Ralph Potts puts the spotlight on the highly anticipated release of this cinematic gem from Universal Studios Home Entertainment that has been fully restored on Blu-ray.
My Thoughts:

Spartacus, the genre-defining epic from director Stanley Kubrick, is the legendary tale of a bold gladiator (Kirk Douglas) who led a triumphant Roman slave revolt. Filmed in glorious Technicolor, the action-packed spectacle won four Academy Awards including Best Cinematography and Best Art Direction. Featuring a cast of screen legends such as Laurence Olivier, Charles Laughton, Peter Ustinov, Jean Simmons, John Gavin and Tony Curtis, this uncut and fully restored masterpiece is an inspirational true account of man's eternal struggle for freedom.

The ultimate gladiator action blockbuster of its time Spartacus returns in this all-new fully restored Blu-ray release. Starring Kirk Douglas as the defiant slave-turned-revolutionary, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Stanley Kubrick and written by Oscar-winner Dalton Trumbo, Spartacus: Restored Edition celebrates the film's 55 anniversary with a new extensive restoration of the 1991 reconstructed version of the film which features 12 additional minutes of footage. This Blu-ray offering also includes two all-new bonus featurettes including a brand new interview with screen legend Kirk Douglas, plus for the first time ever, a 7.1 channel sound mix.

Spartacus is a true motion picture spectacle and reflects the scope and sweeping narrative of the cinematic masterpieces of its day. How absolutely wonderful that it comes to Blu-ray from Universal Studios Home Entertainment via this Restored Edition that allows fans to see experience it in all of its epic glory.

Release Date: October 6, 2015

Spartacus: Restored Edition comes to Blu-ray Disc from Universal Studios Home Entertainment featuring 1080p AVC encoded video that has an average bitrate of 24 Mbps and lossless DTS-HD Master Audio multi-channel sound that has an average bitrate of 3 Mbps.

Universal did an outstanding job with the restoration ofSpartacus. Looking at this presentation it is readily apparent that a lot of care went into the restoration. Grain is intact across the board and I saw no sign of digital noise reduction or image degrading manipulation. This is a flawless and film like video presentation that delivers exquisite high level detail and rich, deep, image penetrating colors that look gorgeous in high definition. The video has excellent depth and dimension that is rarely limited by the camera’s perspective. The level of resolution present produces imagery that in many cases has a near infinite visual acuity that draws out the finest details in close ups while enhancing the delineation and textural nuance within objects and backgrounds. Wide angle shots of structures, sets and exterior expanses reveal the varied and rough texture in the surfaces made of stone and wood while the beautifully framed shots of the landscapes look stunning. Flesh tones exhibit lifelike textures with natural color and vibrant complexions. Blacks have appreciable dynamic range and appear deep without compromise. Shadow detail is impressive and readily conveys strong dimensionality during the scenes shot in darkened areas and uneven light. I tip my hat to Universal Studios Home Entertainment. This is among the best restorations I have seen to date.

The new DTS-HD MA 7.1 channel mix does a terrific job rendering the film’s soundtrack. Dialogue has appreciable vocal character and above average room penetration. This is a more or less front oriented presentation that makes use of the entire system to deliver a rewarding audio experience that is highlighted by the richness and defining clarity of Alex North's memorable music score. The surrounds are utilized for atmospheric extension while appropriately applied dynamics and mid to upper level bass combine to provide solidity that enhances both the music and effects without sounding unnatural or over processed. I was extremely pleased with the outcome of this audio presentation. It highlights the strengths of the source material without ostentatious display and sounds great.

Video: 100
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

 
  • Resolution/Clarity:
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The lossless DTS-HD MA soundtracks have excellent dynamic range, detail rich clarity and make ample use of the entire surround platform to drive the thematic elements. The music, coupled along with well integrated discrete and atmospheric sound effects, plays an intricate role in these active surround mixes. When applied the detection of subtle background sounds, off camera cues and spatial dimension within the room’s acoustic environment is excellent. The LFE channel is active as the subwoofer works in tandem with the rest of the system to convey the palpably rich bass and dynamic impact associated with the sounds of battle as well as a number of low frequency sweeps that shook anything loose in my room (Elysium). Dialogue is firmly planted in the center channel and clearly renders voices and effects with appropriate distinction and balance within the front soundstage. I thoroughly enjoyed each of these audio presentations and found that they complimented the source material.

Audio: 88
(Each rating is worth 4 points with a max of 5 per category)

 
  • Dynamics:
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  • Clarity/Detail:
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  • Low frequency extension * (non-rated element): NA
  • DSU Rating * (non-rated element): NA

 

Bonus Features:
  • (HD)*NEW* I Am Spartacus: A conversation with Kirk Douglas: An interview with the 98 year-0ld screen legend – 9 minutes
  • (HD)*NEW* Restoring Spartacus: An inside look at the process of surrounding the film's 2015 restoration – 9 minutes
  • Deleted scenes
  • Archival interviews with Jean Simmons & Peter Ustinov
  • Behind the scenes footage
  • Vintage Newsreels
  • Image galleries
  • Theatrical trailer
  • Digital HD Copy
Spartacus: Restored Edition brings this cinematic gem to viewers via a sparkling and newly restored high definition audio/video presentation that truly does it justice. Whether you're a film enthusiast or casual fan this Blu-ray offering from Universal Studios Home Entertainment is simply a must have for your collection.

 

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Ralph Potts
AVS Forum Blu-ray Reviews


Reference Review System:
JVC DLA-RS4910 3D Ready 1080p High Definition Front Projector
(Calibrated with Calman 5 & C6 Meter from Spectracal )
Stewart Filmscreen - Studiotek 130 G3 100” 16x9 Screen
Carada Masquerade Horizontal Masking System
Marantz AV8802A 13.2 Channel Audio/Video Processor
Sherbourn Technologies - 7/200 Seven Channel Amplifier
B&K Reference 200.7 Series 2 Seven Channel Amplifier
Oppo BDP-103D Universal Disc/3D capable Blu-ray Player (With Darbee video processing)
Panasonic DMP-BDT310 3D capable Blu-ray Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Toshiba HD-XA2 HD DVD Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
Sony Playstation 3 Blu-ray disc Player (HDMI Audio/Video)
System Controller: Apple iPad/iRule Pro HD Universal Remote Control
Canton "Ergo" and In-Ceiling series speakers
Axiom Audio QS8 Quadpolar speakers
SVS PB-13 Ultra (Rosenut finish)
SVS PC12-NSD
Panamax M5400-PM Power Conditioner/Surge Protector
Wireworld, Better Cables (Silver Serpent) - Audio/Video/Speaker Cabling
Cool Components - CP-CP102 cooling package