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The Fall Of The Roman Empire (Two-Disc Deluxe Edition) (The Miriam Collection)
Average Customer Rating:  
List Price:
$24.95
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$16.99
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Manufacturer: Genius Products (TVN)
Starring: Sophia Loren, Alec Guinness, Christopher Plummer, Stephen Boyd, James Mason
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Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
Brand: WELLSPRING/GENIUS
EAN: 0796019803977
Format: Closed-captioned
Label: Genius Products (TVN)
Manufacturer: Genius Products (TVN)
Number Of Items: 2
Publisher: Genius Products (TVN)
Region Code: 1
Release Date: 2008-04-29
Running Time: 179
Studio: Genius Products (TVN)
Theatrical Release Date: 1964
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Editorial Reviews:
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Anthony Mann directs this giant-size, three-hour, sweepingly pictorial entertainment (Daily Variety) that chronicles the peace-loving Caeser, Marcus Aurelius (Guinness) and his corrupt son, Commodus, (Plummer) who covets his throne. Featuring epic battles, breathtaking sets and locations, and a chariot race that easily rivals Ben Hur, Fall of the Roman Empire charts the greedy miscalculations that led to this civilization s collapse at the bloody hands of the Barbarians.
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Spotlight customer reviews:
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Customer Rating:
Summary: History Rolls On
Comment: A good video to understand the history of the Roman Empire. This video was instrumental in helping my child understand the history of what happened during this era.
Customer Rating:
Summary: FANTASTIC AND ENJOYABLE TO SEE OVER AND OVER AGAIN I
Comment: I ALWAYS WANTED TO OWN THIS FILM AND WAS PLEASED TO PURCHES IT AS SOON AS IT CAME AVAILEB
Customer Rating:
Summary: A Great Epic Brings History to Life
Comment: At times when the epic was often "mere spectacle," this is an attempt of taking history seriously, dissecting the real causes of the decline of the greatest empire in the ancient world. Thouh only semi-historical, with fictional elements and characters, it makes a point, that the fall of a great empire is a result of many causes, but essentially it is a decay from within that brings it about. Rome had five great emperors in succession, from Hadrian to Marcus Aurelius, in a span of two centiries, but subseuently fell into the hands of icompetent egomaniacs whose concept of Rome was based on central power and exploitation, rather than sharing its wealth and privileges with other peoples.
Though slow-paced and lacking in excitement and the dramatic action of some of its predecessors (Ben-Hur, Lawrence of Arabia), this majestic film makes up in depth of concept and characterization. It studiously avoids compromise and makes demands on the viewer to be taken seriously as a historical and moral document that highlights themes like friendship, treachery, ambition and a larger view of humanity under the stress of war. Its characters are fascinating, all of them played by actors lacking superstar status, with the exception of Sophia Loren. Stephen Boyd plays Livius, a powerful and principled general, who was the favorite of Marcus Aurelius to succeed him. In contrast to Ben-Hur, where he plays a villain, here he is shown as a good man, and he succeeds admirably in demonstrating his range. Livius sticks to principles and despises Commodus, an ex-friend, but his is unwilling to betray him when the latter subverts his father's will and takes over a Caesar. Christopher Plummer as Commodus displays his versatility in shifting from the noble aristocrat of The Sound of Music to a despicable egomaniac who single-handedly undoes the life-long struggle of his father to instill the concept of peace and equality among a vast number of national entities that comprise the mosaic of the Empire. Plummer gives us a mad Commoddus with the same gusto that Charles Laughton and Peter Ustinov gave us colorful renditions of Nero. And Sophia Loren, who hardly ever gave a bad performance, is quietly effective as Commodus's sister Lucilla, who is in love with and shares the principles of Livius. And Alec Guinness effectively renders Emepror Aurelius during the latter part of his career.
A forceful movie, with a powerful message, this is a good vehicle for both entertainment and history--carefully avoiding the pitfalls of a history lessson.
An excellent two-disc edition, brilliantly re-mastered, with many extras, this is much worth owning.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Solid historical epic on 2nd century Rome.
Comment: A very enjoyable movie with good period detail and enough history to be well above the typical sword and sandal movie.
Customer Rating:
Summary: A must have dvd when you enjoyed Gladiator
Comment: A high recommended movie because of the superior quality of actors, the greatness of outdoor scenes and some great lines. For example : in his relatively short appearance in the beginning of the movie Alec Guinness (in his role as Ceasar) speeks at sunrise the almost poëtly line:
"..Timodeus...it is said more people die at this moment when night is about to give way to day then at any other time.....seems to me night whispers...COME WITH ME TO THE WEST...SLEEP FOREVER....WHÃT HAS ANOTHER DAY TO OFFER YOU?...... " Probably this motion picture will not be brought out on blue-ray discs so...by it on dvd to keep it close for your moments of need to see a classic and impressive motion picture.
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