300 (DVD)

For those who know nothing about the origins of this movie, I urge you to Google Frank Miller 300 graphic novel. This movie is the vision of the comic book writer/artist and now film director, Frank Miller. Famous for Batman and Daredevil comics produced in the last twenty years approximately. The film is purely based on his comic, NOT on HISTORY! Obviously the fantastical stylistic elements which are artistically rendered in this movie, are his vision of his graphic novel, come to life on the big screen. For those of you who want to learn more about the Real HISTORICAL events, I recommend you read a book, watch the Discovery Knowledge channel, or watch the previous movie (also a fictional account), titled "The 300 Spartans". The CGI fantasy elements are purely for visual indulgences and the entire look of the movie is Frank Millers artistic expression. I personally loved the movie, and thought it was hugely entertaining. The fights were brilliantly choreographed by Jeet Kune Do experts(thats Bruce Lee's style), and the visual eye candy was completely over the top, you had to enjoy it. The limited storyline of course is just a vehicle for the blood and violence, heroism and macho bravery that splashes across the screen. Of course in history, the Greek idea of machismo involved being compulsory homosexual, which the writers left out, but hinted at in the movie. The physiques of the actors were obviously the main draw for the women (and the gays?), in this movie, whilst the action and battles were the reason for the men. The question remains, does this movie satisfy? For a no brainer, yes. For a more intellectual movie, get out The Shooter with Mark Wahlberg.

I think the reason some disliked this movie, was because they did not understand the narrative style and the visual indulgences of the graphic novel. All Frank Miller fans and new fans of his other movie, Sin City, will love this film.

This movie could have been stronger plot-wise, and some scenes omitted, like the one where his wife offers herself to the traitorous council member. As if. This is a blemish on the otherwise honourable theme of the movie. But Frank Miller must have chosen to put that scene in for a reason( don't know what).

All the actors look good, and the make up on the monsters is convincing.The CGI breathtaking and the cinematic epic look of the movie is top notch.

The DVD: 2 disc special edition

The DVD comes with many special features that reveal behind the scenes methods of film making, CGI and also interviews from the actors and stunt team. Even Gerard Butler talks about his training and preparation for the movie regarding his physique. The only thing the DVD seemed to lack was the fantastic trailers which advertised the movie. There were 3 that I saw on the internet, and they were mind bogglingly brilliant. Made everyone excited in anticipation for the movie (the fans mainly). But only one is played in one of the many documentaries on the DVD. But apart from this, I would still give the movie and the DVD 5 out of 5, because you get so many extras on the DVD.

There are full length documentaries on each aspect of making this movie, such as bringing the comic(graphic novel) to life, the screenplay development, creating the blue screen battles. Too many to mention. I bought mine from ebay for £6.01 including p&p. You can get it from VIRGIN, HMV, Amazon.com, DVD.co.uk for about £8.00 for the 2 disc or £6.00 for the single