Spartacus: Special Edition

Details

Spartacus rampages on to a 2-disc special edition DVD 24th May 2004 from Universal Pictures (UK). This 1960 grand historical epic stars Hollywood legends Kirk Douglas, Lawrence Olivier, Tony Curtis and Jean Simmons.

As one of Universal's most successful films, winning 4 Oscars in 1961, Spartacus has been fully restored with additional footage cut from the original release on this special edition DVD. The 2 disc set is packed with exclusive never-before-seen extras including commentary from Kirk Douglas, the late Peter Ustinov, producer Edward Lewis, restoration expert Robert A Harris and designer Saul Bass, Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo's scene-by-scene analysis, rare deleted scenes, behind the scenes Gladiatorial school footage, a 1960 documentary The Hollywood Ten and many more.

Spartacus follows the powerful and sweeping true story about the slave revolt of Pre-Imperial Rome in 73 - 71 BC. Thracian Spartacus (Douglas) is born a slave and then sold to a Gladiator trainer to be hardened for the brutal Roman arena. He is taught to fight, but is also taught morals that he must not kill his opponents. However, when a rich senator, Marcus Licinius Crassus (Olivier), comes to Rome he commands the Gladiators to destroy each other, when they refuse an uprising begins

Spartacus is a cinematic marvel, delivering some of the most spectacular battles ever filmed. Douglas (Spartacus) delivers a performance that is as touchingly emotional as it is masterful and heroic. Peter Ustinov (Lentulus Batiatus) delivers an Oscar-winning performance as a sycophantic slave trader who's shameless groveling earns him favour with his Roman superiors.

In addition to the awesome action spectacles, Spartacus is also a love story. Having met Varinia (Simmons) when training as a Gladiator, Spartacus has falls in love with her and wants her for his wife. When the gallant warrior finds out that Varinia has been sold to Crassus it further heightens his desire to crusade against Rome.

Spartacus becomes a leader of men, urging a monumental slave revolt throughout Italy and instigating savage rebellion in his wake. This is an inspiring tale of power, freedom, pride and love that has a timeless quality captivating audiences to this day.