DVD Review: '300'

Frank Miller's graphic novel about the 480 B.C. Battle of Thermopylae hit the silver screen earlier this year in "300,” directed by Zack Snyder. While Snyder didn't make a shot-for-shot remake of the book, "300” comes close to Miller's vision and became something of a surprise hit.

When Persian armies led by Xerxes (Rodrigo Santoro) demand Sparta's surrender, King Leonidas (Gerard Butler) seeks to defend his land. However, political machinations and bribery keep Leonidas from being able to send the Spartan army. So, he takes 300 of his personal guards to the "Hot Gates,” a thin coastal passage at which the Persians' massive numbers would not be an overwhelming advantage.

"300” drew criticism from many sides; its takes on politics, sex and race were all questioned. Ultimately, however, "300” works as an excessive, hyper-real, blood-soaked thrill.

Special features: Audio commentary with Snyder, writer Kurt Johnstad and director of photography Larry Fong; deleted scenes introduced by Snyder; "The 300: Fact or Fiction” features historians and others discussing how much of the film is factual; "Who Were the Spartans?” looks at Spartan life; Webisodes provide a behind-the-scenes look at the filmmaking; "The Frank Miller Tapes” looks at the popular graphic novelist; a photo gallery shows production stills from the making of the film.

— Matthew Price