Troy DVD Bonus Features
This Epic Drama About Power and Love Stars Brad Pitt and Eric Bana
Jul 1, 2009
This visually stunning adaptation of Homer’s epic poem “The Illiad” combines action, romance, drama, and history.
Synopsis of Troy
Based on the ancient battle between the Greeks and the Trojans, Troy features bloody battles, ruthless struggles for power, unrelenting thirst for revenge, and glorious scenes of love. Although romance lies at the heart of the story, clanging swords and fierce fighting overshadow the gentler theme of love.
Most noted for its spectacular battle scenes, outstanding costume designs (which were nominated for an Academy Award) and buff star Brad Pitt (who added 20 pounds of muscle for his role as Achilles), Troy explores the human desire for love, power, and immortality. Eric Bana takes on the role of Prince Hector, the one man brave enough to challenge Achilles. Orlando Bloom and Diane Kruger portray Paris and Helen, the two lovers who ignite a devastating war because of their impetuous actions.
Troy DVD Bonus Features
The first disc in this two-disc edition contains the movie itself with selections of English and French dubbing, and English, French, and Spanish subtitles. The second disc contains informative features about what went on behind the scenes of Troy. Each feature includes interviews with the key figures such as the director, screenwriter, and stars. These aren’t five-minute fillers, but highly entertaining documentary features for film lovers who want all the moviemaking secrets revealed.
“In the Thick of Battle”
This feature explores how the filmmakers created the battle scenes and crafted the weapons. Pitt and Bana did their own fighting (being extra careful not to mar each other’s handsome faces), and hundreds of extras were taught the basics of ancient weaponry and military strategy. As Achilles, Pitt suffered an injury to his Achilles tendon on the set that shut down filming for a couple of weeks and gave everyone a chance to shake their heads in amazement at the irony of the situation.
“From Ruins to Reality”
The history behind the production design is explored in this segment. Despite a hurricane that washed away part of their beach, the production team kept the action going. Viewers also learn about the construction of the city of Troy and the famous Trojan horse.
“Troy: An Effects Odyssey”
Special effects, including computer generated images and sound, are examined in detail. In particular, the filmmakers discuss how computers were used to make hundreds of extras look like thousands, and to make two boats look like hundreds. A focus on the sound design also highlights how Foley artists created rolling fireballs and clashing swords.
“Gallery of the Gods”
This interactive feature provides background information on the Greek gods worshipped during ancient times. Though only loosely related to the film itself, these biographies on Zeus, Aphrodite, Athena, Hermes, and the rest of the gang help explain the mindset of that time for viewers unfamiliar with “The Illiad” and other ancient Greek literature.
Troy (2004) 2-Disc Widescreen Edition
- A forbidden romance between Paris and Helen sets off a war between the Greeks and Trojans led by the heroic Achilles.
- Starring Brad Pitt, Eric Bana, Orlando Bloom, Diane Kruger, Brian Cox, Sean Bean, Peter O’Toole, Saffron Burrows, Julie Christie, Rose Byrne
- Director: Wolfgang Petersen
- Screenwriter: David Benioff
- Run Time: 162 minutes
- Rating: R (for graphic violence, some sexuality and nudity)
- DVD Bonus Features: Disc 1: The Movie; Disc 2: In the Thick of the Battle; From Ruins to Reality; Troy: An Effects Odyssey; Gallery of the Gods; Theatrical Trailer.
- Additional Information: Also available as Troy – The Director’s Cut (Blu-ray); Troy – The Director’s Cut (Two-Disc Special Edition); Troy (Two-Disc Full Screen Edition); Troy – Director’s Cut (Ultimate Collector’s Edition); Troy – Director’s Cut [HD DVD]; and Troy [HD DVD].
For more information about movies based on epic poems, read Beowulf Director’s Cut on DVD.
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