This mighty epic tells the real-life story of Spartacus, who went from a slave to a gladiator to the leader of an army that fought the Roman Empire for the freedom of every slave in Italy. Stanley Kubrick's finest film is also one of the best medieval films ever made. The AFI voted it #5 in the “Epic” genre, and Spartacus was the inspiration for many contemporary follow-ups like Braveheart and Gladiator. Spartacus led a tragic life, as evident in the film; he is forced to endure slavery and torture, fight his best friend to the death in the arena, and listen as his love is forced to make love to another. It was also an extremely controversial film. The Hays Office cut the theatrical runs for excessive violence and sexual themes. Fortunately, this restored edition presents the film in all its original gory glory, and even includes the deleted "snails and oysters" scene. This 2-disc edition is the definitely version to buy. It has the best-looking transfer, and the package is loaded with special features, including two commentaries, deleted scenes, behind-the-scenes footage, a documentary, and all the usual DVD filler. Kirk Douglas is awesome in the title role, and though his character cries many times throughout the film, Douglas gives him such genuine emotion that we never see Spartacus as a sissy, only a human being. Sir Laurence Olivier gives his greatest performance as Marcus Licinius Crassus, the Roman tyrant bent on ending not only Spartacus, but the legend of Spartacus. Thankfully, the legend of Spartacus was not extinguished. The film tells his story vividly and accurately. With excellent period detail, fantastic battle scenes, and a beautiful musical score, Spartacus is a true classic that will continue to inspire audiences for generations to come.Read full review
What's not to like? Great cast: Kirk Douglas, Sir Laurence Olivier, Jean Simmons, Tony Curtis, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, Herbert Lom, John Ireland, Woody Strode and a host of other recognizable faces. Great Director: Stanley Kubrick. Great Story: Slaves fighting for their freedom against the tyranny of decadent Empire, Roman political intrigue and the rise of the dictator and a compelling love story thrown in for good measure. Wonderful extras (interviews, period promotional features) included in this special edition. One of the last of the true Hollywood "Epic" productions with a literal "cast of thousands". If you maintain any kind video library of classic films, this is a "must have".
I've seen a few recent movies from Stanley Kubrick. I've seen A Clockwork Orange, The Shining, and Eyes Wide Shut. They're all different, but they all have a strangeness to them that can only come from the mind of Kubrick. And they're all excellent movies as well. Eyes Wide Shut got a lot of bad reviews, but I think it's a cult type movie that's similar to A Clockwork Orange (different story, but the same eeriness that's associated with the three films). There are a lot of undertones and read between the lines stuff that make this movie quite a bit underrated compared to what critics have said about it. With all that in mind, Spartacus is a much different kind of movie. It's an epic movie taking place in Biblical times, yet it's not a Biblical movie. I believe it takes place before Christ is born (not positive, but a young Caesar is a character in this movie, I think it's the same Caesar that Jesus faced in the Bible). Spartacus (played by Kirk Douglas) is a man who has lived in slavery his whole life. He finally gets sick of his treatment and attacks and bites a guard. For his retaliation he is supposed to be put to death, but instead he is sold to become a gladiator. That's where he meets his future wife, a beautiful servant slave who is given to the best gladiators to have sex with. Spartacus soon retaliates again and leads an uprising through Italy, with slaves following him to try to attain their goal of freedom. Meanwhile, the Romans continue chasing them through Italy because they want their slaves back. Along the way he meets up with the servant girl again and they become married. Spartacus can be compared to Gladiator a little, but the movie resembles Braveheart more I think, with freedom being the ultimate goal for everyone, even if costs them their lives. My favorite line in the film is when Kirk Douglas says that when free people die, they lose enjoyment; when slaves die, they escape the pain. I think this is a definite classic and it shows what Stanley Kubrick could do early in his career, he was only 31 at the time he directed Spartacus. To hand the controls over to such a young director was probably a risk at the time, but it proved to be a winning gamble. The film is among the best epic movies of all time.Read full review
Ustinov narration is especially witty, insightful and really takes us behind the curtain. Some of the technical explanations may become perplexing for the layman. Watching the remastered version makes quite a difference if you haven't seen it. Again, hearing Douglas,Fast(who was blacklisted) along with the others is quite fascinating.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
criterion has once again proven itself to be the home of serious film watchers. Every one of their products is a film that has changed the face of movies and Criterion always treats it's products with respect. no cheap extra, but well thought out liner notes, interesting info on the film's production and always a beautiful transfer. Spartacus was a fascinating take on the periods and while Kubrick came on as a hired hand, his stamp is on the action and the dramatic scenes. Douglas is the quinessential hero in this movie. Flawed but is redeemed (literally). And while the film's religious undertones are there, they're not offensive to those who have evolved beyond religiousity
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