Gladiator Blu-ray Review

The video presentation of the Blu-ray release of "Gladiator" draws mixed reactions due to notable technical inconsistencies, ultimately falling short of the high-def standards set by contemporaries like "Braveheart." The 2.35:1 AVC MPEG-4 transfer amalgamates elements from two previous masters; the 2001 DVD debut and the 2005 Extended Edition. This blend results in a jarring visual experience, characterized by the pervasive use of edge enhancement and digital noise reduction (DNR), which impedes the authenticity of the film’s texture. The discrepancy between artificially smoothed original scenes and the more natural-looking extended scenes emphasizes the uneven application of DNR and edge enhancement. At times, facial details appear excessively processed, undermining the film’s cinematic integrity—backgrounds and long-distance shots suffer particularly.

Color reproduction presents a contrastingly positive aspect. The Blu-ray edition excels in delivering a more vivid palette, particularly in the intricate variance of purples, golds, and other elaborate hues within costumes and set designs, offering a richer visual experience compared to standard DVD releases. Scenes set in the army encampment and Commodus' palace show enhanced vibrancy and minute detailing, suggesting improvements in fidelity. Flesh tones, however, tend to skew warmer and occasionally unnatural, accentuating inherent flaws in skin depiction.

Another significant drawback is the pervasive edge enhancement, manifesting as glaring halos around objects and characters, predominantly noticeable during scenes with high contrast or bright daylight. Specific sequences show an apparent overuse of processing tools leading to aliasing and banding issues; for example, artifacts are visible during imaginative landscape sequences. Although detail retention is high, providing an unprecedented level of clarity in crowd scenes and set pieces, these improvements are frequently marred by technical distractors like unnatural sharpness. In summary, while this release showcases substantial advancements in color accuracy and finer detailing, its inconsistent application of DNR and edge enhancements broadly diminishes its overall video quality.

The audio presentation of the Blu-Ray of "Gladiator" is a dignified return to form for the classic film. Featuring a DTS-HD MA 5.1 lossless soundtrack, it upholds the high standards of Ridley Scott's renowned sound designs, characteristic of his other works like "Blade Runner" and "Black Hawk Down." This iteration, however, does not vastly surpass its predecessor, the DTS 6.1 matrixed track, which already offered significant depth and immersive quality. Key sequences like the Battle of Carthage maintain their impactful sounds, but the new lossless track does not add substantial oomph to these intense scenes. Nevertheless, the clarity, range, and all-encompassing immersion remain impressive. Deep bass levels may not be overwhelmingly dominant, yet still powerful enough to command attention with jaw-dropping, foundation-trembling effect.

The strength of the DTS-HD MA 5.1 track lies in its ambient detail and directional precision. The whipping arrows and explosive bombardments during battles are remarkably vivid, with horses' passage and body crashes delivered with precise accuracy. Subtle yet crucial ambient noises during quieter sequences, like the rattling carriage in chapter three or the creaking Caesar’s room in chapter six, highlight the track's nuanced sound design. The immersive quality achieved through directional surround usage is stellar, providing a seamless 360-degree sound field that places viewers right in the center of the action, especially during combat scenes.

Hans Zimmer's iconic score is also given its due prominence, flowing richly and effortlessly through all speakers. The pronounced metallic percussion during battle sequences and Lisa Gerrard's haunting vocals are rendered with exceptional detail and smoothness. Although this DTS-HD MA 5.1 track does not revolutionize over the previous DTS-ES 6.1 version, it certainly delivers a comprehensive and exhilarating auditory experience that resonates with depth, clarity, and dynamism.

The Blu-ray extras for "Gladiator" are an extensive and impressive compilation that will enthrall any fan of the film. With both the theatrical and extended cuts of the movie, Ridley Scott’s brief introduction, and two commentary tracks featuring Scott, Russell Crowe, Editor Pietro Scalia, and Cinematographer John Mathieson, viewers gain deep insights into the film's production. The set is rich with content, including 13 deleted scenes and numerous featurettes accessible via the U-Control Scrolls of Knowledge feature. Disc two contains the standout three-hour documentary "Strength and Honour," divided into detailed chapters covering every aspect of production, from story development to visual effects. Complementing this is a series of robust featurettes under "Image and Design", along with abandoned sequences, making-of documentaries, a Q&A with Russell Crowe, and extensive galleries of stills and storyboards. The wealth of material and meticulous curation make this Blu-ray a comprehensive look behind the scenes of "Gladiator."

Extras included in this disc:

Ridley Scott Introduction: Introduction for the extended cut by the director. Commentaries: Tracks featuring Ridley Scott with Russell Crowe and Scott with Pietro Scalia & John Mathieson. Scrolls of Knowledge: Pop-up trivia and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Strength and Honour: Creating the World of Gladiator: Seven-part, in-depth documentary. Deleted Scenes & Abandoned Sequences: Cut content with optional director commentary. Visions from Elysium: Additional featurettes queued from disc one. Image & Design: Five-part feature covering production design, storyboarding, costume design, and weapons. Aurelian Archives: Comprehensive collection including making-of, historical documentaries, scoring sessions, candid moments, and more. An Evening With Russell Crowe: Q&A session with Russell Crowe.

Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" is a thrilling cinematic venture that narrates the epic tale of General Maximus Decimus Meridius, played by the exceptional Russell Crowe. Set in the year 180 A.D., as the Roman Empire fights its last Barbarians, the story unfolds with intensity and emotional depth. Crowe's portrayal seamlessly combines palpable emotion and raw action, embodying Maximus's journey from a revered general to a vengeful gladiator. The film's strong thematic core is elevated by noteworthy roles from Richard Harris as Emperor Marcus Aurelius and Joaquin Phoenix as the power-hungry and devious Commodus, whose performances enhance the film's dramatic weight. The supporting cast, including Connie Nielsen and Djimon Hounsou, further enriches this gripping narrative.

However, the Blu-ray transfer of "Gladiator" has sparked considerable controversy among enthusiasts and critics alike. Many have pointed out the sub-par image quality issues that plague this release. The digital noise reduction and edge enhancement detract from the film’s visual impact, leading to a lack of sharpness and detail in several scenes. These problems are especially evident during darker sequences and high-contrast moments. Consequently, while some viewers may still appreciate the enhanced color depth and overall presentation, purists looking for a pristine restoration will likely be disappointed. Despite these technical shortcomings, the Blu-ray package offers excellent audio quality that can still elevate the viewing experience.

Ultimately, Ridley Scott's "Gladiator" remains a seminal work that continues to captivate audiences through its compelling storytelling and masterful performances, even if this Blu-ray iteration does not fully do it justice in terms of visual fidelity. The excitement and gravitas inherent in the movie ensure its status as a classic, though discerning fans await a future release that might correct these visual missteps.

Gladiator presents a rather simply story -- one man's quest for revenge -- but adds plenty of combat, intriguing political layers, and a romantic subtext along the way. Revenge is a timeless tale, a staple of fiction and history that retains a lasting allure. With an adept script, masterful direction, and a compelling backdrop, Gladiator has cemented itself as a standout film in cinematic history. Winning Best Picture and featuring remarkable performances, the film overcomes a hyperkinetic style that occasionally distracts, ensuring it remains a fan favorite for future generations.

The Paramount Sapphire Series Blu-ray release offers a high-quality lossless soundtrack and an extensive array of bonus materials that are sure to please aficionados. However, the video transfer is slightly disappointing due to an overly processed image that detracts from the film-like quality, a hallmark of the Blu-ray format. Despite this shortfall, it’s crucial to remember that it’s the content of the movie itself that matters most. The immersive narrative and stellar performances are where Gladiator truly shines, making it a worthwhile addition to any collection.

In conclusion, despite the video transfer concerns, Gladiator's robust storytelling and captivating performances make it an essential watch. Every Blu-ray fan should experience Gladiator to appreciate its cinematic excellence and navigate the surrounding controversy. Ultimately, it's a remarkable film that transcends its flaws and remains a compelling watch on multiple levels.