Why So Blu?

Journey Into The Past with Spartacus: Gods of the Arena & Camelot

Today is the day that the Blu-ray Gods have made!  I was walking my dog, Isis, when this email hit my iPhone.  I knew it couldn’t wait until tomorrow to post.  This late breaking news needs to be broken pronto.  I don’t think there is a bigger supporter of the Starz Spartacus series than me.  Yep.  That’s right.  It’s my ego speaking.  You don’t believe me?  Alright, go over to the search box in the upper right hand corner of the site and type in Spartacus.  See how many different posts you get.  Go ahead.  I’ll wait right here.  In the meantime, now that all the naysayers are gone, I’m pleased to report that Anchor Bay Entertainment has announced a September 13th Blu-ray release date for two big titles, Spartacus: Gods of the Arena and Camelot – The Complete First Season.  Pre-order these exciting series now and check out the full press release below.  Do it!

BEVERLY HILLS, CA –Anchor Bay Entertainment announced today that it will release two of the Starz Original series, “Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” and “Camelot – The Complete First Season” on Blu-ray™ and DVD in the U.S. and Canada on September 13, 2011.  Each has become a fan favorite with their unique mix of visceral action, thrilling adventure and revealing romance. Both sets will roll out with extensive bonus features yet to be announced.

“We’re pleased to be bringing both of these series to Blu-ray™ and DVD,” said Kevin J. Carney, Executive Director of Marketing for Anchor Bay Entertainment.  “Releasing both on the same date will give fans a chance to check each series out, catch up on those they’ve missed and prepare for future episodes.”

“Spartacus: Gods of the Arena” is the prequel to the widely popular Starz Original series “Spartacus: Blood and Sand.”  Executive produced by Rob Tapert, Sam Raimi, Joshua Donen and Steven S. DeKnight, the 6 exhilarating episodes explore the House of Batiatus as it rises — basking in the glow of its infamous champion Gannicus, whose skill with a sword is matched only by his thirst for wine and women.  These are the times a young Batiatus has been waiting for. Poised to overthrow his father and take control, he’ll freely betray anyone to ensure his gladiators are in the highest demand.  And he’ll have his loyal and calculating wife, Lucretia, by his side for every underhanded scheme, drawing on the brazen talents of her seductive friend Gaia when it counts.  Together, they will stop at nothing to deceive the masses, seize power and bleed Capua dry.

Joining returning stars, John Hannah (The Mummy, Four Weddings and A Funeral) as Batiatus, Lucy Lawless (“Xena: Warrior Princess”) as Lucretia and Peter Mensah (300, The Incredible Hulk) as Oenomaus, are  talented new cast members Dustin Clare (“Underbelly”) as Gannicus, Jaime Murray (“Hu$tle”) as Gaia and Marisa Ramirez (“General Hospital”) as Melitta.

“Camelot,” premiered April 1, 2011 and was the most watched series debut ever on Starz.  The 10-episode epic drama, redefines the classic medieval tale of King Arthur with an exciting ensemble cast including Joseph Fiennes reimagining the iconic role of Merlin, Jamie Campbell Bower as the young and reckless Arthur, and Eva Green in her television debut as the darkly powerful Morgan. The character-driven series also features Tamsin Egerton (Guinevere), Claire Forlani (Igraine) and Peter Mooney (Kay).  Beginning in the wake of King Uther’s sudden death, the sorcerer Merlin has visions of a dark future and installs Arthur as king.  But Arthur’s cold and ambitious half-sister Morgan will fight him to the bitter end for control of the crown.  Faced with the challenge of uniting a kingdom broken by war and steeped in deception, Arthur is tested beyond imagination.