Fall Of The Roman Empire DVD Review

We are informed several times throughout the three-hour epic, The Fall of the Roman Empire that Rome wasn’t destroyed in a day. There were several causes over a large amount of time that eventually led to the fall of this successful empire, but in three hours the film only shows us the initial problems that began this fall. This seems a bit long after a while because of the pacing taken in the film. Seeming more content to focus on the impressive technical aspects of the film, there are many long sequences taking full advantage of the spectacle, whether it be in the costumes, set design, or magnificent landscape over what is often a battlefield. There is plenty of war in the film, but the camera meanders along in such a way that the whole process eventually feels dragged out.

These complaints are not uncommon for the costume dramas of the time, often far more concerned with spectacle than content, but there is also some strong content in the film which seems slightly wasted on fairly un-engaging leads. I’m not one to argue against the star qualities of Sophia Loren, who has top billing as the lover of a man robbed of the throne, but she seems more a set piece than a living character in this particular film. The soft cast continues with Stephen Boyd as the heroic protagonist, Livius. Christopher Plummer is only slightly more successful as the villainous Commodus, son of Marcus Aurelius (Alec Guinness), Emperor of Rome. When Marcus Aurelius realizes he is near death he begins to make plans for Livius to take the throne when he passes, so his death is initiated quicker in order to ensure Commodus rules.

Commodus rules a harsh kingdom and before long there are cries of rebellion from his outer kingdoms. Armies turn on him and all of Rome seems at Civil War, but it essentially comes down to a hand-to-hand fight. Even with the simplistic ending, producer Samuel Bronston deserves credit for undertaking such a difficult subject, perhaps still feeling the success of El Cid riding on his back. Unfortunately this isn’t another El Cid, though there are some merits within the epic that are worth discovering.

Released as another entry in The Miriam Collection, The fall of the Roman Empire is given fantastic treatment. Available in a Limited Collector’s Edition that comes with a fancy box, a reproduction of the original 1964 souvenir program and six color production stills. The Limited Collector’s Edition also includes a bonus third disc with a collection of films that were shot on the same set, most likely whenever Bronston wasn’t using it for The Fall of the Roman Empire. It is a nice addition, along with six color production stills, which also come with this exclusive set. Otherwise the film is available with the two-discs.

The film is split onto two discs, because of the length, but the special features are split on both discs as well. On the first disc there is a promotional film from 1964 along with plenty of trailers, galleries and filmographies. On the second disc there is an extensive documentary about the making of the film, as well as several featurettes, mostly about the history. There is also a featurette about Dimitri Tiomkin’s score. Then there is the commentary track with Bill Bronston, son of the legendary producer as well as his biographer, Mel Martin.