“Spartacus has it all. A brilliantly told tale comes to a spectacular end.”
Phelim O’Neill, The Guardian Guide
On DVD & Blu-Ray 29th April 2013
Fast sell:
One of the all-time great TV epics of our lifetime comes to an end as Spartacus: War of the Damned comes to DVD and Blu-ray 29th April 2013. Also released the same day is The Spartacus Collection featuring all four epic series.
This final season of the most ambitious historical drama series ever made thrills with an unequalled blend of action and lust wielded by awe-inspiring characters in such ruthless fashion as to leave one riddled with suspense and excitement building to a climax that only Spartacus would dare deliver.
Key talent:
Stars Liam McIntyre (The Pacific), Manu Bennett (The Hobbit; 30 Days of Night), Peter Mensah (True Blood; 300), Dustin Clare (Spartacus: Gods of the Arena) and Anna Hutchinson (The Cabin in the Woods).
Synopsis:
Gaius Claudius Glaber is dead. Many months have passed since his defeat, and the rebel army, led by Spartacus and his generals Crixus, Gannicus and Agron, continue to amass victories over Rome. With the rebel numbers swelling to thousands of freed slaves, Spartacus is more determined than ever to bring down the entire Roman Republic. Following Ashur’s death, Naevia and Crixus fight as one. Together, the rebels engage in one bloody skirmish after another and prepare for the inevitable: a full out war with Rome.
The Roman Senate turns to Marcus Crassus, a wealthy, strategic politician, for aid. He respects his opponent and refuses to make the same mistakes Glaber and his predecessors have. With a young and fiercely competitive Julius Caesar as an ally, Crassus is determined to crush Spartacus and his rebellion. The epic conclusion of a legendary journey, Spartacus: War of the Damned will unleash a battle unlike anything ever seen before.
We like it because:
Widely celebrated as a groundbreaking television series alongside the likes of Breaking Bad, The Sopranos and The Wire, the ‘Spartacus’ franchise has become an essential addition to everyone’s perfect boxset collection. Not only does it excite with its endearing characters and arresting passion, Spartacus also has the most sublime story arc of any great television drama that is delivered perfectly by actors at the top of their game, relishing beautifully crafted scripts that are sharp with suspense, wit and sublime treachery.
The quality of the performances and writing are further matched with impressive production values, stunning cinematography and jaw-droppingly impressive battle sequences that make this the most cinematic show on TV.
Along with the previous seasons, Spartacus: War of the Damned is not only must-see but must-own television that rewards with repeated viewings.
Editor's Notes:
Spartacus: War of the Damned arrives on DVD (ABD1088, RRP £39.99) and Blu-ray (ABB8111, RRP £49.99) on 29th April 2013.
The Spartacus Collection (Blood and Sand, Gods of the Arena, Vengeance and War of the Damned) also comes to DVD (ABD104, RRP £69.99) and Blu-ray (ABB8087, RRP £84.99) on the same day.
War of the Damned concludes the story of Spartacus that began in 2009 with Blood and Sand and ran through two additional seasons, Gods of the Arena (a six episode prequel) and Vengeance. All told a run of four years and 39 hour long on-air episodes.
Spartacus: War of the Damned is the conclusion of the Spartacus TV saga. With a visual style completely unique to television, the franchise has amassed both critical and popular acclaim. Globally, the series have aired in 150 countries in more than 15 languages.
On this being the final season of this enormously popular franchise: “The fans have been tremendously supportive of our show,” says creator and executive producer, Steven S. DeKnight. “We did not come to this decision lightly. It was an extremely difficult and emotional decision for my partners and I. Yet, in the end, the story was best served by rolling all of the remaining action and drama of Spartacus' journey into one stunningly epic season that will be extremely satisfying for everyone who's been along for the ride."
“Steven DeKnight, Rob Tapert, Josh Donen and Sam Raimi have made one of the most groundbreaking shows we have ever seen,” says Starz CEO Chris Albrecht. "’Spartacus’ is a landmark series for the network which has enthralled millions of viewers and fans around the world. We are in agreement with our partners in the decision to conclude the story after ‘War of the Damned,’ as we believe it is the best way to maintain the integrity of the series and secure its legacy. While everyone may know the fate of Spartacus, we believe this will be a spectacular season that will startle, amaze and honor the legions of fans.”
Thom Leaman, Marketing Manager from Anchor Bay Entertainment said “We are delighted to be bringing the epic finale of Spartacus: War of the Damned to DVD and Blu-ray. Spartacus has continually rewritten the rule book as far as primetime TV goes - but I think it’s fair to say they’ve saved the best till last. Going out with a bang doesn’t even cut it! We’re incredibly proud to be part of this legacy of larger than life storytelling and we hope Spartacus fans will help us celebrate the breath-taking end to one of the most popular shows on the planet.”
About Anchor Bay Entertainment
Anchor Bay Entertainment is a leading home entertainment company. Anchor Bay acquires and distributes feature films, original television programming including STARZ Original series, children's entertainment, anime (Manga Entertainment), fitness (Anchor Bay Fitness), sports, and other filmed entertainment on DVD and Blu-ray™ formats. The company has long term distribution agreements in place for select programming with AMC Networks, RADiUS, and The Weinstein Company. Headquartered in Beverly Hills, CA, Anchor Bay Entertainment has offices in Troy, MI, as well as Canada, the United Kingdom and Australia. Anchor Bay Entertainment (www.anchorbayentertainment.com) is a Starz (NASDAQ: STRZA, STRZB) business, www.starz.com.
