I don't mean to step on anyone's toes with that question, but people can sometimes really go for a film that looks and/or sounds spectacular, and is great for demoing and things of that sort; however, that doesn't imply it will stand the test of time.

How do people really feel about 300 as a film (not just a screen event?)

Thanks in advance for any insights :)!

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes with that question, but people can sometimes really go for a film that looks and/or sounds spectacular, and is great for demoing and things of that sort; however, that doesn't imply it will stand the test of time.

How do people really feel about 300 as a film (not just a screen event?)

Thanks in advance for any insights :)!
Simply Amazing!!!
It took my breath away at the theater, in SD, so the HD DVD was just breathtaking. The movie is a classic like Matrix. And like Matrix, it will stand the test of time. :)
5 Stars.

it wasn't a GREAT movie by any means. It was pretty entertaining. I feel the critics got it pretty good. Lots of great action, visually stunning, but it's a bit short on the story.

Simply Amazing!!!
It took my breath away at the theater, in SD, so the HD DVD was just breathtaking. The movie is a classic like Matrix. And like Matrix, it will stand the test of time. :)
5 Stars.

I was thinking the same thing, like The Matrix. I don't think 300 revolutionized visual effects as massively as The Matrix did. But in terms of visuals 300 is absolutely beautiful. Even if the story is short the action is incredible.

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes with that question, but people can sometimes really go for a film that looks and/or sounds spectacular, and is great for demoing and things of that sort; however, that doesn't imply it will stand the test of time.

How do people really feel about 300 as a film (not just a screen event?)

Thanks in advance for any insights :)!
You ever played a game like God of War? Watching 300 was about like watching the cut scenes of a video game like that. Great production values, but without the game play, there's not much there. As a movie, I was totally underwhelmed with 300. Still, visually it was quite a treat, and I feel it was well worth the purchase, but I had almost no emotional reaction to the film. And the narrative thread was thin as could be. Overall it is a high quality release, but mainly from a technical perspective. The battle scenes, mainly the slowing down and speeding up technique, are quite effective, and some of the character design is quite inspired, but overall, as a movie, it didn't suck me in like a good movie should.

Still though, like I said I'm happy with the $25 I spent, so I'd say to each there own, wrt this movie.

Terrible film, great visuals.

I skipped it in the theaters, as I do almost all films, and did a blind buy based upon generally good reviews. I enjoyed the film itself and it was visually and audibly excellent, but I probably wouldn't have bought it had I seen it already. IMO, it's nowhere near The Matrix - sure the visuals are great in both films, but the Matrix is an excellent movie in and of itself, with a unique, well-written script and excellent layouts - I think 300 comes up short in the latter departments.

Terrible film, great visuals.

Agreed. The movie stinks, but it definitely looks/sounds good in HD.

It's an OK movie that looks cool and is fun to watch. What more can someone ask for?

Ya, I definitely would not compare it to The Matrix. 300 seemed like the product of some guys who has a neat concept for testing out some visual styles and effect techniques, and had to build a film around them to justify getting the funding to play with their vision. The story seems like window dressing, mainly.

"Terrible" is not a word I would use to describe it though, personally speaking.

I loved the movie and still would have bought it if the PQ was not as amazing as it is!

Well at least I think I would have lol....

Get it just for the amazing extras. I almost got it on BD because I wasn't sure if the PIP track was worth the extra $4. I can tell you right now the PIP on 300 is incredible. I was never really a big fan of IME but this one really shows IME's potential and also raises the bar for future releases. I think both 300 and Hot Fuzz have shown that HD DVD's true strength lies in its interactive extras and supplements. While I wouldn't mind 50gb, studios have certainly proven that they can work with 30. Amazing transfer, lossless track, unprecedented PIP feature= must buy.

If you like a lot of blood and guts, then this movie is for you. Sometimes, that is all I want to see...lots of action and not much to think about.

The IME really was incredible and worth the buy.

Even with the best PQ/AQ we've ever seen/heard I could never force myself to watch this garbage ever again. Just plain cheesy (in a bad way not the Starship Troopers way) and stupid.

I'll agree that the IME was pretty cool (I only watched the first couple chapters), but I can see what Peter Bracke was talking about when he said that after a while the IME kind of drags on. But I'll probably end up watching it all in a couple sittings.

Amazing movie! Watched it twice at the theaters and now this past weekend on HD-DVD. Still love it!

How about a pleasing comment ? 300 is a good movie that looks spectacular in HD

The movie certainly lacked much in the way of story.. It was mostly a concept. But it was brilliant piece of film in its look. I was completely entertained. I prefer the Matrix movies no doubt, and it is not anything close to a LOTR but I think it is a must have in HD.. and as others have said the PIP is just amazing and worth the price of admission. I wll watch it sevreal times just to to reexperience its severely beautfiul look. It is more like a painting or anime in some ways.

I was really looking forward to this one due to it's amazing visuals. I wasn't dissapointed although the battle scenes were relatively short. The movie itself sucks the life out of what should be a dramatic storyline. Understandably it is an adaption of the Graphic Novella vs. any real narrative but it still isn't a very good movie. My copy is already up on ebay.

http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0416449/

I thought it was a great action movie that is at least worth a rental.

300 sold 250,000 Blu-ray/HD-DVD copies between its first week of release: http://home.businesswire.com/portal/site/google/index.jsp?ndmViewId=news_view&newsId=20070806006367&newsLang=en :eek:

It's theoretically possible for both the HD-DVD and Blu-ray to have sold more than 100,000 copies of "300" each on release week. 150K for Blu-ray and 100K for HD-DVD isn't out of the realm of possibility. When the Friday numbers from Nielsen/Videoscan are released we'll be entering uncharted territory in home media sales: both formats posting blockbuster numbers.

Screw whether the movie is any good or not, it moves discs/hardware like no other HD titles released to date! :)

I liked it, looks and sounds spectacular on HD DVD. But as it's been stated before, the story is minimal. Some great creatures and lots of blood and gore (all very CGI). I'd give it three stars (out of four).

Quite possibly the greatest epic action film of all time.

It is also based on a true story, its not just from the comic.

Quite possibly the greatest epic action film of all time.


??????????????

IMO, mostly spectacle...but that's okay for a good romp. I did find it compelling from a historical perspective, and it has motivated me to study up a bit on the history. The History Channel has an interesting piece called The Last Stand of the 300...which is also clearly in a poor-man's 300 visual style, but quite interesting as it covers much historical detail. The naval battle, which was critical to the land battle but unmentioned in 300, would be enough for another movie. This past weekend I had several pals over who had not seen the movie. We watched the History Channel piece as a primer to the movie. Somehow the queen made a better impression. ;) Heathens. :rolleyes: :D

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes with that question, but people can sometimes really go for a film that looks and/or sounds spectacular, and is great for demoing and things of that sort; however, that doesn't imply it will stand the test of time.

How do people really feel about 300 as a film (not just a screen event?)

Thanks in advance for any insights :)!


It's neither a great screen event or great movie.. It's in the middle of the road in every department.. Really short and quick to the climax. It was of an infomercial of CGI. INFORMATION ONLY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Puts on FRC's..

Best line, SPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARTANS TONIGHT WE DINE IN HELL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Story and dialogue are garbage.

But this movie is definently an Oscar winner, best art direction by far. :)

TMNT is more logical and more enjoyable. 300 wasn't violent enough, I had to go play though God of War(now that's how spartans should do battle).

I can't believe they left the Giants out, that was too cool. dumb move.

300 trailer > 300 movie (NIN song rocks too hard)

Last night, I had a couple of my friends and family watched both the HD DVD 300 and The Last Stand of the 300 on DVD. They just loved the PQ and AQ of the 300 along with the history of the 300.

...Angelo

Btw when someone appears nude crystal clear in hi-definition how does the family react ?

Btw when someone appears nude crystal clear in hi-definition how does the family react ? Family meaning my brother and cousin everyone was over 35.

...Angelo

'300' is an extremely stylized testosterone warcry with more sixpacks than lines of dialogue Trevor. Quality and rewatchability is a strange concept with stuff like this, you have to be the boy who wants to be Bruce Lee in a way because the attraction is not plot or character, it's a visceral 'man' thing dialed to 11.

I was glad it was this stylized in every way as any more realism would have made it impossible to ignore the cheese (most of which is in the voiceovers interestingly, some horribly corny lines). In its very limited scope of appeal though it does very well, which is why some of us like it or even love it.

If you look at all the hubub about the grain in countless threads over the last few days it's obvious people who like it don't just like it for the PQ. It's not King Kong poster material. Not to say some didn't buy it thinking that, but you can see the results. I don't give a damn abuot formats or technical hyperbole, but the testosterone boy in me genuinely likes the movie.

Family meaning my brother and cousin everyone was over 35.

...Angelo

No pun intended.
I thought watching nudity with friends was a lesser sin than watching it with family.
I tend to skip the chapter or divert the attention of the accompanying audience.

No pun intended.
I thought watching nudity with friends was a lesser sin than watching it with family.
I tend to skip the chapter or divert the attention of the accompanying audience.

Well with the HD DVD version one can simply edit out objectionable content through the edit feature.

300 is a testosterone enriched, check-your-brain-at-the-door film, but really HD DVD doesn’t have a bunch of films in that genre. Yes the lines can be cheesy and the film, like all films, makes historical sacrifices in the name of artistic license, but it is an enjoyable film just the same. I also think that 300 gets the point across and sacrificed accuracy to do it and I don’t always think that’s a bad thing.

Take for example the David Lynch Film Dune, The Sci-Fi Mini-Series Dune and the original novel by Frank Herbert. The Mini-Series is more true to the text of Herbert’s book, but is less effective than the film about conveying the message and feel of the Dune universe. Most Dune fans wish the film had been more true to the source material and yet appreciate the fact that the essential messages of the book were apparent in the film. The Mini-Series on the other hand is almost universally derided by fans of the Dune books because it adds detail at the expense of the message and the result is a boring story.

There were no Rhinos or Magical Persian Hand Grenades at Thermopylae, but the Rhino charge and the grenades convey the message that the Spartans were up against something powerful, mysterious and seemingly unstoppable. Some people get too caught up in the accuracy and believability of films and miss the message that is being conveyed. It’s a popcorn flick by design so if you were walking into it expecting Shindler’s List you are going to be let down. Conversely if you walk into it expecting an ancient version of ID4 you will probably be pretty happy with the result.

The IME is enlightening, if for no other reason because it shows that some on-line reviewers know less than the average fan. I read a couple of reviews where the critics derided the HD transfer of 300 because the blacks were crushed. Then I watched the PiP IME and listened to the director talk about how he purposely added black crush while seeing the lack of black crush in the original print on the PiP contrasted with the artificial black crush on the main screen. If you like learning about film making then the IME alone is worth the price of admission. Aside from the sales numbers I think there is another reason to compare the release of the Matrix on DVD and the release of 300 on HD DVD; they are films that show why the upgrade is worthwhile. 300 is not a PQ showpiece for HD DVD, but it is a bonus content infomercial for HD DVD. To put it simply if you watch 300 on DVD, BD and HD DVD when you are through you will see that HD DVD can do things that DVD and BD simply can’t. The Matrix had a similar effect on DVD.

Ignoring everything I said above I would’ve purchased 300 just to anger Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. He’s a dink-weed and anything that makes him mad (in this instance Ancient Persians being portrayed in a negative light) is good in my book.

Quite possibly the greatest epic action film of all time.

It is also based on a true story, its not just from the comic.

You have to be kidding.A fun action movie that is no where close to the true story.Have you ever seen Braveheart,It won the Oscar.It had real actors.300 was fun but no where close to being a classic.BOB

If you liked Gladiator, you will like 300.

Lets put it this way, as far as the film goes, it's about 1/3 as good as Gladiator.

Good is a relative term. While I might not call this a good film, I do love it. I enjoy it for its unique aesthetic and over-the-top violence. But it does take itself a little too seriously. I recommend buying the RiffTrax commentary for it (for all those MST3K fans):

http://www.rifftrax.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=80

If you liked Gladiator, you will like 300.

No way. Gladiator is one of the best ever and 300 is one of the worst ever.

Good is a relative term. While I might not call this a good film, I do love it. I enjoy it for its unique aesthetic and over-the-top violence. But it does take itself a little too seriously. I recommend buying the RiffTrax commentary for it (for all those MST3K fans):

http://www.rifftrax.com/cart.php?m=product_detail&p=80
^^exactly. I was so cheesy but tried to come off seriously. Horrible mistake. The dialogue was pathetic as was the acting and storytelling. what's with all the grain field shots ala Gladiator. What a rip-off and a poor one at that.

They should have made a serious historically accurate portrayal or went totally overboard with the graphic novel approach. somewhere in between is just not right on any level.

Overhyped is what I heard people saying about this movie after watching it. CQ was good, but I doubt I'll watch it over and over like some say.

Quite possibly the greatest epic action film of all time.

It is also based on a true story, its not just from the comic.First off, as others have said... greatest epic? It definitely wasn't the greatest, and it was far from an "epic".

With that said, I do enjoy the film, I would gladly watch it again as well, however it is more visually pleasing than it is pleasing as a story.

Finally, on the subject of "based on a true story"... yeah, it is. But it's about as closely based on reality as Monty Python's quest for the holy grail is of King Arthur ;)

It's pretty much panel for panel based on the graphic novel, which is extremely loosely based on real events. If you tried to teach anyone about ANYTHING regarding the Battle of Thermopylae using 300, I'd have to have your sanity checked.

It is also based on a true story, its not just from the comic.

That's stretching it a bit. It is based on a comic, excuse me-graphic novel, that is very loosely based on an historical event.
J

Ok Movie Not Gladiator Or Classic, Great Video To Demo Hd Quality.

Think of this movie in different terms than you normaly think of movies. Is it Shawshank or Shidlers List, no. It is a movie based solely off of a graphic novel. The graphic novel was not done by the History channel, it was done by Frank Miller, an artist. It is a moving piece of art not intended to be entirely accurate to historical facts.
Don't try to love this movie based upon stunning dialogue and excrutiating plot twists because they aren't there. Instead love the movie for what it is...2 mens vision of what could have happened, a triumph of innovation and a lot of hard work and realize that it is just 2 hours of great entertainment. Aren't movies supposed to be about a fantasy world that distracts us from our boring and normal everyday hub-bub.

If you liked Gladiator, you will like 300.

Uh, no you won’t. This is the worst way to recommend this movie to anyone. It is what made me buy it sight unseen. I was disappointed – not in the lack of action/special effects, but as a film, this is really stupid. Gladiator is a FAR better film with an actual storyline (that is believable), with action that compliments the story – it doesn’t try to BE the story. The first 20 minutes of 300 sets up what seems to be a great plot, then it just gradually goes off the deep end. Too much fantasy land crap for me. So, I’d say it is 10% Gladiator mixed with 90% LOTR (as far as fantasy stuff goes).

Think of this movie in different terms than you normaly think of movies. Is it Shawshank or Shidlers List, no. It is a movie based solely off of a graphic novel. The graphic novel was not done by the History channel, it was done by Frank Miller, an artist. It is a moving piece of art not intended to be entirely accurate to historical facts.
Don't try to love this movie based upon stunning dialogue and excrutiating plot twists because they aren't there. Instead love the movie for what it is...2 mens vision of what could have happened, a triumph of innovation and a lot of hard work and realize that it is just 2 hours of great entertainment. Aren't movies supposed to be about a fantasy world that distracts us from our boring and normal everyday hub-bub.

Yes, but it can EASILY be argued that the trailers/previews do nothing to set it up as such. It would seem that they are fighting epic battles against massive armies, but instead, get battles against monsters and a “god” that looks more like a drag queen. Of course, trailers never do tell the true story, but I’ve found that neither are the people recommending this particular movie. Naturally this is just my opinion – it just wasn’t my cup of tea!

I absolutely loved this film ! What a great feast of sight and sound,what a great feel good film. Graphic yes but just nonstop one great scene to another and none drag at all. Some great lines... great acting, it is unlike other films and that is a good thing.

Art

I like the movie and even at the theater I thought to myself.. Wow this is grainy people are going to bitch. Yet no one says anything about it. But that is how it should be. HD DVD has done a wonderful job of capturing the same image as the film.

Just got this from Netflix, and I'd give it 2 1/2 stars out of 5 meaning it's just an OK movie. PQ has lots of grain as intended so it's not the crystal clear HD image that I prefer, but I'm sure it looks as good as it did in the theater.

jcg

...well, it's no CRANK.

I was expecting little more than cutscenes from a homo-erotic video game, and, well, it's kinda like that. However, it's certainly told with aplomb, I think the performaces are as restrained and detailed as you're going to get with this kind of tale, and the aesthetics that copy the greek representations of the look (ie., amphora design) rather than some mashup of "realism" and "action flick for boys" are a cool touch.

But, yeah, the HD DVD extras and blue screen commentary actually do add tremendously to the enjoyment of the film, and a clear example where good supplementary materials can enhance a film beyond its theatrical version.

This movie will never stand the test of time, mark my words right now. I am at work right now and don't feel like going into details, but the story is weak and the ending sucked. This movie is living on hype right now and it will fade in time.

Story and dialogue are garbage.

But this movie is definently an Oscar winner, best art direction by far. :)

TMNT is more logical and more enjoyable. 300 wasn't violent enough, I had to go play though God of War(now that's how spartans should do battle).

I can't believe they left the Giants out, that was too cool. dumb move.

300 trailer > 300 movie (NIN song rocks too hard)

I disagree slightly. For bad dialogue see Troy. Leonidas was far more eloquent than Achilles.

Story...how good can you make 300 guys on a suicide mission?

Personally story wise and acting wise Gladiator kicked 300's butt. I still liked the movie though. Thought the PQ and AQ was right there where it needed to be grain and all...Plus some added really cool extra's. I'm happy I bought it! I give it 9 out of 10. ;)

I just watched this last night and agree a lot with what most have said here.

I did at one point feel like I was watching a video game.

It is definitely a guy movie. I can't see a lot of girls liking this movie.

Which is why I found it humorous that all of the men had quite toned, exposed bodies. Worked for me, but yes, definitely homo-erotic throughout.

The Xerxes character did seem like he was gay (perhaps he was in real life, I don't know the details). I don't know if that was intentional on the filmmakers' part or if the actor just played it that way on his own. Or maybe I was just imagining things.

The music was all over the place. In one scene there is an Enya-type song, and in another they use techno music. I just thought, WTF?

Having said all that, I loved the movie. It is what it is, and that is a visual/aural spectacle. There were so many scenes where I just though, "Wow, that's gorgeous." Even the "bloody" battle scenes. And that shot at the end of the movie of the Spartan army lying on the ground with Leonidas in the center striking a Christ-like pose was breathtaking for me in its beauty.

I do wish they left that one deleted scene of the giants with the dwarves on their backs in the movie.

Anyway, don't go in expecting too much, and I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Btw when someone appears nude crystal clear in hi-definition how does the family react ?


My dad just kinda laughed and said.... High Def huh? I can see that.... ;)

How about we just say that 300 is a graphic novel come to "life".

I did have to remind myself this once, but as soon as I stopped trying to compare it to other films, I enjoyed the hell out of it.

Having read the great Steven Pressfield novel "Gates of Fire" and knowing the film rights were bought I was sceptical of 300 going in. Pressfield's novel, while fictional, was as historically accurate as possible and was as exciting and thrilling as 300 wanted to be. Once 300 came out I knew "Gates" was never going to. Having said that, good action flick.

Story...how good can you make 300 guys on a suicide mission?

Mention what they were fighting for?

"The fierce resistance of the Spartan-led army offered Athens the invaluable time to prepare for a decisive naval battle that would come to determine the outcome of the war.[3] The subsequent Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis left much of the Persian Empire's navy destroyed and Xerxes was forced to retreat back to Asia"

From watching the movie, it seemed that beneath all the courage and pride and strength the Spartans died for nothing. That was the biggest flaw in the movie. The battle at the end was a pretty lame ending because what was the connection to the 300? According to the movie they weren't stalling for time for any real reason, they were just a speed bump and might've been better off waiting with the huge magnificent army holding the city. If they had figured out a way to make the leonidas holding his ground for a reason other than suicidal pride I might have felt better about the movie. I was waiting for them to mention the Athens navy being built up, or the evacuation of Athens but every reference to Athens was about them being philospher wusses.

Mention what they were fighting for?

"The fierce resistance of the Spartan-led army offered Athens the invaluable time to prepare for a decisive naval battle that would come to determine the outcome of the war.[3] The subsequent Greek victory at the Battle of Salamis left much of the Persian Empire's navy destroyed and Xerxes was forced to retreat back to Asia"

From watching the movie, it seemed that beneath all the courage and pride and strength the Spartans died for nothing. That was the biggest flaw in the movie. The battle at the end was a pretty lame ending because what was the connection to the 300? According to the movie they weren't stalling for time for any real reason, they were just a speed bump and might've been better off waiting with the huge magnificent army holding the city. If they had figured out a way to make the leonidas holding his ground for a reason other than suicidal pride I might have felt better about the movie. I was waiting for them to mention the Athens navy being built up, or the evacuation of Athens but every reference to Athens was about them being philospher wusses.But that's just it, you're grasping for historical relevance in a movie wherein it was never the intent.

If you want to rip the story, you can't really take issue with the movie, but Frank Miller's graphic novel. The movie's goal was to bring the novel to life, and it did so (arguably) perfectly. I was pretty familiar with the true history of the Battle of Thermopylae and the true sacrifice made by the Spartan's (and plenty of other Grecians) in reality. That didn't mean that I couldn't put that knowledge aside and enjoy the movie for what it was though, and I did just that.

Frank Miller's 300 Graphic Novel on Wikipedia (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/300_(comics))

...well, it's no CRANK.
Really that abortion should never, ever be referenced in a thread about movies.

But that's just it, you're grasping for historical relevance in a movie wherein it was never the intent.


true, but I'm not talking about historical relevance per say but dramatic storytelling. I felt during the movie glossing over a 'greater good' made the heroism rather empty. I couldn't care less about the inaccuracy of the story from a historical perspective. I mean it happened eleventy billion years ago before Herodotus, I'm sure our textbooks of the matter have exaggerated warped or are plain inaccurate.

I don't think it would have been out of the question to add some reason for a last stand other than he was wicked brave and had a huge set of balls. Even if it was an historically inaccurate made up reason, It would have been more of a payoff at the end as a viewer. It might not have been in the novel, but all I was asking for was a few lines, maybe a scene or two, not a major departure from the plot.

I liked the movie but because of that, it felt a little thin and just short of great.

Both a good film and specatacular in HD.

I was emabarrassed at having talked my best friend into going to see this in the theater--it seemed to be an exercise in excess in CGI and image manipulation with nothing else going for it as far as story, character development, or acting. I was even halfway convinced that all those sixpacks were also CGI, it wasn't until I saw the IME on the HD DVD that I lost that imprression. Somehow all the technology seemed to be hiding the fact that there just wasn't much movie there.

Having watched it a couple of times on HD DVD I've gotten more of an understanding of what the film-makers were trying to do and am willing to cut it a lot more slack. For what it was intended to be it's a masterpiece.

It's not a spectacle. Kingdom of Heaven, Troy, LOTR, and to a lesser extent Gladiator were spectacles, but the battle sequences in 300 looked like they occupied 4000 square feet on a soundstage (which they did)--sorta small. Somehow I can easily imagine the whole thing being done live as a stage play without losing any scope as there wasn't any scope there in the movie. Perhaps this was to convey the feeling of looking at a panel in a graphic novel, I don't know, but it just didn't look very epic. The CGI shot of the huge battle fleet was great but the shots of the Persian hordes on the beach were done from too great a distance to be really impressive.

true, but I'm not talking about historical relevance per say but dramatic storytelling. I felt during the movie glossing over a 'greater good' made the heroism rather empty. I couldn't care less about the inaccuracy of the story from a historical perspective. I mean it happened eleventy billion years ago before Herodotus, I'm sure our textbooks of the matter have exaggerated warped or are plain inaccurate.

I don't think it would have been out of the question to add some reason for a last stand other than he was wicked brave and had a huge set of balls. Even if it was an historically inaccurate made up reason, It would have been more of a payoff at the end as a viewer. It might not have been in the novel, but all I was asking for was a few lines, maybe a scene or two, not a major departure from the plot.

I liked the movie but because of that, it felt a little thin and just short of great.
I can absolutely see your point, and I don't necessarily disagree with you. However I feel if they acknowledged the delay tactic, they'd also have to acknowledge the rest of the true (estimated) fighting force at Thermopylae, as well as the fact that it's reported Leonidas himself called for the retreat of the other Grecians and handful of Spartans.

They took so many liberties with the actual story that to acknowledge almost any aspect of it would simply turn attention to the next historical inaccuracy were it corrected. I don't think there was really a way to win there.

I mean if you say "yes, Leonidas knew he was buying time for a naval battle", then it makes no sense why there was so little help for the battle itself but to portray most of the rest of greece outside of Sparta as cowards.

At least that's my take on it. In reality I think it was just Miller's ignorance of known history that lead to most of the issues ;)

I may be the only one here, but I found 300 to be mind numbingly boring. There was no story and the acting was average at best; none of the actors/actresses have any amount of charisma. It was nothing more than 2 hours of half naked guys fighting. I know that it was based off of a graphic novel, but man was the movie vastly overrated. This is coming from a Frank Miller fan. He does great work with Batman and Sin City is entertaining.

Fantastic movie. Fantastic picture. Fantastic sound. Fantastic pip and HD DVD specific extras.

I just can't get over the "video game" look of this movie. Even my wife hates that look. This is definitely a rental for me...

true, but I'm not talking about historical relevance per say but dramatic storytelling. I felt during the movie glossing over a 'greater good' made the heroism rather empty. I couldn't care less about the inaccuracy of the story from a historical perspective. I mean it happened eleventy billion years ago before Herodotus, I'm sure our textbooks of the matter have exaggerated warped or are plain inaccurate.

I don't think it would have been out of the question to add some reason for a last stand other than he was wicked brave and had a huge set of balls. Even if it was an historically inaccurate made up reason, It would have been more of a payoff at the end as a viewer. It might not have been in the novel, but all I was asking for was a few lines, maybe a scene or two, not a major departure from the plot.

I liked the movie but because of that, it felt a little thin and just short of great.


Good post redro.Yes if the movie would have made the reason they fought their and died of importance it would have made more since for those not in the know.But as many have said this movie is just a good escape and eye candy'not to be taken to seriousy.In reality it was really a old version of the ALAMO.If they would have took that approach it might have been better.But it was a fun ride.BOB

This movie is nothing more than a new Scarface. Not genre wise, but hype wise. At this point I can't figure out which one is more over hyped.

looks good, but i just couldn't take the story or performances seriously at ALL. "Tonight . . . . . .we dine at Sbaaaarrrrrrrrooooooooooooooooooo!!!"
my wife and I kept cracking up through the whole movie.

This movie is nothing more than a new Scarface. Not genre wise, but hype wise. At this point I can't figure out which one is more over hyped.

Agreed. While Pacino gave a great performance, Scarface was a dull movie that dragged on for hours. Donnie Brasco is a much better Pacino mob/gangster movie.

Agreed. While Pacino gave a great performance, Scarface was a dull movie that dragged on for hours. Donnie Brasco is a much better Pacino mob/gangster movie.

Agreed. I will add that I think Goodfellas is the best mob movie ever. At least up to this day.

Agreed. I will add that I think Goodfellas is the best mob movie ever. At least up to this day.

I can agree that Goodfellas is the second best mob movie.No movie touches the original Godfather,It won every award their was.And the acting was just unreal.The cast was a allstar cast' never been one since thats had that many top actors in one movie.Wished they made more like it.I did find the Departed to be a good littel movie with good acting/ :) BOB

Agreed. While Pacino gave a great performance, Scarface was a dull movie that dragged on for hours. Donnie Brasco is a much better Pacino mob/gangster movie.

Scarface had some great lines and an explosive ending, thus its remembered. Also the Scarface culture is more about Tony Montana than the movie. A lot of people I ask who have scarface posters on their walls in college, only saw the movie once or twice.

Tony Montana is bigger than the movie, the character is hyped, not the movie. Because as everyone points out, though it has great scenes and great lines, it does plod through a great majority.

Simply Amazing!!!
It took my breath away at the theater, in SD, so the HD DVD was just breathtaking. The movie is a classic like Matrix. And like Matrix, it will stand the test of time. :)
5 Stars.

The sequels to the Battle of Thermopylae were better than the Matrix sequels though ;)

Seriously, big fan of both _300_ and the first _Matrix_. And the bluescreen commentary PiP feature is very cool. Until the freeze at 55:30 :(

The movie isn't good...

It's ****ing awesome! :D

I think the movie is amazing. The great PQ and AQ is a bonus. Anyone who thought the movie was not good probably didn't watch the whole thing.

Aboslutely the best movie in my collection on story. IMO of course.

for those mulling the Blue Ray version vs. HD-DVD. The extra's on HD-DVD absolutely adds a lot more detail to the movie which it really needs cause there's not much to it and you might as well marvel at how they created the CGI. Very overrated and what's with all the copying from Gladiator? Gladiator came out a few years ago so they should try to rip off Ben Hur or Spartacus instead. My impression is if your a "gamer" or haven't seen a lot of films you will thing its totally awesome. Otherwise,. it's crap.

Me thinks I need to rip out the Godfather tonight. :)

Hey, the Scarface comparison isn't that bad. Not in substance of course, but as someone said Scarface is mainly about Tony Montana. It's not so much a gangster movie as it's one of the ultimate displays of a 'macho man with principles'. '300' has a very similar thing at its core. Definitely not the plot. It's all about male bonding, a man with The Way in his genome and balls big enough to follow it to the end. Incredibly stupid, but also incredibly cool if you dig it. The fact that it doesn't have to serve a bigger purpose is exactly the point. 'You mess with my crib I mess with your face' is all it is. A historical and political battle boiled down to a gang-on-gang turf war about the biggest balls in the hood.

imo it´s a great adaption of the comic-book, to me it´s like to book has come 'alive'. Both book and film have the same feel to them, which is rather rare.

This movie is nothing more than a new Scarface. Not genre wise, but hype wise. At this point I can't figure out which one is more over hyped.
Spot on.

"300" is horrible. It's the epitome of visual technology outstripping non-hi-tech concerns such as script, acting, and nuance. When they say it's "a videogame come to life," that's basically true, since everyone in the film has all the emotional depth of Dig Dug.

My first viewing left me slightly underwhelmed but the second time around I did get more out of it. The story that everyone claims is missing is not really missing at all. 300 Spartans set out to try and hold off a Persian attack of incredible magnatude using guerilla style tactics and the landscape to give them an advantage. The main scholars do NOT agree with Leonidas and the nation is somewhat divided about the whole thing. Then, there are some traitors mixed in ther as well to add a little to it. No, its not profound and wont compete with Gone with the Wind for story depth but what the heck did you guys want or expect? I mean.... I love Gladiator but its just a rehash of Spartacus. The story there isnt that "deep" either...ya know?

As for Xerxes..... yes, hep did appear a little drag queen-ish and that caught me off guard at first. However, lets look at this a little closer. Not every bad guy has to look and act like Sauron or Darth Vader. Whats wrong with the bad guy appearing soft, "gay", or even harmless? This is sneaky and it actually works in this instance because Xerxes uses temptation(like when he convinced the hunchback to turn on the Greeks) tactics to get what he wants. Rather than choke people like Vader or just kill them like Sauron would, he uses them to HIS advantage while offering them a chance at wealth and their own "15 minutes of fame". Almost like a the Devil...Xerxes is soft spoken and appears to mean well when in reality his goal is to manipulate you into getting what he wants and then you will be cast aside when hes done with you. I actually liked the concept of the bad guy NOT being an ugly, pissed off, black-caped monster. Think about it.....

So, overall, I enjoyed the flick and it was actually better than I thought it would be. I ended up buying it and Im glad I did.

My 2 cents :D

imo it´s a great adaption of the comic-book, to me it´s like to book has come 'alive'. Both book and film have the same feel to them, which is rather rare.That is how I watched the movie, and I loved it. But if any you want the real story, I suggest watching "The Last Stand Of The 300 - The Real Story". It's a History Channel show that's awesome. Should be available for rental or at any store.

I think that movies should be treated as... uhmm... movies, i.e. they will be "Hollywoodized" in some fashion. But I think a great movie will bring people to want to seek out the truth. For example, Schindler's List and Saving Private Ryan (incl. Band of Brothers) was a direct affect to Washington D.C. having a Holocaust and WWII memorial. That is how I interpret the real impact of a movie. I doubt 300 will lead to a "How Democracy was born" memorial, but at least it'll get some people to perhaps want to know what the differences are between the movie and the real events, leading them to learn more our planet's history.

Yes it is spectacular on HD. I watched the movie on both DLP and IMAX during its theatrical run - and the HD version (I have watched both HD and BD as well) are awesome transfers from the theatrical release.

This movie is nothing more than a new Scarface. Not genre wise, but hype wise. At this point I can't figure out which one is more over hyped.

Scarface did horrible at the box office and was not hyped till much later. It is a cult film.

If they would have added the last battle in and made it 30 mins longer it would be my fav action movie of all time. I loved the movie but it did not leave me fully satisfied.

Not to disrespect the other posters, because I don't know if someone has posted this or not. But 300 is phenomenal SUBJECTIVE to your appreciation of art.

This is what I mean. While "300" is a true event, this movie was a scene-by-scene adaptation of comic artist/writer Frank Miller. Hence "Frank Miller's 300". Which is why everything plays out the way it does. It is NOT a movie that was based off a script. It was a movie taken literally right from a comic book. So to compare it to something other than Sin City is a bit crazy. It is SO important you understand that before you start criticizing the movie.

Personally, I LOVED the movie. I think it is phenomenal. I thought the acting was genuine and the overall tone was intense. I completely disagree with all those who stated it was nothing but CG and not much movie. Look I LOVE old school greek mythology films. Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonaughts, I have the original "300 Spartans." And to me, the original 300 Spartans didn't have much of a story either. I mean, we know what happens to these 300, there is only so much story to tell. I thought 300 made that more exciting, a bit more fantasy, but overall I cared about the characters more. It stands side by side with Batman Begins as my favorite HD DVD movie.

true, but I'm not talking about historical relevance per say but dramatic storytelling. I felt during the movie glossing over a 'greater good' made the heroism rather empty. I couldn't care less about the inaccuracy of the story from a historical perspective. I mean it happened eleventy billion years ago before Herodotus, I'm sure our textbooks of the matter have exaggerated warped or are plain inaccurate.

I don't think it would have been out of the question to add some reason for a last stand other than he was wicked brave and had a huge set of balls. Even if it was an historically inaccurate made up reason, It would have been more of a payoff at the end as a viewer. It might not have been in the novel, but all I was asking for was a few lines, maybe a scene or two, not a major departure from the plot.

I liked the movie but because of that, it felt a little thin and just short of great.
Best summary I've read.......................still liked the movie though.

Not to disrespect the other posters, because I don't know if someone has posted this or not. But 300 is phenomenal SUBJECTIVE to your appreciation of art.

This is what I mean. While "300" is a true event, this movie was a scene-by-scene adaptation of comic artist/writer Frank Miller. Hence "Frank Miller's 300". Which is why everything plays out the way it does. It is NOT a movie that was based off a script. It was a movie taken literally right from a comic book. So to compare it to something other than Sin City is a bit crazy. It is SO important you understand that before you start criticizing the movie.

Personally, I LOVED the movie. I think it is phenomenal. I thought the acting was genuine and the overall tone was intense. I completely disagree with all those who stated it was nothing but CG and not much movie. Look I LOVE old school greek mythology films. Clash of the Titans, Jason and the Argonaughts, I have the original "300 Spartans." And to me, the original 300 Spartans didn't have much of a story either. I mean, we know what happens to these 300, there is only so much story to tell. I thought 300 made that more exciting, a bit more fantasy, but overall I cared about the characters more. It stands side by side with Batman Begins as my favorite HD DVD movie.

If I wanted to look at art, I would go to an art museum. If I wanted to look at chiseled men fighting half naked, I would go to a Chippendales show minus the fighting. Actually, no, I wouldn't go to a Chippendales show, but you get my point.

I completely understand that movies are definitely an art form, but there are many other facets than just art alone. A good movie should have a good story, good acting, good climax, good conclusion, and entertain you. Good camera work and special effects are added flair by the director and crew. Just look at certain movies from the 50's and 60's to understand that special effects aren't needed to make an entertaining movie with a good story.

300 did definitely entertain, there is no question about that, but it severely lacked in other important areas.

Simply Amazing!!!
It took my breath away at the theater, in SD, so the HD DVD was just breathtaking. The movie is a classic like Matrix. And like Matrix, it will stand the test of time. :)
5 Stars.I agree. this os one of those rare few I wish I'd pony'd up $12 to see on the big screen at the theater. It's amazing to pay attention to the background of the fight scenes as well as the foreground. It's no Matrix though.

...well, it's no CRANK.What? You prefer a Transporter trans Natural Born Killers rip off with the sole plot intention to be as disturbing as possible?

I actually am enjoying it for what it is. I can see where it would appeal to the PS3 crowd, and I am not one of them. I enjoy "The Adventures of Robin Hood" as well but I don't see them enjoying that film "so much." The PQ is excellent, regardless what anyone may say, grain, yep, intentional, yep. AQ excellent.

It may not make the "Top Tier" but if I want that I watch Discovery HD.

It's an OK movie that looks cool and is fun to watch. What more can someone ask for?

I couldn't have said it better. Movies like 300, for me, are about kicking back, switching off, and having a good time.

I think the movie is amazing. The great PQ and AQ is a bonus. Anyone who thought the movie was not good probably didn't watch the whole thing.

A little bold in your statement there. I watched it the whole way through in the theaters and didn't come away impressed in the slightest bit. I tried to give a second go this past weekend when I rented the BR version. The wife and I couldn't finish it; we were both bored to death.

A little bold in your statement there. I watched it the whole way through in the theaters and didn't come away impressed in the slightest bit. I tried to give a second go this past weekend when I rented the BR version. The wife and I couldn't finish it; we were both bored to death.

300 is good movie (if you like this genre... like Gladiator, Troy, etc.) but it is a "comic book adaptation" of the event.... so, it is different but, no, it is not "a Gladiator"...

Lets put it this way, as far as the film goes, it's about 1/3 as good as Gladiator.

Agreed


Gladiator different class


I rented it and enjoyed it for what it was but I dont think I will watch it again. Sometimes to much testosterone can be well a bit G#Y

Great soundtrack. stunning visuals, it delivered more then what i was expecting ( and I was already expecting a lot.) I sat back and watch a masterpiece.

but that is just my opinion everyone is entitle to there own

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes with that question, but people can sometimes really go for a film that looks and/or sounds spectacular, and is great for demoing and things of that sort; however, that doesn't imply it will stand the test of time.

How do people really feel about 300 as a film (not just a screen event?)

Thanks in advance for any insights :)!

Great demo material even though the picture is intentionally grainy, the audio and action scenes are outstanding, and I and several of my friends wanted to learn more about the actual battle after we watched it, one of a very few films that had me wanting to do RESEARCH after viewing it. :)

If you want to see how a comic/graphic novel should be brought to the screen then look no further than Sin City and 300.

Great PQ, amazing sound, cheesy dialogue, above average movie, and a fairly entertaining first viewing.

300, to me, is an experience more than a film, which should have plot, interesting characters, and believable dialogue. :p

It's an OK movie that looks cool and is fun to watch. What more can someone ask for?
I just got the rental..
Can't wait to chk it out

I love animation, I love Zak Snyders previous film, I love Gladiator, I love Frank Miller, I love Sin City.

But 300 did nothing for me. The stylization was interesting for 5 minutes as was the choreography of one fight scene. But I thought the end credits were more entertaining, and then only for a minute.

No buy here or even a rental. A single viewing at the cinema was more than enoug for me.

no accounting for taste I guess. I found it to be spectacular in every aspect and it instantly become one of my favorite movies all all time.

It is pure entertainment. Some movies make you think, some make you feel, some like this one are just fun from start to finish. There is not one minute of this movie I wish I had my time back on.

Sin City, now THAT is a real movie :)

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes with that question, but people can sometimes really go for a film that looks and/or sounds spectacular, and is great for demoing and things of that sort; however, that doesn't imply it will stand the test of time.

How do people really feel about 300 as a film (not just a screen event?)

Thanks in advance for any insights :)!
I liked your the fairness and insight of your question.

300 got a 61% on Rottentomatoes (http://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/300/?beg=0&int=161&creamcrop_limit=37&page=all) so clearly professional critics came in with mixed or slightly favorable views. Check out these two opposing views for instance:


Richard Roeper, Chicago Sun-Times
"It is excessively, cheerfully violent -- and it is gorgeous to behold. It looks like the world's most sophisticated and expensive video game, and I mean that in a good way." ...

A.O. Scott, The New York Times
"300 is about as violent as Apocalypto and twice as stupid." ...


I loved Sin City's stylish excess, so 300 - another Frank Miller graphic novel brought gloriously to screen - also swept me away. Stylistically I think 300 is absolutely brilliant in so many ways - a visual and aesthetic masterpiece. I personally found more emotional depth in 300 than in Sin City (but that's hardly a fair comparison because I doubt Sin City aimed for emotive impact.) Storytelling was pretty compelling.

I'm not a gamer, so it's not because 300 feels like a game that I find it compelling. I am drawn to it as visually artful entertainment and I feel it carries a real charge. I've screened it for friends who loved it. I've compared notes with friends who have loved it.

Should it be watched in HD? Absolutely. I did flip the combo disk over to view a few minutes of the DVD side - which looked perfectly fine - but after having already seen the HD DVD pressing I knew what I was missing so I probably can't be objective about whether this film needs HD to "sell" it.

More "Kosmi" comments in another thread. (http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?p=11237668#post11237668)

Should it be watched in HD? Absolutely. I did flip the combo disk over to view a few minutes of the DVD side - which looked perfectly fine - but after having already seen the HD DVD pressing I knew what I was missing so I probably can't be objective about whether this film needs HD to "sell" it.

That's one thing I'm wondering. If the primary strength is the artistic content, then it could be the HD aspect is a critical part of "selling" it.

A friend watched the film on BD and considered it an utter waste of time -- he and I are both strong "Gladiator' fans (also "Spartacus" etc.) The video game and comic book adaptions I've enjoyed in the past include elements of character depth as well as cohesive story telling, (Spiderman is borderline for me, whereas Dick Tracy is top drawer), it makes me wonder.

It really depends on what you look for in films.

I read a lot of novels, and such a reality has led me to care little about story and character depth in movies. In my opinion, no movie can ever express a story as well as a novel that takes 40 hours to read and absorb.

For me, movies are about fun and engaging entertainment. My favorite genre therefore tends to be high-action films. In my eyes, 300 is the pinnacle movie in that genre. It's a film packed full of fast paced action with just enough narration/story to setup the next sequence. Likewise, Gerard Butler does an exception job protraying Frank Miller's Leonidas -- a character that stands for everything a man would like to be (a wise, compassionate, and strong leader that is nearly unstoppable in his endeavors).

I think it's a damn good film, while my wife considers it one of her favorites. In fact, we'll probably be watching it again this evening on her request. It'll also hold a special place in my collection as it was the film that finally led her to approve an HD player purchase.

Whilst I enjoyed the film, it probably means that "Gates of Fire" wont get made for years now.

I am half way through. 300 looks spectacular in HD but I am not sure if the movie can be re-watched.

I am half way through. 300 looks spectacular in HD but I am not sure if the movie can be re-watched.

I agree. I had watched the SD version and now have the HD-DVD, but it really is a plodding type of movie for me. I keep taking breaks every 15 minutes.

I am half way through. 300 looks spectacular in HD but I am not sure if the movie can be re-watched.
I totally disagree.
The good
The movie is gorgeous and the sound was the icing on the cake, it just wrapped me in sweet 5.1 spartan killing sound :)
The bad
Sure the story was a bit cheesy but i found the actor narrating far more irritating, i could not shake the image of him as a monk in 'Van Helsing'!

Personally, I enjoyed it. Content-wise, four out of five stars. I'd give PQ about the same. SQ five out of five. I saw it on Blu-ray with uncompressed PCM sound, but since the image on both versions is identical and the Dolby TrueHD should sound identical... I'd say that counts for the HD DVD version as well... plus you get the bluescreen image inlay.

300 is a stylized ultra-violent graphic novel adaptation. It is only going to do what it was written to do -- demonstrate stylized violence without much plot.

The acting was ok, the effects were pretty good.

Basically, a typical summer blockbuster in the same vein as Sin City, et al. A great movie? No. An entertaining one? Yes.

What? You prefer a Transporter trans Natural Born Killers rip off with the sole plot intention to be as disturbing as possible?

For the record, I found Crank to be deliriously vapid and a whole hell of a lot of fun. It never, for a millisecond, takes itself too seriously.

300 is, in the end, a bit too earnest, but I was not underestimating that my appreciation for the film did grow while going through the extras, listening to Frank Miller in particular discuss what shaped his take on the tale. 300 is silly fluff, with a veneer of history over a timeless, hyperbolic tale. I don't even really like the Matrix that much, but the comparison is pretty valid: If the Matrix was all bang and flash with a bit of Descartes thrown in to make it seem more "deep", then this uses history to tell the tale of underdogs overcoming great odds to carve out the winning of a war while losing a particular battle. Wasn't there a Bad News Bears film that told the same tale? Or was that a Mighty Ducks film? Battle of the Bulge? I dunno, they all blend together.

So, to summarize - Crank = silly fluff, kinetic fun that gets bandied by some BD fanboys as the ultimate in PQ, pissing on actual -films- shot on, um -film-.

300 is sillier fluff, taking itself a mite too seriously, but in the end it's as decent as the source material that it slavishly replicates on screen.

Fair? :)

ps. Gladiator sucked A$$, the worst close-up shot battle scenes with no desire to catch the odd wide shot in recent memory, with the abysmal Transformers being the evil spawn of Scott's bombastic ineptitude.

pps. Now, Spartacus, -theres- how you do dudes in Togas... :)

The bulk of people who complain about 300 are probably just mad that their abs don't look as good as the ones on their screen.

I loved the movie and I love the HD disc.

300 is a work of historical fiction. It's based on the fact that an army of roughly 300 outwitted a vastly supperior (at least in numbers) foe using wit and strategy. Maybe that's a simplified high-concept pitch, but I find that intriguing. It's enough to make me want to watch the movie. If you consider that short on story, sorry it wasted 117 minutes of your time. As I said, I was entertained. Sometimes when Hollywood throws more story than action in a movie, A.K.A. "The Matrix Reloaded," you like to complain about that too.

By the way, some of the great literary classics can be summed up just as quickly. Hemmingway "The Old Man and the Sea": A man goes fishing for 98 pages, goes home and dies.

I'd really be interested to see what the average age is of people who think this movie is "amazing"...or even calling it "great entertainment," for that matter.

I don't buy it. 300 being good because "sometimes I want to be entertained by movies" makes no sense. So sometimes people watch movies NOT to be entertained? Outside of being force-fed something in a classroom setting, that talking point doesn't hold much water.

I'd really be interested to see what the average age is of people who think this movie is "amazing"...or even calling it "great entertainment," for that matter.

I don't buy it. 300 being good because "sometimes I want to be entertained by movies" makes no sense. So sometimes people watch movies NOT to be entertained? Outside of being force-fed something in a classroom setting, that talking point doesn't hold much water.


I think what people mean is sometimes you just want sit down and watch a fast paced high action movie....i.e. 300 or maybe Transformers.

but other times your in the mood for a good Drama to get you wrapped up in the story line and characters.

people do have moods in their lives and those moods can/will dictate what they will want to watch.

The Pick of Destiny = stupid fun
Pi = pointy-headed, thought-provoking drama

I like both. So, sue me. What kind of movie fan am I? I don't think there are genres of movie fans. I like what I like for different reasons. There's room in this world for every kind of movie, and somebody's going to like it. There's no accounting for taste, and it can't even be argued about.

SPOILER ALERT!!! SPOILER ALERT!!!

"The Old Man and the Sea": A man goes fishing for 98 pages, goes home and dies.

:)

300 is a work of historical fiction. It's based on the fact that an army of roughly 300 outwitted a vastly supperior (at least in numbers) foe using wit and strategy. Maybe that's a simplified high-concept pitch, but I find that intriguing. It's enough to make me want to watch the movie. If you consider that short on story, sorry it wasted 117 minutes of your time. As I said, I was entertained. Sometimes when Hollywood throws more story than action in a movie, A.K.A. "The Matrix Reloaded," you like to complain about that too.

By the way, some of the great literary classics can be summed up just as quickly. Hemmingway "The Old Man and the Sea": A man goes fishing for 98 pages, goes home and dies.

Try "For Whom The Bell Tolls", you may enjoy it more :)!

Finished watching the entire movie yesterday. The climax was disappointing and it looks as if it was the filming was rushed towards the end. The battle scenes were pretty good but nothing spectacular. Though the PQ/SQ deserves a perfect 10 the content wasn't complete.

Finished watching the entire movie yesterday. The climax was disappointing and it looks as if it was the filming was rushed towards the end. The battle scenes were pretty good but nothing spectacular. Though the PQ/SQ deserves a perfect 10 the content wasn't complete.

Seems like your final sentence is probably a pretty fair summation. There have been a lot of great inputs on this thread, far more responses than I expected -- which itself says something regarding the film :)! Many thanks to everyone!

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

I guess I'm in the minority here, but saying the story behind 300 was incomplete is like saying the battle of the Alamo was incomplete. You're given information that hints to a resolution, but the movie was about the sacrifice that had to happen first.

It's pretty clear that the climax scenes have either been cut short or forced to quick completion. All the audience in my residence felt the same.

PQ/SQ -> No contest.

If i picked my top 5 movies that came out this year 300 would make my list. the pace of the film was very good. Those of us who liked the action were treated with a round 2 of Persian death.

My wife and I watched this movie for the first time yesterday. My wife left maybe a half-hour in, and I hung in there for as long as I could, but did not make it to the end. That's the last time either of us will watch it.

If we were all somehow able to see a hi def video or film recording of the actual historical event, taken from the viewpoint of the combatants, I'm pretty sure that most of us would be completely horrified and repulsed by what we would see. Most would then agree that, from script, to PQ, to finished movie, 300 is a fanciful and totally unbelievable thing.

How'd you like to see last week's NFL football game portrayed in this fashion?

Another question - did they have to round up all the Chippendale/Baywatch wanna-bes in order to fill the various roles in this movie?

Luckily, we borrowed the disk and didn't waste any of our own money on it.

I really like this movie. Anyone read the graphic novel before they saw the movie? It is fantastic. I feel they did an excellent job of taking the graphic novel to the screen.

i didn't like the movie.
i felt that what ruined it for me was the writting, some of the lines in the movie were just horribly done and were the epitome of cheezyness.

this movie has NOTHING on the king of all greek/roman era action movies: Gladiator.

Love Gladiator, but Ben-Hur is the King.

Is 300 really a good film, or is it just spectacular on HD?
That's for you to decide, no one else.

For me "300" is not "a really good film" or "spectacular on HD".
To me "300" is a "good" movie & better on HD than SD.

Butt that's just my opinion & doesn't amount to a hill of beans.

Love Gladiator, but Ben-Hur is the King.

touche :)

Here's the movie discussion thread: http://www.avsforum.com/avs-vb/showthread.php?t=788571&highlight=300

larry

I don't mean to step on anyone's toes with that question, but people can sometimes really go for a film that looks and/or sounds spectacular, and is great for demoing and things of that sort; however, that doesn't imply it will stand the test of time.

How do people really feel about 300 as a film (not just a screen event?)

Thanks in advance for any insights :)!

I think it is a good film, but not a great. When I think of movies in the past that I though would be, like independence day, twister, braveheart..., I don't think of them as great.

To me the great movies in history are more than great special effects. Jaws, Star Wars, Citizen Kane. 2001 is not an exception to this rule. The storyline carries it just as much as the incredible effects of the time. And it also left the viewer wondering exactly what had happened... there have been so many books written about the meaning of that film and book.

More modern greats that have a better chance are the matrix, gladiator, spiderman II, sin city, kill bill, the lord of the rings.

You can't really call a film great until atleat 5-7 years have gone past. I am not saying that 300 is not a very good film. But if you peel away the special effects, there is not as much of a story as some of those great films. Plus, you need to remember that is was a remake.

............. Ben-Hur is the King.
I completely agree.

(If we're really lucky, maybe the creators of "300" will do a re-make of "Ben Hur". I look forward to seeing their CG renditions of the interior of the Roman galley and the chariot race.:eek:)

Another question - did they have to round up all the Chippendale/Baywatch wanna-bes in order to fill the various roles in this movie?

Ya know, I liked this movie in spite of the oiled-up digitally-enhanced-8-pack cape-wearing speedo-sporting cast. I was getting a little tired of the constant spread-leg arms-akimbo-holding-back-the-cape stance all of the good guys would always take, and the "I'll just try to stick my jaw and my teeth out as far as possible every time I talk" delivery was a little cheesy.

But it was good cheese. :)

I like the movie a lot, but I would never call it "a great movie". And that's okay. We're allowed to like non-great movies. That's why it's called "entertainment".

Just got around to watching the disc that came free with my player. It really is a spectacular HD DVD. The image is awesome (the hi-def difference is clear, even through the artificial grain), the sound is thunderous, and the extras are interesting (and also partially in hi-def!).

The film itself is pretty much what I expected: beautiful eye-candy without much substance. I was never bored, but I was also never especially engaged by any of the action. There were no moments in the film with the emotional charge of say, Aragorn defeating the super-orc at the end of FOTR or the ride of the Rohirrim in ROTK. None of the individual performances were electric enough to lift an otherwise mediocre film, like Bruce Lee in Enter the Dragon. What the film ultimately lacks is tension, which is surprising given the potential for it in the concept and story. I can only blame the director for that.

I had problems with this movie when I found out it was based on a graphic novel. There have been a few books that took a more historical approach, most notably "Gates of Fire", and they were far more entertaining than 300.
Having said that, I couldn't stop watching. Great looking, great sounding.

I couldn't get through it. Terrible writing, transparently phony graphic effects and a lot of bad acting. Even in HD, I found it unwatchable.

Ya know, I liked this movie in spite of the oiled-up digitally-enhanced-8-pack cape-wearing speedo-sporting cast. I was getting a little tired of the constant spread-leg arms-akimbo-holding-back-the-cape stance all of the good guys would always take, and the "I'll just try to stick my jaw and my teeth out as far as possible every time I talk" delivery was a little cheesy.

Heh. I call this movie "(300) Super Tough Guys!!". Every shot says "We're super tough!!!" It's can still be pretty fun though.

It was just ok.

Some ok scenes but it is far from being a classic.

Watched it once and will probably never watch it again....should have netflixed this one for sure.

I'd be interested in anyone's comparison of 300 to Zulu. They're similar in high level theme but different in many ways. 300 has nothing for me while Zulu is one of my all time favorites.

*** SPOILER ALERT ***

I guess I'm in the minority here, but saying the story behind 300 was incomplete is like saying the battle of the Alamo was incomplete. You're given information that hints to a resolution, but the movie was about the sacrifice that had to happen first.

Boy do I ever agree with this ! Although embellished ,it is based on history. A timly tale and at least in my theater and IMAX(the two places I've seen it ) it is a jaw dropping visual experience.

If you have male children this film must make you cry or I feel sorry for you. A great film IMO.

Art

I can't believe that anyone thinks that 300 was a good film, let alone a great one. Garbage.

I think Gladiator MAY be a classic. I am not sure that it will, but it has the potential. 300 is a good movie, but it pales in comparison to Gladiator.

I hate to say this, but there is too much action. not enough substance. Also, alot of people were turned off by the teenage virgin scene with the priests

Terrible writing, transparently phony graphic effects and a lot of bad acting.

The effects were cutting edge whether you liked them or not.

Great looking, great sounding, incredibly stupid story and acting. IMHO.

I can't believe that anyone thinks that 300 was a good film, let alone a great one. Garbage.


Believe it !

The effects were cutting edge whether you liked them or not.Perhaps they were but I found it all rather ugly, for all its crispness and definition.

Perhaps they were but I found it all rather ugly, for all its crispness and definition.

Definitely not for everyone! I only saw it in the theater. It might loose it's impact at home, and on HD perhaps it might not look as good to me as the analog version.

I can't believe that anyone thinks that 300 was a good film, let alone a great one. Garbage.
Hey, if "Shakespeare in Love" can win 7 Ocars (including one for Best Picture), anything is possible.

Definitely not for everyone! I only saw it in the theater. It might loose it's impact at home, and on HD perhaps it might not look as good to me as the analog version.The problem is not with the visual presentation, for me; it is the awful script and acting. Nothing can redeem that.

I went to a digital cinema to see this.
I fell asleep several times and it was an 11:30 AM Saturday showtime.
Ripping!;)

It's a decent movie overall. The ending is epic though and gives me goosebumps every time. Maybe it's the music build-up. I love epic music.

I didn't care for it.

Two things nobody has mentioned yet about 300,, the queen, has really nice boobs,,, and the Orical, has really nice boobs.
Ohh wait, would that be two things worth mentioning or four things.

Aside from the great female boobage scenes the rest of the movie is also very entertaining.

Looks killer on my 60" plasma and my AX200 projector via Blu Ray,,,,,,(Ohhh,,by the way, Im not being a Blu Ray fan, I have both formats, I wish HD DVD could still win or would have won).

Cheers
Davyo

Two things nobody has mentioned yet about 300,, the queen, has really nice boobs,,, and the Orical, has really nice boobs.


Finally someone speaking reality here! Oh and FYI the queen is Sarah Connor in the new Terminator TV show. ;)

I don't think this movie was meant to win any Oscars. ;)

It's just a good action flick. Somewhat, a style of its own.

I thought that the "Look! Boobs!" scenes didn't really fit the film's story line all that much (not that they weren't entertaining in their own right, both those actresses are quite pretty, but the movie would have been pretty much unchanged story-wise without them), but I thoroughly enjoyed the story. It wasn't terribly in-depth, but it was still enjoyable, at least to me. And, it looked/sounded awesome.

It still amazes me that people forget to check their brains at the door for these films. Taken as it is, a piece of Action entertainment it is very good. If you want to compare it to Gladiator then of course it is going to fail.

Jorge

Wow, this thread is still going? I can only add my 2 word review:

Fighting + Muscles.

Did anyone read the Graphic Novel? Both the movie and novel are awesome, don't be fooled by people....

Wow, this thread is still going? I can only add my 2 word review:

Fighting + Muscles.

Well no doubt my wife and daughters do not find this to be anything but plus two.

Art

Yeah. The abs are insane. Haha. Movie was good too.

It was as entertaining as it was grainy.

I thought the quality of it was outstanding. :\

I managed about 15mins of this movie,not my cuppa tea.

Wow, this thread has a lot of legs for a "this isn't so great a movie" topic.

300 impressed me. The writing and acting are only okay -- but the visual presentation is powerful. It strikes the right balance between the fantastic (i.e. graphic novel look and characters) and reality. This is the first movie I've seen where the (fake) film grain makes the look amazing.

The epic scope of the movie was powerful. No, I didn't really "feel" for any of the characters, except perhaps the queen. I certainly ended up admiring Leonidis. But, the movie wasn't about the individuals -- it was about the ideas. While I found the Spartan ideals a bit disturbing at the beginning of the movie, I cheered them at the end. Heroism and freedom could not have been more powerfully portrayed.

This is a unique movie in its style. It was greatly entertaining. I will definitely be watching it again soon. Most movies I watch only once. So, in my book, this was a hit.

And, it looks awesome in HD :) All those buyers of the biggest selling HD movie ever (if it still is) can't be wrong ;)

Best movie of 07 in my book.

Just opened my new A30 and just tried out the copy of 300. Now before i get pissed with the quality of hddvd, is this movie suppossed to look as grainy as a jar of grey poupon?

Just opened my new A30 and just tried out the copy of 300. Now before i get pissed with the quality of hddvd, is this movie suppossed to look as grainy as a jar of grey poupon?

Turn on the PIP and you'll have your answer. (hint there are a LOT of special effects including particles.)

Is "graphic novel" the politically correct term for what we used to call comic book?

This movie came from a comic book and was made to look like a video game. I see nothing wrong with that. Its main customers are 12 to 17 year old boys, used to video games and video game dialog. There is even a hint of ancient history thrown in, for "prestige".

So the movie delivers what it sells to its target audience, just like Tom Mix and Flash Gordon serials in the 30's and 40's. Kids loved them and no one gave that a second thought.

This is pretty much the same.