Gladiator Theatrical vs Extended

[GreenScar]

I'm wondering if someone could tell me what the differences are between Gladiator Theatrical and Gladiator Extended Edition. I've never seen the extended but I know that Ridley Scott does really good extended editions.

Thanks!

[Jokerboy649]

I actually prefer the original cut to the extended this time around. It just adds more footage at certain parts nothing special or amazing that I recall.

[danbrch]

I bet the BD release will have the extended version only.

[GreenScar]

Originally Posted by danbrch

I bet the BD release will have the extended version only.

I read it would have both with branching

[ZMan]

Originally Posted by jasonbird

I read it would have both with branching

I hope so! Either way it's a must buy!

[clownface]

Originally Posted by ZMan

I hope so! Either way it's a must buy!

I agree, Gladiator & Hero are two of my most wanted Blu ray's.

[Marine Mike]

I'm not really all that concerned as its not that big of a difference unlike LOTR.

[Eagle_23]

" What does the Extended Edition have to offer over the theatrical version? First of all, I think it's interesting to note that in his introduction to the Extended Edition, director Ridley Scott explicitly tells the viewer that this is not the "director's cut": that in fact the theatrical version is the director's cut. The Extended Edition, then, doesn't represent his ideal film; it's simply an edition that includes a number of previously deleted scenes.

In terms of added running time, the added material is not particularly extensive, running a total of about 17 minutes. It's split up into a number of different scenes, most of them fairly short; some of these scenes are extensions of existing ones, while others are completely new. For instance, we get a scene with Maximus touring the camp hospital after the first battle; a meeting with Lucilla and Gracchus discussing Commodus' madness; Commodus presiding over an execution; and others. A list of the additional scenes can be accessed through the Supplements menu on the Theatrical Edition: a "deleted scene index" provides a capsule description of each scene, and selecting it will play the new scene. About two-thirds of the new scenes were presented in the deleted scenes section of the earlier edition of this film: "Battle Aftermath," "Looking for Strength," "Dye Market," "Meeting at Gracchus' House," "Father and Son," "The Execution," "Spies Close In," "Another Enemy," and "Fighting with Fire."

Four completely new scenes are also included in the Extended Edition: "The Scribe," in which a hapless new gladiator recruit gets some advice; "Stage Directions," in which Maximus is advised to entertain the crowd; "Grain Reserves," providing a new insight into Commodus' madness; and "Quintus Obeys," adding a bit more substance to a scene near the end of the film. In addition, there's at least one very short unmentioned additional shot worked into the Extended Edition; I noticed a brief glimpse of Proximo's giraffes.

The effect of the additional material on the film is subtle but positive. I felt that the characters gained in depth from the new material, with both Maximus and Commodus becoming slightly more well-rounded as characters in this cut of the film. I also found the situation in Rome to be more clearly explained, so it makes more sense why the senators would be conspiring to depose Commodus. It may not be the "director's cut," but all in all I'd say that the extended version is slightly better than the theatrical cut. "

^^^ from http://www.dvdtalk.com/reviews/17521...ended-edition/

[Eagle_23]

Personally though I more so enjoy the Extended Edition. My reasons are simply for the additional scene where Commodus executes those two men. Chilling scene. As well the scene where Lucilla meats w/ Gracchus to discuss how Commodus is paying for the games etc.... Overall the additional scenes as few and short as they are just seem to better expand on the characters of everyone particularly Commodus.

[Mr. HiDef]

Originally Posted by Marine Mike

I'm not really all that concerned as its not that big of a difference unlike LOTR.

+1 the extended doesnt make the movie a totally deff story like lotr does so either way its a must buy

[AlanClarke]

Originally Posted by Eagle_23

I noticed a brief glimpse of Proximo's giraffe

Originally Posted by Eagle_23

the scene where Lucilla meats w/ Gracchus