Spartacus (1960) Revolts on the Criterion Collection

The Criterion Collection released Spartacus to DVD on April 24, 2001. Stanley Kubrick directed the film starring Kirk Douglas, Laurence Olivier, and Jean Simmons.

‘Spartacus’ Criterion Synopsis

Stanley Kubrick directed a cast of screen legends—including Kirk Douglas as the indomitable gladiator that led a Roman slave revolt—in the sweeping epic that defined a genre and ushered in a new Hollywood era. The assured acting, lush Technicolor cinematography, bold costumes, and visceral fight sequences won Spartacus four Oscars; the blend of politics and sexual suggestion scandalized audiences. Today Kubrick’s controversial classic, the first film to openly defy Hollywood’s blacklist, remains a landmark of cinematic artistry and history.

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Special Features

SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET

• Stunning new 16×9 transfer of the 1991 fully restored Super Technirama version
• Dolby Digital 5.1 surround soundtrack
• Audio commentary by producer-actor Kirk Douglas, actor Peter Ustinov, novelist Howard Fast, producer Edward Lewis, restoration expert Robert A. Harris, and designer Saul Bass
• Screenwriter Dalton Trumbo’s scene-by-scene analysis
• Restoration demonstration
• Rare deleted scenes
• Vintage newsreel footage
• 1960 promotional interviews with Jean Simmons and Peter Ustinov
• 1992 video interview with Peter Ustinov
• Behind-the-scenes “gladiatorial school” footage
• The 1960 documentary The Hollywood Ten, plus archival documents about the blacklist
• Original storyboards by Saul Bass
• Hundreds of production stills, lobby cards, posters, print ads, and a comic book
• Sketches by director Stanley Kubrick
• Original theatrical trailer
• Additional Alex North score compositions
• English subtitles for the deaf and hearing impaired