the Realm: Costume Design (19.40 mins)

Costume designer Janty Yates takes you through the numerous costumes and clothes designed for the main cast and the 3000+ extras that worked on the movie. She talks about creating an authentic look and the amount of research that went into the clothes, material and look of each costume. She also talks about the looks of the characters Maximus, Commodus, Lucillia and Proximo as well as how she had to adapt for the different regions the film was shooting in.

The Heat of Battle: Production Journals (1hr 05.54 mins)

The cast and crew take you behind the scenes of the Germania, Rome and Zuccuhabar scenes in UK, Malta and Morocco. They talk about the problems with the production, the ever-changing script, the weather, the tigers and the amount of sets and extras that had to be used. We also get to see the elaborate set construction for all of the main locations, especially the Colosseum set that is the main emphasis of the latter part of the movie.

Shadows and Dust: Resurrecting Proximo (24.32 mins)

Visual effects supervisor John Nelson, director Ridley Scott and producers Douglas Wick and Walter F. Parkes talk about the performance of Oliver Reed and how his untimely death affected the cast, crew and the movie. They reveal how visual effects and editing meant that his mesmerising performance could be completed with him and Proximo would see out his destiny in the movie, even though it had to change a little.

The Glory of Rome: Visual Effects (20.11 mins)

Visual effects supervisor John Nelson, visual effects producer Nikki Penney and director Ridley Scott talk about talking you back to ancient Roman times using advance in CGI. Taking you through the Germania battlefront sequence and the recreation of Rome, in all its glory, we see how troops, arrows, fire, buildings and the Colosseum were all digitally created for the $8 million SFX budget.

Echoes in Eternity: Release and Impact (19.27 mins)

The cast and crew talk about watching the complete film for the first time during previews and test screening. They then discuss the impact of the release, the original box office opening and the momentum it carried after the May 5th 2000 weekend. Then came the awards and the critical reaction to the movie and how it affected the way Hollywood looked at Historical epics from then on.

Disc 3: Supplemental

Image and Design

Production Design

Production Design Primer: Arthur Max (9.33 mins)

Arthur Max takes you through the 16-month pre-production process for ‘Gladiator’. Across for different countries, the production designer shows you his research, preliminary drawings, models, and technical designs that led to the sets for the Colosseum, Imperial Palace, Germania and Zuccuhabar been built.

Production Design Gallery

View the conceptual art for Germania, Zuccuhabar and Rome including the Imperial Palace, Proximo’s gladiatorial compound, streets and exteriors, dwelling and interiors and the Colosseum.

Storyboarding

Storyboard Demonstration: Sylvain Despretz (13.36 mins)

Storyboard artist Sylvain Despretz gives you a demonstration on how to set out a storyboard for a major motion picture. He takes you through drawing, inking and adding shadow, informing you what to equipment to use and how to set out your storyboard.

Storyboard to Film Comparisons with Optional Commentary

Storyboard artist Sylvain Despretz talks about the storyboards for the Germania Battlefront, Chain fight and the Battle of Carthage. By pressing the ‘Angle’ button on your remote control you can switch between storyboard and split screen storyboard and film comparisons.

Storyboard Gallery

View the storyboards for ‘Ridleygrams’, ‘Germania Battle’, ‘Maximus escape and journey’, ‘Zuccuhabar and the chain fight’, ‘Rhino fight’, ‘The battle of Carthage’, ‘Zebra fight’, ‘Tiger fight’, ‘Maximus vs. Commodus’ and ‘Two Endings: Proximo and Juba’.

Costume Design Gallery

View the costumes designs and sketches for Maximus, Commodus, Lucillia, Proximo, the gladiators, Marcus Aurelius, the senators and citizens

Photo Galleries

View behind the scenes images from the UK (Germania), Morocco (Zuccuhabar) and Malta (Rome) shoots that include Proximo’s gladiatorial compound, Roman streets and surroundings, the Colosseum, the battle of Carthage, Tiger fight, underground and final battle and special shoot: promotional portraits.

Supplement Archive

Abandoned Sequences and Deleted Scenes

Alternative Title Design (9.18 mins)

Title artist Nick Livesley shows you the original opening sequence for ‘Gladiator’ that was removed from the cut after duration problems. He talks about the influences behind the sequence and reveals how it was designed and filmed.

Blood Vision (2.15 mins)

With optional commentary by Ridley Scott, here we see an abandoned vision sequence that includes storyboards and actual filmed footage for the scene.

Rhino Fight (4.12 mins)

With optional commentary by Sylvain Despretz, this abandoned sequence sees Maximus take on a Rhino in the Colosseum. Storyboards explain the sequence and there is also a test of a computer generated Rhino.

Choose your Weapon (0.48 mins)

Watch a cut sequence were Maximus preps Juba for the chain fight.

VFX Explorations: Germania and Rome (23.50 mins)

The visual effects team take you through the CGI processes involved with ‘Gladiator’. Here we see how the battlefront at Germania gained a more epic scale by added more arrows, catapults, fire and smoke. We also see how ancient Rome was created including the establishing shot, the ‘helicopter’ shot over the city, the 360o view of the Colosseum, the crowd, tigers and the motion capture techniques used to make the people of Rome look realistic.

Trailers & TV Spots

Watch the theatrical and teaser trailers for ‘Gladiator’ and twenty TV spots used to promote the film.

OVERALL

Universal have done an exceptional job with the extended special edition of ‘Gladiator’. With an excellent commentary tack from Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe, a comprehensive documentary that covers every aspect of the film’s production and supplementary material covering everything else. The only thing missing is a look at the brilliant music by Hans Zimmer. The only downside is decision to not include a dts soundtrack with this edition, as it was included in the original release. This aside, fans of the movie should bathe in its splendour, as this is an exceptional DVD release.



Jamie Kelwick