Me and Aimee started watching Spartacus a few weeks ago. It wasn't on any streaming service, even using a VPN didn't aid our search.
There were some other options available, but the constant broken links/ buffering became such a pain we went in search of physical media.
Two options were available to us. Blu-ray, which cost about €100, or DVDs which were around €40, sealed, and including shipping, so we went for the latter.
They're nicely packaged. The only problem is the spindle for each box holds 8 DVDs a piece, but only 7 of them stay housed so one disc gets thrown around a bit.
We just have to be careful about how they're placed and all is well.
DVDs.... Eww
It feels weird going back to DVDs, because everything is usually so readily available online and on streaming services these days.
Switching discs, title music playing on repeat, and basically using our Xbox as a glorified DVD player kind of feels alien. Also, it gives me the ick.
But, the show is decent and its worth the discomfort of having to use these Frisbee's.
It's Such A Good Show
The dialogue is actually hilarious and has had us laughing our asses off a bunch of times.
Its the lines + the delivery that does it. The cast are brilliant, and it's one of those rare shows where not one person lets it down.
Their version of English seems to get the point out by using quips, and double speak and it comes across as poetic, but the vulgarity of which they say makes it feel gritty and down to earth.
One interaction had us laughing so much. Spartacus compliments Batiatus and agrees to work with him and kind of submit to him in a way, the interaction goes well. Then Spartacus asks a favor in return and Batiatus gets really angry, really fast and says,
"You kiss my cheek to then finger my arsehole!"
Now, if that's not the best way to describe that particular situation, I don't know what is.
We've all been there before, where someone is buttering you up to ready you for some demand, and if I ever catch anyone doing it to me again that will be my reply.
Also, reading between the lines of that particular piece of dialogue can be taken in two ways.
By his cheek, you assume he's talking about his face, as that would be a way to show affection, or he could be - and I think he is - speaking about his ass cheek. Basically, you're kissing my ass only to try and fuck me.
The show is absolutely jam packed with these clever little double entendres, and there are countless idioms that perfectly describe each situation they are used in. There are twists and turns, intrigue, both political, concerning the house of Batiatus, but also intrigue among the gladiators.
I don't think it would shock anyone if I said that I love dialogue, I love clever dialogue, I love two or more characters getting in a room and speaking. I love films, shows, novels and games that use it well and I sometimes get on the edge of my seat, soaking up every word when it's done right, and in this show it's flawless.
There is so much subtext, so many interpretations, and it falls from each character effortlessly. Power dynamics are very plain to see too, which is great also. It shifts from scene to scene, and there is almost a battle waged as they talk with one another. The acting is spot on, the story is so interesting, the fight scenes are well choreographed, and all the tits are good too.
There you go anyway, that's basically my Spartacus review... well, half review, since I've only watched half of the first season.
This was supposed to be a post about buying the DVDs and using these artifacts, but I kind of got carried away while thinking of the show.
