Rome: Is it really THAT good?
 

Well? I've heard nothing but praise around this series. Worth a blind-buy?

I think the review by das is pretty spot on. If you are interested in the period it's worth a look.

I think it's worth owning just for the gladiator fight towards the end of the season.

Yes, Rome is THAT good. Caught a marathon on HBO a while back and was completely enthralled by it. Got better and better with each ep., culminating in a great finale.

Worth a blind buy though? IMO, not for $60+ as the series is relatively short. I'd recommend renting first, or waiting for a better deal/price drop.

I wanted to watch this on HBO last season, but with the clutter of network TV programs, it was not possible to keep up. I heard that Season 2 is only 10 episodes and will be the final season. I am hesistant to pay 60+ for a DVD set unless it really kicks ass.

I think it's still available On Demand, so I might check it out there. Paying enough for cable as it is, might as well utiliize it for once...

It depends what you mean by "kicks ass"

If your looking for a great story that is exceptionally made it does.

If you're expecting a lot of battle scenes and action you will be disappointed.

Considering how much it cost we are lucky to be getting a second season.

Never heard of it.

das

Definitely worth a buy if you don't mind spending the cash. At least HBO put a few extras with it to help ease the pain (a little bit :p).

This will be my most expensive blind buy ever. I didn't have HBO when this first aired so I've never seen even a single episode. I go gaga for anything Roman though (love I, Claudius) so this is right up my alley. Can't wait until Tuesday.

I'm curious to see this myself. I'll more than likely give it a rent first.

The first few episodes are kind of slow, but stick with it. It gets much better.

Well, it's not THAT good (it's nowhere near The Sopranos, and probably not as good as Deadwood), but it is pretty good for a TV series.

And just to confirm, yes, Season 2 of ROME will be the LAST.

http://www.broadcastingcable.com/article/CA6352216.html

That my friend, is relative. I personally like Rome more than The Soprano's and especially Deadwood. Every second word in Deadwood is a four letter expletive. I am really interested in the premise of Deadwood, but I can't even play the show if anyone offended is within shouting range. Not to say that either doesn't have their respective audience, but I am not really one of them. Anyways, to the OP, the production value on Rome is absolutely phenominal and it shows. HBO and the BBC spent the 100 million where it counts and once it gets going, you won't be able to turn it off. It's to bad that BBC only signed on for a two year contract, although I guess it does follow the lines of a miniseries more. I paid about 60 bucks and I thought it was worth every penny, right down to one of the best quality packaging jobs I have ever seen. So yes OP, it is THAT good. All IMHO of course.

So these same people aren't offended by all of Rome's sex and violence? ;)

I was tempted to buy this, but the price seems to be rather steep.

Hmmm, sex and violence, perhaps I should reconsider :eyebrow:

I heard this show was good. Might have to give it a rental.

I was hooked on Rome right away -- I highly recommend it. The DVDTalk review is spot-on!

I'd rather see Polly Walker frolicking in the buff than see Ian McShane's ugly mug spouting c--ksucker!

I got the DVDs in the mail today. The packaging is absolutely gorgeous. Probably my best looking box set in my collection, supplanting my Master & Commander SE.

Picked it up from Circuit City on Tuesday for 62.99. The packaging is awesome and it looks like HBO is doing a much better job on extra features. Looking forward to a Rome marathon when I get back from vacation.

I guess I should have said it was I who found it hard to watch due to the extreme and excessive amount of swearing. Even if they would just cut the swearing in half and dedicate more to the dialogue, I would consider watching it more. Like I said, the premise and acting is interesting and great, but I can't enjoy something where there is so much swearing for no reason at all. Just IMHO of course. It is good that you like it. I wish I could. Sorry to hijack OP, back to the thread. :)


P.S. x2 on Polly Walker frolicking! :)

The thing you're missing is that on Deadwood the swearing IS the dialogue. Those swear words are just words like any other, and the writers put them to some amazing use on that show. The language is crafted with a painstaking amount of care. It's really quite beautiful.

Are their any episodes on disc 6? Or is that just extra features? Just want to make sure I don't netflix a disc of extras I won't watch. :D

What can I say, I am a sucker for pretty boxes..........

ROME: disc VI

Bonus Features

- Eight revealing audio commentaries with cast and crew.
- All Roads Lead To Rome: interactive onscreen guide prepared by the series historical consultant, Jonathan Stamp.
- Shot x Shot: Caesar's triumph - detailing the production of the epic episode 10 triumph scene.
- The Rise of Rome: behind the scenes featurette on sets, wardrobe and actors' boot camp.
- When In Rome: reaturette on the culture of ancient Rome.
- Friends, Romans, Countrymen: introduction to the characters of Rome.
- Photo gallery with over 50 never-before-seen images.

Extra features only on disc 6. Twelve episodes spread across discs 1-5.

I'm on episode 3 already. This show is awesome!

If you like it so far, you're going to love the rest of the season. The first 3 episodes are the low point. It picks up in a big way after that.