Plot: What’s it about?
In 2006 a little movie based off a graphic novel hit theaters. It starred a then very unknown Gerard Butler and the movie was called, simply 300. History buffs will know the number as the battle of King Leonidas and his 300 men as they fought the Persians at Thermopylae. This ill-fated battle was a visual feast for the eyes and employed some visual effects that have set a new standard in films today. Granted every actor had an airbrushed six pack, the women look like models and there was blood and gore galore, but hey – that’s the fun of films like this, no? Since then Gerard Butler has gone onto become a pretty major star and director Zack Snyder (known mostly at the time for directing 2004’s Dawn of the Dead) has helmed such “A” list titles as Sucker Punch, Watchmen and the Superman reboot – Man of Steel. However Hollywood is all about money and if one movie can make it, then a sequel should as well, right? Actually this isn’t so much a sequel in the literal sense as the film takes place around the same time as the original. Let’s dive in and see what’s what.
Those familiar with 300 (and I have to assume if you’re reading this, then you are) will no doubt remember its ending. 300: Rise of an Empire essentially takes up right where its predecessor left off and literally fights the same fight. We meet Greek General Themistokles (Sullivan Stapleton) as he assembles his troops to fend off the Persians. Led by Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) and his right-hand woman, Artemisia (Eva Green), they’re poised to conquer the Greeks. Artemisia assembles a fleet of ships while Themistokles rallies the troops to fight them off. However Leonidias’ wife, Queen Gorgo (Lena Headey) isn’t willing to sacrifice any more of her men to assist in the battle. With the seemingly un-winnable duo of Artemisia and Themistokles, will the Greek’s persevere and pull off a victory or are they destined to submit to defeat?
I’m certainly no studio executive, but I have to imagine their thought process was “If audiences liked 300, they’ll love 300: Rise of an Empire” and in a way, I think they did. While not critically-acclaimed to the extent that 300 was, there is merit in this film. Yes, it’s depiction of blood and gore can be a bit of a turn off (my wife was a bit disgusted while watching it), this is the kind of movie that you just sit back and be entertained. I’ve been a big fan of Eva Green since I saw her in Casino Royale and she’s made a name for herself in other mainstream films like Kingdom of Heaven, The Golden Compass and Dark Shadows. The film delivers more of the same, but not to the same visual acuity that made the original such a success. Still, it’s entertaining and offers top notch video and audio treatments so by all means, check it out.
Video: How’s it look?
To say that this film has a stylized look and feel is somewhat of an understatement as those familiar with its predecessor, 300, will know that it’s a very unique visual experience. Zack Snyder, who helmed 300, stayed pretty true to Frank Miller’s vision from the graphic novel, however Noam Murro hasn’t been as faithful. Still, the 2.40:1 AVC HD image is something to behold be it in 2D or 3D. Colors are bold and striking, though the palette is extremely dark and polarized. Those that enjoyed the chiseled, six pack abs on the males in the original will be at home here, but thankfully Eva Green has a topless scene that should balance the audience out nicely. Given the nature of the presentation, it’s hard to tell if any errors exist – from what I can see, the don’t. This is a breathtaking image and if you can get past the glory (and fake) violence, it’s truly a sight to behold.
Audio: How’s it sound?
Those expecting a robust DTS HD Master Audio soundtrack will be rewarded here as this track literally rocks from beginning to end. The thump of the soundtrack, the arrows whizzing by and the overall sound of battle simply dominate this mix during the entire 102 minutes. Vocals are rich and deep, especially on the male actors, though this is intentional is conveys an environment that’s suiting to the film. Surrounds are almost constantly active and adding some sort of input to the scenes and the LFE are heavily involved as well. Suffice it to say that those that enjoyed the mix on 300 will be treated to more of the same here as it gives your speakers quite the workout.
Supplements: What are the extras?
Though probably not the cash cow that Warner hoped, 300: Rise of an Empire did do some respectable business. This seems to be a film that’s tailor made for the home video arena and while the supplements aren’t too immersive, there’s a nice array in this two disc set.
- Behind the Scenes: The 300 Effect – This actually contains a quartet of shorter featurettes that all essentially focus on the same thing – the visual look and feel of the film as well as the production of the film. Creator Frank Miller and 300 director Zack Snyder have collaborated and we see everything that’s included in this film.
- Real Leaders & Legends – I’d commented above that I wasn’t really sure how historically accurate that this film was and my suspicions were confirmed as we get some real experts on the battle and we get almost a shot by shot breakdown of some battle scenes.
- Women Warriors – As the two main (or only) females in the cast, Eva Green’s Artemisia and Lena Headey’s Queen Gorgo are both featured here. It’s never a bad thing to have two leading ladies that look as these two actresses to.
- Savage Warships – We get a look at some of the sets that were used during some of the sea battles and a bit of history and information on the “real” ships used at the time. I found this to be pretty interesting.
- Becoming a Warrior – This is essentially stunts and the actors training for their respective roles.
- DVD/UltraViolet Copy
