My local library finally purchased a copy of this Criterion, and as one of the most expensive, if not the most expensive double disc in print, I was glad to check it on their dime. I'd never seen the film before, Kirk Douglas stars and produces the 1960 epic(made in response to Ben Hur). Laurence Olivier, Peter Ustinov and Charles Laughton are principle performers, and it was from the minds of novelist Howard Fast(penned the book) and adapted for the screen by Dalton Trombo(both authors were victims of the blacklist, and it's not lost in the material). I'd always had an aversion to the late 50's/early 60's epics, as their look was quite offputting to me, but I gamble here and I was very pleasantly suprised. For a 190 minute plus movie, it really hums quite well, and is not an arduous at any point. But the movie is far from perfect, and not a classic for all times, but a very good film. But the really enjoyable part was the refreshing candor from the principle parties in basically shredding this in the commentary. Recorded for the laserdisc, track one includes Douglas, Fast, Ustinov, the man behind the restoration(which I'm ashamed to forget since he did such brillant work here and on Lawrence of Arabia), and the art director, all recorded separately. Douglas, Ustinov and Fast in particular, are all hypercriticial of a film that definately toes the line of greatness but falls short. But I"m suprised more has never been made(then again it's over 10 years old, so maybe I missed the hubbub). And the second track is Trombo's notes to Kubrick, Douglas and production, equally lambasteful(if thats a word) of the first cut he saw of the film. The are largely brutual, but make phenomenal points in relation to how the film could have improved. Two of the best commentaries I've ever heard, and must listens for anyone interested working in film in my book, or just plain understanding it.

It's a steep price, but I"ll be checking eBay for it. Definately worth netflixing disc one, however.

I have to agree. My wife bought me the Criterion 2 disc set for Valentines Day a couple years ago (yeah I know, she's awesome). While it isn't one of my top favorites, it is a very good/enjoyable film. The extras are not to be missed. In fact, the extras alone almost make this disc worth the money!

I'm 24 and I hadn't seen Spartacus before I bought the Criterion sight-unseen when it was first released. I thought it was an amazing film, one that certainly benefited from the love Criterion bestowed on it (the transfer is amazing!). Even tho its a long film, I've watched it twice and both times I always thought the length didn't deter from the experience.

I'm not after glory! I'm after Spartacus.