Barnes & Noble

Blockbuster-averse critics unleashed their brickbats on Troy, yet this opulent Homerian epic is far from the crashing bore some said it was. In fact, the film will provide solid entertainment for viewers prepared to overlook flaws that are almost endemic to such sweeping period epics (such as accents that are all over the place). From a production standpoint, it’s simply spectacular: The fabled siege of Troy materializes on screen with scrupulous attention to detail, and expert use of computer-generated graphics enhances the illusion that vast throngs of warriors are slinging arrows and swinging broadswords. Brad Pitt acquits himself with distinction as the mighty Achilles; the erstwhile pretty boy invests the role with just the right mixture of determination and arrogance, bringing conviction to his battle scenes by virtue of a newly chiseled physique and some impressive moves perfected during months of rigorous training. David Benioff's adaptation of Homer captures all the high points, beginning with the betrayal of Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson) by his beautiful wife, Helen (Diane Kruger), and her lover, Paris (Orlando Bloom), the son of Troy's ruler, Priam (Peter O'Toole). This is just the excuse needed by power-mad Agamemnon (Brian Cox) to launch his long-desired war against the Trojans, whose capable prince, Hector (Eric Bana), alone recognizes the potential threat posed by the invaders to the seemingly impregnable city. Director Wolfgang Petersen obviously faced considerable challenges in bringing this familiar story to the screen. One, it’s fair to say, is that Kruger fails to meet the challenge of playing the woman whose face "launched a thousand ships." Still, the movie's tone is right, which counts for a great deal when working with material that lends itself so readily to campy interpretations. Troy is far from perfect, yet it may well be the best cinematic version to date of this oft-filmed tale. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

Homer's sprawling tale of love and war in ancient Greece comes to the screen in all its grandeur in this epic-scale adventure. In 1193 B.C., Paris, Prince of Troy (Orlando Bloom), has fallen in love; however, the beautiful woman who has beguiled him is Helen, Queen of Sparta (Diane Kruger), who is wed to King Menelaus (Brendan Gleeson). While Helen is hardly immune to Paris' charms, this doesn't blunt Menelaus' fury when Paris steals her away from him. Menelaus' brother Agamemnon (Brian Cox), the power-hungry king of the Mycenaeans, is eager to expand his empire through Troy to the lands of the Aegean Sea, and he uses Paris' romantic slight against Menelaus as an excuse to wage an all-out war against the great walled city. Priam, King of Troy (Peter O'Toole), summons his armies, led by Prince Hector (Eric Bana), to meet the onslaught of Agamemnon's forces, but while the great city has yet to yield in a battle, Agamemnon has a formidable ally -- Achilles (Brad Pitt), a mighty and seemingly unstoppable warrior whose presence could tip the scales in Agamemnon's favor. Sean Bean, Julie Christie, Saffron Burrows, and Rose Byrne highlight the film's supporting cast. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 085392841127
• Source: WARNER HOME VIDEO
• Region Code: 1
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby AC-3 Surround Sound
• Editions: Subtitled, Dubbed
• Time: 2:42:00
• Sales Rank: 961

This DVD is also available as part of a box set:

• Troy / National Geographic: beyond the Movie - Troy
• Best of Blu-Ray: Action

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