Are You Not Entertained?

In the famous painting "Pollice Verso" by the 19th-century artist Jean-Leon Gerome, a Roman gladiator stands at the center of the great Coliseum looking up at the emperor, awaiting his decision. The emperor's thumb is outstretched, poised to signal the gladiator to kill his defeated opponent. It was this striking image of life or death that captured the imagination of director Ridley Scott, and eventually led to his decision to stage epic action drama "Gladiator."

As it is fair to say that the "Roman Gladiator" genre of motion picture had long since fallen out of favor with modern moviegoers, Scott and Dreamworks were taking quite a gamble on the $80-million plus Gladiator. But their risk paid off handsomely, as the film racked up grosses of $185 million at the U.S. box office alone, received strong critical notices and made Russell Crowe a full-fledge megastar.

A Hero Shall Rise

Released in a luxurious 2-disc set on November 21, Gladiator has quickly become the fastest-selling DVD of all time. And with Oscar buzz mounting for the film, Dreamworks held a lavish DVD release party on November 30 at the Academy Of Motion Picture Arts & Sciences for members of the press and Academy voters. While a fawning affair obviously designed to help secure Oscar nominations for the film, Ridley Scott, unannounced guest Russell Crowe and members of the cast and crew were on hand to support and discuss the film.

After the film received a rousing reception, noted Variety film critic Todd McCarthy moderated a 45-minute Q&A and DVD demonstration with Scott and Crowe, who shared a wealth of interesting information and discussed the thematic and technical aspect of the film. Regardless of Gladiator's eventual fate on Oscar night, the film remains one of 2000's biggest hits and a towering visual achievement. Let the game begin....

» Ridley Scott and Russell Crowe discuss the film
» Gladiator Disc Review