听 "Spartacus" is one of the mightiest motion picture spectacles that Hollywood ever dared make. Yet when it was to be re-released in 1967, it was a struggle to find any decent prints of this incredible epic. Painstakingly restored in 1991 (by the same team who saved "Lawrence of Arabia", and "Vertigo" among others) with five missing minutes returned, this is the version preserved on a fine DVD.
The sweeping 'Super Technirama' film process is captured in a superb 2.35:1 anamorphic transfer, that brings out the best in the vivid Technicolor stock. Flecks of print damage remain but there is little faulting the picture quality.
The 5.1 sound mix concentrates on directing the momentous Oscar nominated music score around the front speakers. Moments like the build-up to the epic battle between the slave army and the Romans are powerful and set the mood perfectly.
Extra features on the disc are limited to some interesting production notes and filmographies. This is a little disappointing for a film that was two years in a production and littered with fascinating stories. Still, it is a minor miracle that we have it to watch at all.
The extra features offer filmographies and a trailer that sadly doesn't include subtitles. Still, it's a minor complaint for an otherwise delicious DVD that will sit happily alongside your "Gladiator" DVD on the shelf.
Chapters: 16
Ratio: 2.35:1
Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1
Extra Features: Scene selection, trailer, cast and crew biographies and filmographies, multiple languages, subtitles.
