Rating: 
Summary: Classic film of epic proportions
Review: Gladiator definitely deserved to win the Oscar. The film is magnificently put together from beginning to end. The drama and action compliment eachother quite well in this film, which is often hard to find in recent movies. The fight scenes are amazing, but are made even more amazing because of the drama and emotions that flow beneath the action. Russel Crowe is amazing in this film and definitely grabs the audience and brings them into this ancient civilization. Great on DVD as well, sound is impressive as well as the picture.
Rating:
Summary: What? Only 5 Stars?
Review: What can i say? I think that this has to be the definitive movie of the decade. It has everything - a great director behind the helm, an oscar-winning actor, a phenomenal script and a character like non-other.Ridley Scott has created a vision that is in my own humble opinion, the best look into the such a great era. His research and details have indeed given us a feel of what it is to be living in that time. He makes us forget the world we live in for awhile and transports us into his world of gladiators and violence. Russell Crowe is the topping on this creamy pie - the one that binds it all together. He has created such a believable character that you wanted to cry - cheer and feel anger with. The DVD is splendid - transfer is good almost perfect. Sound is PERFECT especially the DTS! Extras are also good.. but look out for the Easter Egg.. Check out the easter egg sites out there... (rhino fight scene)
Rating:
Summary: Phenomenal Movie
Review: Ridley Scott once again proves he's the consummate director. Lush cinematography, combined with extraordinary battle footage, make this is a DVD for the movie junkie's collection. Russell Crowe provides a brilliant performance, as does Joaquin Phoenix.
Rating: 
Summary: Gory but good
Review: This movie was really touching and hard to stop watching, even with blood flying and heads falling. I understand that the gore is what made the movie real, and what it is, but still! Yuck! Anyway, I was impressed, as usual, with Russell Crowe, and Director Ridley Scott really knew what he was doing. The whole film gets a very recommended review from me, just make sure you have a tough stomach. I watched this movie for the first time in Latin class, ... . ... The second time I saw it, it didn't seem nearly as bad and I really enjoyed the true message and meaning.
Rating: 
Summary: I didn't like it.
Review: I don't think Gladiator is a great film. Oh it looks wonderful, the fight scenes are great but, and I know it's not just me who thinks this, the whole enterprise isn't very involving. I left the film feeling nothing. The problem is the hero. As a general he hacks and slices barbarians. Through misfortune he is made a slave and he hacks and slices through gladiatorial games. There is no reason to like the guy and the idea that he wants to join his family in the after life doesn't hold much water. What is worse is the fact that is glorifies ancient Rome. You get the sense that film makers believe that the Roman Empire was a noble enterprise. Never do you get the sense that, like in Unforgiven, that the killing is needless or that the hero is in fact as bad as the people he's killing. I wasn't enjoying the film because I was never convinced that the heroes task was either justified or compelling. However, this is a Ridley Scott film and of course it's very well made. The fights are great and all the acting is fine. Epics like Braveheart, and Spartacus were about freedom. Maybe it's just me but Gladiator is a hollow experience by comparison.
Rating:
Summary: A flawed, but entertaining movie, comes home on DVD.
Review: By the time I'm writing this review, this movie is already two years old. However, I feel that the DVD creates such a strong presence for a film with excellent technical values that it can't go unrecognized. Odds are you've already seen this movie (or you already know what it's about), so I'll skip that part. The story of how aa man loses power and then fights for revenge, while inadvertently gaining popularity, is a cliched story that reminds me of the E! True Hollywood Story on Hulk Hogan. However, the film features powerful performances all around (especially from scene-stealing Phoenix) and a Rocky-esque script that will have you interested for the most part. But the real cool thing about this movie is the action. It's expertly directed (thanks to Ridley Scott) and is everything that action should be: action-packed. The many action scenes contain graphic violence and copious blood-shedding, which adds to the film's off-the-charts entertainment factor. (It's an action movie after all. Have a sense of humor!) The film's Oscar-winning sound and visual effects are done justice in a big way. The picture quality is excellent and provides a very film-like experience. Colors are deep and well-saturated, but never bleed. Blood spews across the screen and creates a very convincing experience. Modest edge enhancement can't be ignored (at least not by me), but all in all, this is a near-reference quality disc with only one minor quibble from me. Watch this film on the biggest, widest TV you can find. The film's theatrical aspect ratio of 2:35.1 is preserved and is presented anamorphically. Now here's where it gets REALLY good: the sound. Lord in Heaven, this has to be one of the greatest soundtracks ever burned onto a DVD. Presented in DTS-ES and Dolby Digital EX, this is THE demo disc. Surrounds used all the time (even in quiet scenes) and the ambient effects are exceptional. During the battle scenes, swords clash, chariots turn over, flesh is pierced, and a bunch of white guys scream. It's an audiophile's wet dream and shouldn't be missed. The bottom end is extremely powerful and will give your subwoofer a good run. Damn, this is a good mix. The DTS is better due to more controlled bass, but both give you a big bang for your buck. There is also a Dolby Surround 2.0 track.
Rating:
Summary: Holy Cow
Review: I must say that this DVD is the best I have ever seen. The only thing Director Ridley Scott should not have added was the love tale. I kind of died. The fight scenes in this movie compare to any war movie including Black Hawk Down and U-571. The only down part of this movie is that you will be sad in the end. BUt thats the way all great movies finish.
Rating:
Summary: "Gladiator" maximus est!
Review: "...it [death] is an event either utterly to be disregarded, if it extinguish the soul's existence, or much to be wished, if it convey her to some region where she shall continue to exist forever. One of those two consequences must necessarily follow the disunion of the soul and body; there is no other possible alternative. What, then have I to fear, if after death I shall either not be miserable, or shall certainly be happy?"
--M. Tullius Cicero
Rating:
Summary: Thumbs up or down this is a great DVD!
Review: Cool musical score by Hans Zimmer, Lots of special features, Spectacular cinematagraphy, Nicely choreographed fight & battle arena scenes, And a great performance by Russel Crowe & Connie Nielsen. Joahquin Phoenix seemed too scary for playing the part of the emperor but the movie came together nicely. Still I would recommend movies about ancient Rome from the 1950's. My favorite one from that era was Cleopatra. This review refers to the DVD edition.. Get it!
Rating:
Summary: Crowe rose to the occassion!! Outstanding
Review: I first noticed the solid work of Russell Crowe as Preacher in Sharon Stone's gunfighting flick, and with each performance since he has shown he has the makings of a superstar. LA Confidential was hot at the time when they announced he was doing Gladiator and I thought, I believe this man is going places but a Gladiator???...P>His performance is strong, stoic and yet very moving, showing a fine range. The secondary leads are magnificent, especially Richard Harris and Oliver Reed. The computer work more than convinces us of the 'cast of thousands' in the battle scenes and the arena. It's great to see this sort of historical drama once again being made and receiving such recognition. As I said, Outstanding!!!
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