300
(R)
MOVIE: **** (out of 5)
DVD EXPERIENCE: *1/2 (out of 5)
STARRING
Gerard Butler as KING LEONIDAS
Lena Headey as QUEEN GORGO
Dominic West as THERON
David Wenham as DILIOS
Vincent Regan as CAPTAIN
Created by: Zack Snyder
Studio: Warner Bros.
BY KEVIN CARR
After “Sin City” made Frank Miller a bona fide movie star, Zack Snyder set out to adapt his Battle of Thermopylae graphic novel. Taking the same care as Robert Rodriguez did in his incredibly faithful “Sin City” adaptation, Snyder gave us another powerful and visionary film.
There’s more to the film than ancient warriors kicking the snot out of each other, but it definitely serves its purpose there. With a solid message of freedom and fighting the good fight, “300” is an inspiring piece. The effects are fantastic, and the action is mind-blowing. Originally, I feared the story might drag a bit, but I was pleasantly surprised with how engrossing the movie was.
The basic version of the DVD, whether you’re getting the widescreen version or the fullscreen version, comes with a depressingly scant number of special features. Director Zack Snyder lends his voice to a commentary track, as well as a behind-the-scenes featurette as an Easter egg and a sneak preview of the upcoming “Trick ‘r Treat” due out in October, but not nearly worth the purchase of the single-disc set. Go ahead and rent this one (although you might want to get the widescreen for full theatrical effect). However, if you’re gonna put money down to own it, get the double-disc set that includes oodles of special features.