300 Two-Disc Special Edition DVD Review

300 Two-Disc Special Edition DVD Review


About.com


July 20,2007



by Rebecca Murray



The Bottom Line

300 was one of the most anticipated movies of 2007 and one of the few that actually managed to live up to its hype. Frank Miller's gorgeous graphic novel springs to live on the big screen at the hands of writer/director Zack Snyder who faithfully recreated Miller's vision and transformed it into a gripping, intense and highly entertaining cinematic experience. With Gerard Butler in the lead role of King Leonidas, the cast of 300 does a terrific job of bringing history to life.

Pros

* Visually stunning
* Gerard Butler and the entire cast are absolutely terrific
* Zack Snyder's adaptation perfectly captures the tone of Frank Miller's work
* The battle scenes are bloody and graphic - and beautifully staged
* Decent collection of bonus features

Cons

* Only one commentary track... This one deserved an additional cast commentary.

Description

* Starring Gerard Butler, Lena Headey, Rodrigo Santoro, David Wenham, and Dominic West
* Adapted from Frank Miller's graphic novel
* Written and directed by Zack Snyder
* Rated R for graphic battle sequences throughout, some sexuality and nudity
* DVD Release Date: July 31, 2007


Guide Review - 300 Two-Disc Special Edition DVD Review Synopsis

300 is Frank Miller's stylized retelling of the Battle of Thermophylae in which 300 Spartans led by King Leonidas made a heroic stand against the overwhelming forces of the Persian army commanded by Xerxes, (Rodrigo Santoro), a King who believed he was a god. Outnumbered and with little hope of winning, the Spartan army stood their ground against incredible odds, laying down their lives in order to try and keep Sparta free.

The Bonus Features

The 300 Two-Disc Special Edition DVD is packed with bonus features that provide an insightful look behind the scenes at the making of the film.

3 Deleted Scenes: Snyder introduces each scene including one featuring a giant Persian warrior with a midget archer on his back. None of the scenes would have enhanced the final film but are interesting to check out.

The 300 - Fact or Fiction: Historians, Snyder and Frank Miller provide some background on the real battle versus Miller's version.

Who Were the Spartans - The Warriors of 300: An in-depth look at the Spartans focusing on why they were such intense warriors.

Frank Miller Tapes: Frank Miller's peers explain why Miller's work is so unique and captivating. Miller also shares a little of his background in interview snippets.

Making of 300: Interviews with the cast, Snyder and Miller.

Making 300 in Images: A lengthy montage of images tracing the film's production.

Webisodes: 12 'webisodes' each focusing on a different aspect of 300 including the production design, the costumes, the stunt work, and cast and crew interviews.

Commentary: Writer/director Zack Snyder joins writer Kurt Johnstad and director of photography Larry Fong to discuss the film. The track's dry and Snyder - who usually sounds extremely passionate talking about the film - comes off as a little tired in this commentary.





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