“American Gladiators: The Battle Begins” DVD Review

• Release Date: July 14, 2009
• Publisher: Shout! Factory
• Price: $24.99 on Amazon.com (Buy It)
• Rating: Not Rated
• Run Time: 630 minutes
• Special Features: Commentaries with Several Gladiators, Interview with Contestant/Actor Billy Wirth
• Genre: Sports, Reality

I’ve always liked “American Gladiators” (both the old and new versions) and so I was very happy to receive “American Gladiators: The Battle Begins” on DVD. While I enjoyed all of the episodes, I’m not exactly sure if this is a series that will work on DVD. Like all reality shows, there just isn’t a whole lot of replay value. I simply cannot see many viewers watching this set over and over again.

Before I get too deep into this review, I have to point out that this is not a complete season set. The first half of the season is not included for some reason. Instead, the DVD starts with a highlight show for the first half then moves directly into the second half episodes. There are still thirteen episodes included but I’m sure completests will be angered by this decision.

For those of you who haven’t heard of “American Gladiators,” it is basically a sports reality show where two male and two female contestants take on a group of professional athletes in several competitions. At the end of each episode, one male and one female champion is crowned. The champions then move onto the next round and eventually two season champions are crowned in the finals.

I’m sure the concept of “American Gladiators” doesn’t exactly scream must-watch for most viewers. However, it is strangely entertaining and addicting. I honestly have no idea why I like the show, I just do. If you like to watch sports, I see no reason why you wouldn’t enjoy this show.

The video and audio quality on “American Gladiators: The Battle Begins” isn’t perfect but I would definitely say it is passable. This is pretty much an early reality show, a genre which never is top of the line in either category. The transfers are probably as good as they can be or ever will be but since there wasn’t much to work with, neither the audio or video is spectacular.

Shout! Factory has added a few decent bonus features to round out the package. First up is a series of commentaries with Dan “Nitro” Clark, Raye “Zap” Hollitt, and Jim “Laser” Starr. This isn’t really a show that works well for commentaries so it isn’t too surprising that they are average at best. The other feature is much better. It’s called “Gladiator Days with Billy Wirth” and is an interview with a former contest who is now an actor. It’s a fairly interesting featurette that is worth watching.

“American Gladiators” is a great show. I just don’t think this is really the type of show you should get on DVD. I would probably recommend most first-time viewers to just watch the repeats on ESPN Classic. If you are a hardcore fan of the show, the DVD might be worth purchasing as long as you don’t mind that the first half isn’t included.

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