The 300 Spartans

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The futile yet inspiring stand of 300 Greek soldiers against the hugest army ever assembled in the ancient world inspired this typical example of Hollywood epic movie-making. King Leonidas of Sparta (Richard Egan, Demetrius and the Gladiators), prevented by political squabbling from sending his entire army to defend the narrow pass of Thermopylae, sets out with his personal bodyguard to fight off the ambitious Persian king, Xerxes. Along the way are a pair of young lovers, scantily clad dancing girls, and treachery though a secret mountain path. The 300 Spartans, made in 1961, has an overstated cold war subtext--there's much talk of freedom vs. slavery--and there are a few too many shots of armored men marching through the Greek countryside, but the historical conflict has a fundamentally stirring quality. Also featuring Sir Ralph Richardson (Dr. Zhivago, Dragonslayer) as a wily Athenian politician. --Bret Fetzer

Customer Reviews:

A good, but not great epic.......2007-06-24

I've watched this DVD 3 or 4 times, which I wouldn't have done if I didn't like it.

It's in between an A and B movie - Cinemasope, color and location shooting are the "A" part, mid-level actors and budget are limiting factors. The love story is a bit of a tack on, but it is handled reasonably well.

Notably, this is a fairly accurate account of the battle and the events that led up to it. The Greeks did ultimately defeat the Persians under Xerxes, and this was a key event in western history.

I actually like that that movie did not have a blockbuster budget, the battle has to be shown on a small scale, making it more personal. Note the final scene, which is historically accurate. If you are an American, you might remember the Alamo.

Well worth it if you like this this sort of movie. For the more casual viewer, try "Cleopatra", (Elizabeth Taylor, ca. 1963), or "Spartacus", also ca. 1963.

Do not confuse this with the ordinary "sword and toga" B Movies hollywood churned out in the late 1950's and early '60's.

Spartan portrayal of Spartans.......2007-06-02

The writers and producers of The 300 Spartans had their hearts in the right place when they set about to make this film in the swords and sandals era. They included many "facts" (history back then was as much an art form as a journalistic one) of the event and filmed on location. Overall, however, it reeks of limited budget. Film stock was not the best. The typical we-must-use-an-American-lead-and-all-other-Greeks-must-have-British-accents casting is the greatest weakness. But for those who can't be bothered picking up a history book or using their imaginations, this flick comes closer to the truth than the very stylized '300' of Frank Miller. That film is an exercise in pure, over-the-top entertainment that cares not a whit that the battle had no giants, rhinos, or African elephants (from Persia?). Better casting, more Tarentinoesque gore, and more of the bravado of the most macho battalion of soldiers the world has ever seen would have pushed this film to four stars in my estimation. If you're a reader and love ancient warfare, seek out my novel To Move the World.

300 spartans.......2007-05-19

i bought this movie to compare with the 300. not even in the same universe. this is so poorly acted and directed that its awonder anyone would put their names on it. the story of the spartans at Thermopylae is so big and compelling you wouldnt think a director and actors could make it so small and comical.

The 300 Spartans.......2007-05-14

This was a great movie to preview in conjunction with the current 300 movie. It showed the tremendous technoloy differences from the 1960's to the present time.

Good to OK.......2007-05-13

Good plot/history detail, bad combat action sequences. The SCA could have done much better in this film than Hollywood. 300 the movie is better.

300 Spartan Workout DVD- The Original Workout to Achieve the 300 Movie Body!

Average customer rating:

good marketing ploy
NOT THE REAL 300!!!! WORKOUT
How...commercial
Great Video not worth 40 dollars but its good
Good workout -am seeing results

300 Spartan Workout DVD- The Original Workout to Achieve the 300 Movie Body!
Starring: Steve Maxwell
Director: Paul F Viele
Manufacturer: Spartanseries.com
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000T5P3VM
Release Date: 2007-04-20

Product Description

Be prepared for the most incredible full body workout you will ever experience! The 300 Spartan Workout is taking the world by storm and is widely acclaimed for producing amazing results within a short period of time. By using natural body weight conditioning exercises and a unique, non-stop superset concept, the 300 Spartan Workout unleashes your natural growth hormones and jump starts an incredible fat burning metabolism change that will create a powerful, ripped and chiseled look to your body. World Class strength and conditioning trainer, Steve Maxwell, has created 3 different workout levels for the 300 Spartan, so regardless of your present physical condition you can reap the benefits of this amazing workout routine and get started now! For each workout level basic, intermediate and advanced, Steve teaches all of the exercises individually so you can learn to perform them correctly during the actual 300 Spartan workout. Then Steve takes you through the entire 300 routine so you can see how the workout should be performed from start to finish. People all over the world are raving about the gains they are achieving by using this highly effective method of training. This DVD is region free and will work on any player in the World!

Customer Reviews:

good marketing ploy.......2007-08-26

For those who are looking the original 300 workout that the stars of the movie used are on mens health website or just put 300 workout on google and the workout is there for free. Now on to the review he does mention the spartans in the beginning section but what marketing I am sure he got his money out of everybody with this workout routine. The reason I gave it two stars is because I finally found an alternative to the hindu push up when I get tired of doing them the regular way. Steve maxwell clearly tricked everyone his kettlebell dvd's were fairly good and then this dvd comes out shame on you. I wish I had seen some reviews of this overpriced dvd before I bought it my mother watched it as I have some of my packages go to their house and she even said that this man was full of it. Bad dvd buy mark delisle, semperfit, or the pit workout much better.

NOT THE REAL 300!!!! WORKOUT.......2007-08-25

For some strange reason people believe that it is okay to TRICK people into buying their products. Usually I am more of a discerning shopper, I actually read the reviews before I purchase any item that costs 40.00. However, I was so caught up in the excitement of 300 that I didn't do my research and find the real one for free online. (men's health) I am pissed, this is NOT THAT WORKOUT, if you are looking for something that you may have not done before and are not sure about the results, and/or you have some time to waste or are not already serious about your workout by all means purchasse this dvd.

How...commercial.......2007-08-21

The film 300 has been nothing short of sensation (and rightly so). Still, there are always freeloaders willing to take advantage of another's success, and this video is most certainly one. I don't know who Steve Maxwell is, and while I'm sure he's a talented martial artist and athlete, this guy most certainly is NOT one of the trainers that worked with the cast of the 300 picture.

The truth is, just about any solid workout if done properly (with correct technique and holding nothing back) will give you results. Much to the general public's dismay, looking good takes discipline and a lot of hard work, and that's really about it. I'm sure this workout is a solid one; I just find its parasitic, almost false advertising, offensive.

For those interested in the trainers that ACTUALLY worked on the film, 300, their website is: [...]

Great Video not worth 40 dollars but its good.......2007-08-14

This is a great DVD, Steve Maxwell explains it better than you can imagine and from different angles, it is just overall great, its not worth 40 dollars but i split it with 3 of my friends so its ok.

Good workout -am seeing results.......2007-08-09

This type of training has really taken the fitness world by storm and is highly effective for men as it raises the testosterone levels. This is the same style of training that was used to get the actors in 300 is such great shape. It is important however to do the right type of exercises in the right sequence or you will not be able to sustain the correct level of intensity for maximum effect. Maxwell in fact does a great job on this DVD teaching this same style of Spartan training because he really knows this type of training and is a highly regarded strength coach. I have some of his Kettlebell DVDs and the guy is very knowledgeable and in amazing shape. Steve breaks the training down into three levels with superset exercises. He takes a very kinetic approach and I have seen some awesome results using this workout. In only about 3 weeks, I have jumped from being able to perform 7 pull ups in a row to 15. That's double! My endurance has also jumped quite nicely. I am still working on the first level and will not most likely not see level 3 for quite some time. If you can get past the whole Spartan thing, you will really like the workout. I am waiting for a more in depth DVD at this type of training to come out after the 300 movie dies down.

300 Exclusive 2-disc Limited Edition with Spartan Helmet Replica

Average customer rating:

300 Exclusive 2-disc Limited Edition with Spartan Helmet Replica

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

2- Disc set (Widescreen version of the film)
Commentary tracks, featurettes, trailers, webisodes, deleted scenes, and much more!
Exclusive: Expertly detailed Spartan helmet replica
Exclusive: Bonus card art
Housed in an attractive box with a clear window for viewing Spartan helmet replica

ASIN: B000UJLRSK

Product Description

Director Zach Snyder's adaptation of Frank Miller's 300 bursts on the screen in a 2 DVD set bleeding with bonus features! 2 Disc set includes widescreen version of the film, commentary tracks, featurettes, deleted scenes, webisodes, trailers, and lots more! Also includes in this special package is a replica of the Spartan helmet worn by the warriors, plus bonus art cards from the graphic novel! Housed inside of a stunning box with a clear window to view the detailed Spartan helmet.

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The Making Of 300
Starring: Lena Headey , Rodrigo Santaro , David Wenham , and Dominic West
Director: Zack Snyder
Manufacturer: Warner Bros
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Product Features:

Production Design
Cast Interviews
Adapting 300
Stunt Work
Creatures

ASIN: B000SNKJHI

Product Description

Exclusive Bonus DVD with over 30 minutes of Behind-The-Scenes footage. A SNEAK PEAK AT 300: Exclusive look inside 300 with behind-the-scenes footage. FIRST LOOK: Director Zack Snyder provides a glimpse into the amazing world of 300 and discusses the process and challenges of bringing the graphic novel to life. PRODUCTION DESIGN: A first glance at the set designs and the inspiration behind them. TRAINING: Inside look at the intensive and rigorous excercise program the actors went through prior to filming. WARDROBE: Learn about the creative process involved in creating a wardrobe insoired by the painterly pages of the graphic novel. STUNT WORK: An in-depth look at the amazing amount of stunt work that was required while making 300. CREATURES: The story brhind the make-up, latex, and creative blood that transformed Frank Miller's artwork to the screen. ADAPTING 300: Frank Miller and Zack Snyder give new insights into the process of translating Miller's vision of the tale into a motion picture. SPARTAN CULTURE: Learn about Spartan Society and training rituals. INTERVIEWS WITH THE CAST: Gerard Butler, Lena Headey and Rodrigo Santaro each describe his/her role in the film. 300 MARCH TO GLORY: Asneak peak of the new videogame. 300 MOBILE GAME TRAILER

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300 Spartans

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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