The Gladiators DVD Peter Watkins Gladiatorerna

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S E A R C H D V D B e a v e r

(aka 'Peace Game' or 'The Gladiators')

Directed by Peter Watkins
Sweden 1969

Set in the near future, countries engage in televised gladiatorial bouts known as the Peace Games. Sponsored by a spaghetti company, the games are intended to subdue man's aggressive tendencies. During the 256th game (China versus the West) a radical French student intervenes and inadvertently causes the computer to assassinate a British soldier and the Chinese prisoner he loves.

Theatrical Release: June 25th, 1969

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DVD Review: New Yorker - Region 1 - NTSC

DVD Box Cover		CLICK to order from:
Distribution	New Yorker Video - Region 1 - NTSC
Runtime	1:31:51
Video	1.66:1 Aspect Ratio Average Bitrate: 7.95 mb/s NTSC 720x480 29.97 f/s
	NOTE: The Vertical axis represents the bits transferred per second. The Horizontal is the time in minutes.
Bitrate:
Audio	English (Dolby Digital 2.0)
Subtitles	English, French, None
Features	Release Information: Studio: New Yorker Video Aspect Ratio: Original Aspect Ratio 1.33:1 Edition Details: • Feature length audio commentary by Dr. Joseph Gomez • "Diary of a Unknown Soldier" (1959) a 17 minute amateur film by Peter Watkins • Peter Watkins Filmography • 12 -page collectors booklet featuring a new Peter Watkins auto-interview on The Gladiators. DVD Release Date: March 28th, 2006 Keep Case Chapters: 12

Comments:

Another splendid package from DVD producer Oliver Groom of Project X. Like his Punishment Park and Mai Zetterling's Loving Couples some real effort has been put into this DVD. The image is very strong - in its correct aspect ratio of 1.66 it shows good colors and detail. There are some minor blemishes, mostly in the form of speckles, but they do not detract from the viewing experience. Dr. Gomez' audio commentary is a fabulous step in further appreciating Watkins misunderstood film. He goes into great detail on the metaphoric subtleties of this intelligent offering. Also included are a Watkins short (Diary of a Unknown Soldier) and a nicely appointed liner notes booklet with a Watkins self-interview. Overall the unification of New Yorker and Groom is a very desirous one for film fans and DVD-ophiles. We anticipate great things from the relationship in the future. This is another essential for Watkins fans and those keen on exploring his thought-provoking work.