Blu-Ray Review: HBO’s Epic ‘Rome’ Released in HD Series Set

CHICAGO – Just in time for holiday shopping, HBO has released both seasons of the epic “Rome” in one gorgeously-packaged Blu-Ray set with all 22 episodes and bonus material including audio commentaries and behind-the-scenes featurettes. Whatever you may think of the show, “Rome” was one of the most beautifully designed programs of the decade and a perfect fit for 1080p.

Blu-Ray Rating: 4.0/5.0

The winner of seven Emmy Awards takes place four hundred years after the founding of the Republic. Rome is brought vividly to life as an allegory for power struggles in any era. In the show, the days of shared power has come to an end and everyone is fighting for their part of the new structure - it’s the perfect backdrop for betrayal, excess, and corruption.

Blending historical figures like Julius Caesar, Marc Antony, and Cleopatra with their own narratives, “Rome” was a gorgeous blend of style and substance. Yes, it was sometimes a bit too complicated for its own good with more speaking parts in one episode than a lot of dramas have in an entire season, but it’s hard to get down on a show for being too ambitious when so few programs think to color outside of the lines.

Rome: The Complete Series was released on DVD and Blu-Ray on November 17th, 2009.
Photo credit: HBO Home Video

“Rome” was canceled far too early but I suspect that it will be a show that will be looked back on for a variety of reasons, including the debut of several young actors. Kevin McKidd (who played Lucius Vorenus) is a very talented young star who has already gone to his own show (the canceled “Journeyman”) and now co-stars on one of the biggest shows on television (“Grey’s Anatomy”). His co-lead, Ray Stevenson (Titus Pullo) has been all over the big screen, taking the title role in “Punisher: War Zone” and appearing in “Cirque du Freak” and the upcoming “The Book of Eli”. Ciaran Hinds and Polly Walker ruled before “Rome” and continue to rule. The intricate design of “Rome” got most of the press, but the cast deserves praise as well.

Of course, in 1080p, it’s the stunning visuals of HBO’s program that registers the most. The episodes not only look amazing but have been accompanied by English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks. Special features include a Blu-Ray exclusive, in-depth, interactive on-screen guide prepared by the show’s historical consultant called “All Roads Lead to Rome,” and “Bloodlines,” another on-screen guide to help you keep track of the connections between the soldiers, senate, and families of Rome.

Previously available and imported special features include 13 audio commentaries with cast and crew, 4 behind the scenes featurettes exploring the production, 3 featurettes examining the history of Rome, 2 featurettes detailing the creation of two pivotal scenes, and more.

Finally, “Rome” is housed in one of the coolest-looking Blu-Ray packages to date, feeling more like a hardcover novel in your hands than a flimsy DVD case.

When the story of HBO in the ’00s is written, most people will remember “The Sopranos,” “The Wire,” “Deadwood,” “Six Feet Under,” and “Curb Your Enthusiasm” (with a few fans of “Big Love” probably in the mix). It feels like “Rome,” largely due to its too-brief run, is getting swept under the rug. This gorgeous complete series set should go a long way toward bringing this underrated program back into the conversation.

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com brian@hollywoodchicago.com