Spartacus: Vengeance (2012/Anchor Bay Blu-ray
Set)
Picture: B
Sound: B Extras: A Episodes: B
Starz’ action packed Spartacus series continues
with this third season, this time picking up the story from the events that
ended Season One’s Spartacus: Blood and Sand. Due to the illness and subsequent tragic
passing of titular star Andy Whitfield, Season Two’s Gods of the Arena
comprised a prequel tale, describing just how the house of Batiatus
ascended to its lead position as the greatest Ludus (gladiator stable) in all
of Capua. So season three opens with
Liam McIntyre in the role of Spartacus, and while he does not possess quite the
same physical presence as Mr. Whitfield, he does a superb job taking over the
role.
The story picks up with Spartacus and his ragtag band of
escaped gladiators and slaves on the run from Roman pursuers. Action abounds from the very first frame, and
viewers are quickly reminded that every episode of this series literally drips
with blood. Creator and writer Steven S.
DeKnight and his troupe of talented directors make no bones about this. They use blood and gore almost artfully, with
a painterly style that transitions sometimes scenes and never lets the viewer
forget the utter brutality of the times these characters inhabit.
While many folks might focus on the extreme violence in
each episode, this third season features a cleverly crafted plot that offers
more twists and turns than a labyrinth. Lucy
Lawless returns as the conniving Lucretia, widowed and horribly scarred (both
physically and emotionally) in the wake of Batiatus’ murder. Lucretia proves her talent for survival
outweighs any misfortunes fate sends her way, but up until the end, viewers
never quite know which way the plot will take her. And that’s the way it goes for many of this
season’s characters. Craig Parker’s
Glaber seems like a fumbling patsy set up to fail until he turns the tables and
becomes, in his own words, a “monster.”
Romance and reunion run as sub-themes throughout Vengeance. Dustin Clare returns in the role of Gannicus
and must soon navigate an uneasy peace with his ex-trainer and friend Doctore
(Peter Mensah). The two shared the love
of the same woman, and in the wake of her passing (in Gods of the Arena),
Doctore learns of her secret affair with Gannicus. Lovers Crixus (Manu Bennet) and Naevia
(Lesley-Ann Brandt) find each other again, but must overcome the hurdles of the
terrible abuse she suffered at the hands of the Romans.
Special mention should be made for Nick Tarabay’s brilliant
performance as the scheming Ashur. Once a gladiator himself, the Syrian Ashur
now merely seeks his place in the world, and he seeks it in the company of
Glaber and the Romans who hunt Spartacus. The lengths he goes to in securing his
position curdle the blood, and the horrors he visits on Lucretia will test
sensitive viewers.
This three disc set includes plentiful extras: Starz Studios - Spartacus: Vengeance, The Making Of Spartacus: Vengeance, Behind The Camera: Directing The Rebellion,
On The Set With Liam McIntyre, Burning Down The House: The VFX of Episode
205, The Legend of Spartacus, Famous Last Words Bloopers, Spartacus: War of the Damned teaser,
plus the many commentaries from creators, cast, and crew also reveal the care
and passion that went into the making of this series.
While not perfect, Spartacus: Vengeance delivers the
goods when it comes to action, pathos, and genuine fun. Period action and drama fans who don’t mind a
little blood and guts will be richly rewarded by the genuine performances and
clever plot twists in this Starz
original series.
The 1080p 1.78 X 1 digital High Definition image transfer and DTS-HD
MA (Master Audio) 5.1 lossless mix on these Blu-rays are as clean, clear and
stae-of-the-0art as the previous releases, so playback is top rate once again.
For more Spartacus,
try these links:
Blood & Sand:
The Complete First Season
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/10446/Spartacus:+Blood+&+Sand+%E2%80%93+T
Gods Of The Arena
http://www.fulvuedrive-in.com/review/11355/Spartacus:+Gods+Of+The+Arena+(2011/Anc
- Scott Pyle
