I've been hesitating on the purchase of this on Criterion it's rather pricey. I' ve read great things about it though. Except for all the extras, is this version all that technically better than Universal's 1998 release, making it worth the 20$ premium ?

Thanks

As an FYI, also available on HD DVD for a much cheaper price than Criterion.

I thought we were not suppose to post about other than dvd's here mister Mod ??? Just joking ;) I agree that it's probably the best but I kinda don't want to buy a HD DVD player just for that :p

Seriuously though, anyone compared both ?

The Criterion version is not an anamorphic release while the Criterion one is. That alone is worth the difference if you want the best picture quality. Add to that the fact that the Criterion version was probably a cleaned up print, your best bet is to go with the Criterion.

The Universal 1998 release is a 2.35 format with dolby 5.1 and that is the one I'm talking about. it was remastered also but was wondering if the Criterion version remaster was that much better.

Thanks for the input

The Universal release is 2.35:1 but it is NOT anamorphic.

I have the Universal release and while at the time it was the best version of the movie you could get, the Criterion version will be better.

Thanx for the info, I guess I,ll try to find a Criterion at discount

The Criterion release states Anamorphic - 2.20:1.

Here's a link to the back cover:
http://www.criteriondvd.com/popup_image_back.php?p=info&item_id=145

The Universal may be cheaper but if it's a film you are really into, I'd think the Criterion, with all the extras, would be worth the extra outlay.

OTOH, is it possible the digital restoration / transfer is identical? They both are 196 minutes; one issued on disk in 1998, the Criterion in 2001. But the Criterion references the "1991 fully restored print".

Against the HD DVD release is that it has no supplements whatsoever. And a few reviewers online have been less than thrilled with the "HDness" of the video -- a suggestion, perhaps, that this is not a spanking new transfer from the 70 mm film?

My two cents: get the Criterion because of all the extra goodies. When you migrate to HD, it will probably still look very good upconverted.

I'm happy with the HD DVD version but .....

It is important to note that 'Spartacus' has been released in two different versions on standard-def DVD, one a movie-only edition via Universal, the other a gargantuan special edition from Criterion. However, while both feature the 196-minute restored cut of the film, they are not minted from the same master. Quite simply, the Criterion version is noticeably superior, with richer colors, better detail and a cleaner print. Unfortunately, this HD DVD version is minted from the same master as the previous Universal release, and it shows.

Hmmm I could just imagine Criterion releasing this on Blu-Ray ( not to get into the war of it, just that I own a PS3, that's all ) I guess Criterion on my Oppo will be great then:D

And thanks James that is what I needed to hear

I own the Criterion version maddog40, and it is simply exquisite.
Much better image quality than the Universal DVD.
I distinctly recall a greenish tinge to the bottom of the frame in some of the gladiator school scenes where they are in their cells.
The Criterion version has none of this.
As mentioned above, the extras disc alone is worth the additional $$$.
I may be biased however, as this is one of my all-time favs.
Keep an eye on ebay. I got mine on there for around $40.

Criterion isn't interested in the HD war (at this moment anyway),

I assume the Criterion version must be 2 discs. The HD DVD version is very good but if i the Criterion for a good price I might pick it up for just the extras.

Actually Criteriondvd has it for 36.95 with free canadian shipping, so considering that all the reviews mention that the extras are worth it almost by themselves and the remaster is one of a kind, I just have to get it then. Will let you guys know how well my Oppo 981 does with it once I get it :)

Criterion HD status:

http://www.criterionco.com/blog/2006_11_01_archive.html#116259362318816373

I rented Criterion edition of Spartacus and made me a backup copy ;) BTW Criterion DVDs are not encrypted.

re: Criterion HD status

So the blog makes it officially unofficial that, unofficially they have no official announcement on which or when HD format. Have I got that right? :rolleyes:

re: Criterion HD status

So the blog makes it officially unofficial that, unofficially they have no official announcement on which or when HD format. Have I got that right? :rolleyes:
Unofficially ? Yes !

Just got a taste of Criterion's work with The Life Aquatic...Love the movie, Bill Murray as always got me, but the Criterion treatment is excellent, rare do I watch a st-dvd tha blows my mind visually, but this through my Oppo 981 is fantastic viewing, waiting for Spartacus now ;)

Just got a taste of Criterion's work with The Life Aquatic...Love the movie, Bill Murray as always got me, but the Criterion treatment is excellent, rare do I watch a st-dvd tha blows my mind visually, but this through my Oppo 981 is fantastic viewing, waiting for Spartacus now ;)

Another spectacular Criterion DVD is The Rock (anamorphic transfer). One of the best PQ SD DVDs in my book.

Another spectacular Criterion DVD is The Rock (anamorphic transfer). One of the best PQ SD DVDs in my book.
As a matter of fact, got the Rock off eBay also, and yes, it is quite the transfer, impeccable and the sound track is awesome, forgot how cool a movie that was.