Spartacus – Special Edition (2 Disc Set)

They trained him to kill for their pleasure. . .but they trained him a little too well. . .

The rebellious Thracian Spartacus, born and raised a slave, is sold to Gladiator trainer Batiatus. After weeks of being trained to kill for the arena, Spartacus turns on his owners and leads the other slaves in rebellion. As the rebels move from town to town, their numbers swell as escaped slaves join their ranks. Under the leadership of Spartacus, they make their way to southern Italy, where they will cross the sea and return to their homes.

Meanwhile, in Rome, the slave revolt has become a deciding factor in the power struggle between two senators: the republican Gracchus and the militarist Crassus, each of whom sees the fortunes of the rebellion as the key to his own rise to power or humiliating defeat. As the two statesmen attempt to aid, hinder and manipulate the rebels for their own benefit, Spartacus and his followers press on toward freedom.

Stanley Kubrick directed a cast of screen legends – including Kirk Douglas as the indomitable gladiator who led a Roman slave revolt – in the sweeping epic that defined a genre and ushered in a new Hollywood era. The assured acting, lush Technicolor cinematography, bold costumes and visceral fight sequences won “Spartacus” four Oscars.

Best Picture (Drama) Golden Globe Winner

DVD Features:

Disc 1:

• Commentary by Producer-Actor Kirk Douglas, Actor Peter Ustinov, novelist Howard Fast, Producer Edward Lewis, Restoration expert Robert A. Harris & Designer Saul Bass.
• Screenwriter scene by scene analysis
• Additional score compositions

Disc 2 -

• Rare Deleted Scenes
• Vintage newsreel
• 1960 promotional interviews
• 1992 video interview with Peter Ustinov
• Behind-the-scenes “Gladitorial School” footage
• The Hollywood Ten
• Original Storyboards
• Sketches by Director Stanley Kubrick
• Original Theatrical Trailer
• Commentary with cast and crew

Critic Reviews:

• " A magnificent picture that packs a rarely equaled emotional wallop with its impassioned camaraderie and paralyzing conclusion. " – Mike Massie

• " The movie is full of wonderful character players who have fun with Trumbo's ripe dialogue. " – M.V. Moorhead

• " Laurence Olivier memorably portrays a subtle, ruthless aristocrat who vows to destroy the gladiatorial army. " – Clyde Gilmour