You can bring another Best Picture winner home in a new Blu-ray series this September. Gladiator will be released on Blu-ray on September 1, the second title to be released in the new Sapphire Series from Paramount Home Entertainment. We don't have pricing details yet, but take a look at the special features and cover art below. The film stars Russell Crowe, Joaquin Phoenix, Oliver Reed, Connie Nielsen, Derek Jacobi and Djimon Hounsou.

Gladiator Blu-ray Disc

In the final days of Marcus Aurelius' reign, the aging emperor arouses his son Commodus' anger when he makes known his wish that Maximus be his successor. Power-hungry Commodus kills his father and orders the death of Maximus. But the latter flees and hides his identity by becoming slave and a gladiator. Eventually, Maximus journeys back to Rome to confront his arch-rival.

Special Features:

  • Audio Commentary-Two separate commentaries accompany the original theatrical version and extended version of the film.
  • - The Scrolls of Knowledge-The original trivia track has been newly enhanced with focus points allowing viewers to access a series of new behind-the-scenes featurettes exploring key scenes and how they relate to the historical accuracy depicted in the film. The extended version of the film also includes a deleted scene marker.
  • - Visions From Elysium: Topic Marker-Viewers can tag moments of interest throughout either version of the film, allowing them to create "shopping lists" of topics to learn more about. Thanks to the Blu-ray player's memory, the topics will automatically be loaded when Disc 2 is inserted, giving viewers immediate access to featurettes and galleries of interest.
  • - Strength And Honor: Creating The World of Gladiator-The definitive documentary on the origin, production and impact of the Oscar-winning classic. The documentary includes an all-new Enhanced Viewing Mode allowing viewers access to additional interviews and behind-the-scenes material.
  • - The Making of Gladiator-HBO First Look special.
  • - Gladiator Games: The Roman Bloodsport-Learning Channel special.
  • - Hans Zimmer: Scoring Gladiator-An exploration of the rousing soundtrack.
  • - My Gladiator Journal-Personal diary of the young actor who played Lucius.
  • - Image & Design-Featurettes and galleries covering the production design, storyboards, costumes and more.
  • - Abandoned Sequences & Deleted Scenes
  • - VFX Explorations: Germania & Rome-Shot deconstruction with the visual effects artists.