#105: KUBRICK, Stanley: Spartacus (1960)

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KUBRICK, Stanley (United States)
Spartacus [1960]
Spine #105
DVD


Stanley Kubrick directed a cast of screen legends — including Kirk Douglas as the indomitable gladiator who 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.

196 minutes
Color
Stereo
2:2:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2001
Director/Writers


Based on the novel by Howard Fast.
Screenplay by Dalton Trumbo.
The Film

Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Eight-page wraparound featuring an essay by Stephen Farber.

Commentary

By producer-actor Douglas, actor Ustinov, novelist Fast, and producer Edward Lewis, restoration expert Robert A. Harris, and designer Saul Bass.

Screenwriter

Trumbo’s scene-by-scene analysis.
Additional

Alex North score compositions.
Restoration demonstration

Rare deleted scenes

Vintage newsreel footage

Promotional interviews

From 1960 with Simmons and Ustinov.

Video interview

From 1962 with Ustinov.

Behind-the-scenes

“Gladiatorial school” footage.

Documentary

From 1960: The Hollywood Ten, plus archival documents about the blacklist.

Original storyboards

By Bass.

Hundreds

Of production stills, lobby cards, posters, print ads, and a comic book.

Sketches

By director Kubrick.

Original theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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