Product Description

The Roman Colosseum was the setting for more terror, agony and horror than has ever been witnessed anywhere. Emperor Trajan gave one set of games that lasted 122 days, during which 11,000 people and 10,000 wild beasts were killed. Often the fresh blood of gladiators was used as a cure for epilepsy. It was also considered a good luck charm for brides-to-be to dip their combs in gladiator’s blood. Who were the gladiators? Where did they come from? How did they live? This fascinating video follows gladiators through their training, choice of costumes, weapons and style of combat to their rise to stardom and their inevitable violent death. So popular did some gladiators become that many Roman women were prepared to give anything to meet and be with the idol they worshiped. A compelling video insight into the violent, deadly world of the gladiators. Etxra Features: Colosseum, House of Terror; Flamma, Gladiator Superstar; Gladiators of Hollywood;Training Killers; Fighting Men of the Arena; Fearful Facts.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #109687 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-02-09
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 90 minutes

Amazon.com
A historically accurate look at the gladiators of ancient Rome is presented in this documentary filmed mostly in Rome and at the famed ruins of Pompei. The roots of gladiatorial combat is traced to the harshness of Roman culture, and how fighting between slaves went from casual attractions in town squares to enormous spectacles in specially built arenas throughout the Roman empire is explained by historians. Much of what we know about gladiators emerged from clues found when the buried Roman city of Pompei was excavated and carefully examined, and drawings of gladiators found on walls in the ancient city are shown. The Roman gladiators became wildly popular cult figures, managed by businessmen and chased by what today we'd call groupies. The "sport" of combat became increasingly violent, with each successive emperor raising the stakes until there were literally hundreds of people in bloody spectacles staged for the entertainment of a screaming crowd. Using films of scholars who faithfully reenact the roles of gladiators, as well as stock footage from Hollywood productions, this documentary provides a fairly comprehensive introduction to how gladiators lived, fought, and died. --Robert J. McNamara

Customer Reviews

Very Irritating Flickering Scenes
This is the WORST DVD I ever bought technically! The movie excerpts are from clippings from old films and the clarity is beyond recognition. I find the excerpts very irritating. They were a lot of flickering (as if you are watching a movie or television show using an old television set or your set back to the 1950's when the frame of the TV screen keeps on flickering continuously until the screen stabilizes). The running time is actually more or less an hour and not 90 minutes as advertised. The special features are not really special anymore because they were just repeats of the main feature. You will realize that you will watching the same scenes a couple of times. Some scenes are shown more than five times just to stretch the time. Do not waste your money with this DVD. I wasted mine! This is not a DVD quality. The quality of the silent movies are much better!

Great Video For Learning about Gladiators
As a high school teacher, I found that this video passes the basic test of an 'educational' video--it informs and entertains. My freshmen enjoyed it and stayed focused. The information is accurate and presented in an interesting and coherent manner. Good use is made of Hollywood archival footage as well as live shots from a school in northern Italy devoted to recreating the lives of gladiators down to the smallest detail. Backed by concise background information on the Roman Republic and Empire. It would also be of interest to anyone with an interest in the Roman Empire, and good background for such Hollywood films as Spartacus and Gladiator. Recommended. 4 and a half stars.

The grim reality behind the Hollywood spectacle
I thought this video was an excellent documentary, which should be viewed alongside the recent Academy Award winning movie. This documentary helps one really understand the times portrayed in the movie. I thorougly recommend this video.