In 2010 the Starz channel unleashed blood soaked gladiators on the world with Spartacus: Blood and Sand. The series was inspired by the life of historical figure Spartacus and follows his obscure early life leading up the beginning of the historical records.
The series was unlike anything on television at the time featuring graphic sex, violence, and plenty of blood to satisfy any gore hound. The show took you right into the world and paid close attention to detail to bring this period piece to life. The cast all did a great job bringing these characters to life as well as developed chemistry amongst each other rarely seen in a series. While most of the blood and back drops seemed to use a lot of CGI it still delivered really well thanks to the attention to detail and clear high end budget. Visually the series played like a big budget film, using some clever and unique visual styles to bring the battle sequences to life. The popular slow motion fighting effects are used a plenty here, but unlike some of the tired over the top uses, seems to enhance the more personal battles used in the arenas. With this type of series they could have easily just kept the main focus on the gladiator fights, but instead made a point to add plenty of betrayal, heart, and in-depth growth to every character on screen.
There are plenty of characters to like, but even more to hate thus making this show even more enjoyable all around. This first season features a great cast including the relative unknown Andy Whitfield as Spartacus as well as Lucy Lawless, John Hannah, Manu Bennett, Jai Courtney, Peter Mensah and many more. This brilliant first season is from Anchor Bay Entertainment is available on Blu-ray and DVD and features a beautiful high-def transfer of all 13 episodes, bloopers, trailers, commentary, numerous behind the scenes featurettes, and director’s cut episodes.
This great collection is available now and don’t forget to pick up the other great additions to this unique series including the prequel series Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and season two Spartacus: Vengeance.
Be sure to be on the lookout for the third and final season Spartacus: War of the Damned when it premieres on January 25th on STARZ.
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