Special Extended Version Of Gladiator Featuring 17 Minutes Of Extra Footage

Ridley Scott (BLADE RUNNER, ALIEN) transports Hollywood to second-century Rome in this rousing historical epic that proudly harkens back to such films as BEN-HUR and SPARTACUS. Russell Crowe plays Maximus, a Roman general who leads the troops in conquering Germania for the empire. When an ageing Marcus Aurelius (Richard Harris) tells Maximus that he'd like him to rule Rome once he's gone, a classic confrontation ensues between the brave and charming soldier--who wants to return home to his wife, son, and farm--and the jealous and conniving Commodus (Joaquin Phoenix), the emperor's only son, who is thirsty for power. Bought as a slave by the profiteering Proximo (Oliver Reed, in his last role), Maximus must kill or be killed in the ring, battling to save not only himself but the future of the very empire that he loves and honours. The film features a terrific battle sequence (that recalls the beginning of SAVING PRIVATE RYAN), huge crowd scenes of thousands of people, and even a little romance, albeit mostly taboo. The impeccably choreographed gladiator scenes are violent yet thrilling, flashing by like lightning. GLADIATOR is a glorious spectacle filled with heart and soul.

Special Features
Disc One:
Introduction by director Ridley Scott
Audio commentary by actor Russell Crowe and director Ridley Scott
Are You Not Entertained? trivia track
Disc Two:
Tale of the Scribes: Story Development
The Tools of War: Weapons
Attire of the Realm: Costume Design
The Heat of Battle: Production Journals
The Glory of Rome: Visual Effects
Shadows and Dust: Resurrecting Proximo
Echoes in Eternity: Release and Impact
Disc Three:
Production Design Primer: Arthur Max
Production Design Gallery
Storyboard Demonstration: Sylvain Despretz
Storyboard Gallery
Storyboard-To-Film Comparisons
Ridleygrams
Costume Design Gallery
Photo Galleries
Abandoned Sequences & Deleted Scenes
VFX Explorations: Germania & Rome
Trailer
TV Spots

ad.uk.doubleclick.net