Gladiator Gets a Blu-ray Upgrade on September 1st

You can bring another Best Picture winner home in a new Blu-ray series this September. Gladiator will be released on Blu-ray on September 1, the second title to be released in the new Sapphire Series from Paramount Home Entertainment. We don't have pricing details yet, but take a look at the special features and cover art below. The film stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi and Djimon Hounsou.



In the final days of Marcus Aurelius' reign, the aging emperor arouses his son Commodus' anger when he makes known his wish that Maximus be his successor. Power-hungry Commodus kills his father and orders the death of Maximus. But the latter flees and hides his identity by becoming slave and a gladiator. Eventually, Maximus journeys back to Rome to confront his arch-rival.

Special Features:

- Audio Commentary-Two separate commentaries accompany the original theatrical version and extended version of the film.
- The Scrolls of Knowledge-The original trivia track has been newly enhanced with focus points allowing viewers to access a series of new behind-the-scenes featurettes exploring key scenes and how they relate to the historical accuracy depicted in the film. The extended version of the film also includes a deleted scene marker.
- Visions From Elysium: Topic Marker-Viewers can tag moments of interest throughout either version of the film, allowing them to create "shopping lists" of topics to learn more about. Thanks to the Blu-ray player's memory, the topics will automatically be loaded when Disc 2 is inserted, giving viewers immediate access to featurettes and galleries of interest.
- Strength And Honor: Creating The World of Gladiator-The definitive documentary on the origin, production and impact of the Oscar-winning classic. The documentary includes an all-new Enhanced Viewing Mode allowing viewers access to additional interviews and behind-the-scenes material.
- The Making of Gladiator-HBO First Look special.
- Gladiator Games: The Roman Bloodsport-Learning Channel special.
- Hans Zimmer: Scoring Gladiator-An exploration of the rousing soundtrack.
- My Gladiator Journal-Personal diary of the young actor who played Lucius.
- Image & Design-Featurettes and galleries covering the production design, storyboards, costumes and more.
- Abandoned Sequences & Deleted Scenes
- VFX Explorations: Germania & Rome-Shot deconstruction with the visual effects artists.