The exhilarating, triumphant, and award-winning masterpieces Braveheart and Gladiator have arrived in Limited Edition 4K Blu-ray Steelbooks from Paramount Home Entertainment. The first UHD releases of both of these legendary films arrived in 2018, but 2020 marks milestones for both films. Gladiator is celebrating its 20th anniversary and Braveheart is celebrating its 25th anniversary. What is the best was to commemorate the occasion? Limited Edition Steelbooks!
Gladiator
Originally released on May 5, 2000, director Ridley Scott’s Gladiator is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Also a winner of five Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film is an unparalleled combination of vivid action and extraordinary storytelling. Russell Crowe won the Oscar for Best Actor in a Leading Role for his portrayal of a Roman general who is betrayed by a corrupt prince (Joaquin Phoenix) and comes to Rome as a gladiator to seek revenge. The 4K Steelbook includes access to a digital copy of the film and both theatrical and extended versions of the feature on 4K Ultra HD, along with two separate commentaries. The two Blu-ray Discs included in the set boast over four hours of previously released bonus content, including commentaries on both versions of the film, a comprehensive documentary about the making of the movie, featurettes, deleted scenes, and more.
Gladiator is not only one of the best films ever made, but one of my personal favorites. When I think of this film, the first two things that come to mind are — arguably the greatest movie song ever, ‘Now We Are Free,’ and of course, the rose peddles falling from the sky as the last scene ensues with Maximus and Commodus. You won’t laugh much during this movie, but it’s full of raw emotion, triumph and heart. In Ridley Scott’s long line of great films, this is near the top of his best work and this movie is still iconic today.
This new transfer has benefited in multiple areas from the new 4K scan, especially with the touch of HDR — I don’t know if I can say this is a reference disc, but it’s in the ballpark. I will say that this is something you absolutely have to add to your UHD collection.
Braveheart
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2020, Braveheart won five Academy Awards, including Best Picture. The richly detailed saga of power, passion, and the fight for freedom stars Mel Gibson (who also took home the Oscar for Best Director) as William Wallace, a bold Scotsman who rallies his countrymen to liberation from oppressive English rule. The 4K Steelbook includes access to a digital copy of the film and previously released commentary by Mel Gibson on both the 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray presentations, along with more than two hours of previously released bonus content, including interactive timelines, a making-of documentary, multiple behind-the-scenes featurettes, and more.
Braveheart is an amazing film start to finish — full of emotion. You will laugh, cry, and yes, there is ruthless violence all around it. The acting is top notch and anytime a moment needs to hit, it does so in dramatic fashion. It sends a powerful message and looks amazing in 4K UHD. This is Mel Gibson’s finest work to date and it’s never looked or sounded better. If you’re a fan of this movie, it’s definitely worth the upgrade so make sure you pick it up in the best way possible.
In conclusion —
Taking everything I’ve said into account, Gladiator & Braveheart get my recommendation for an automatic day one purchase — you have to own these in the best way possible. I’m pretty sure most of you picked up these 4K UHD transfers back in 2018, but if you didn’t now is the time to do so. Even better? If you are a fan of steelbooks, these releases are gorgeous. No matter what you decide to do, you can grab a copy at your local retailer on 4K UHD today. Don’t miss out.
Are you a fan of these films? Will you be picking it up to own? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Cheers,
Matt.
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