Rome: Complete Season 1 (HBO) (6 Discs)

Veni, Vidi, Vici - I came, I saw, I conquered. Caeser's famous message to the senate.

Maybe HBO should adopt it as their new company motto. Because as that message was intended to show Caeser's military prowess, HBO's magnificent series really hammers home how very good they are at what they do.

The first thing that really hits you is just how convincing the series is, everything from the clothing to the graffiti has been carefully considered to give a stunning portrayal of ancient Rome.

It's nice to note that the series doesn't shy away from Ancient Rome's many darker aspects either. All the vice and murder are in there and it feels more honest about Ancient Roman life.

The plot is well thought out and involves you in the daily lives of normal Romans. Not just the people at the top of the pile. Many viewers will recognise historical moments such as Caeser's murder and historical characters such as Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

In all watch this series if… more »

Veni, Vidi, Vici - I came, I saw, I conquered. Caeser's famous message to the senate.

Maybe HBO should adopt it as their new company motto. Because as that message was intended to show Caeser's military prowess, HBO's magnificent series really hammers home how very good they are at what they do.

The first thing that really hits you is just how convincing the series is, everything from the clothing to the graffiti has been carefully considered to give a stunning portrayal of ancient Rome.

It's nice to note that the series doesn't shy away from Ancient Rome's many darker aspects either. All the vice and murder are in there and it feels more honest about Ancient Roman life.

The plot is well thought out and involves you in the daily lives of normal Romans. Not just the people at the top of the pile. Many viewers will recognise historical moments such as Caeser's murder and historical characters such as Mark Antony and Cleopatra.

In all watch this series if you enjoy a good storyline, are interested in Ancient Rome or Romans and are not put off by sex or violence.

The story of Rome, from the defeat of Vercingetorix by Caesar in Gaul to Caesar's death at the hands of his 'friends' and rivals in the Senate, is woven here. The makers have tried for a fair degree of historical accuracy, but the known facts are a bit sketchy when it comes to the detail, so they have resorted to imagination to fill the gaps. The historical framework has been used to marvellous effect to support a colourful and fascinating collection of speculation and soap-opera elements. There's a significant amount of sex and violence. This may be quite realistic but it upsets some people and those people may appreciate a warning. If you are one of those people, you should certainly avoid this. Also, a few liberties have, no doubt, been taken with some of the known facts. History buffs may howl in indignation at the artistic licence exercised in making these programmes but I didn't mind at all. They are wonderfully entertaining and addictive. The actors, costumes, sets,… more »

The story of Rome, from the defeat of Vercingetorix by Caesar in Gaul to Caesar's death at the hands of his 'friends' and rivals in the Senate, is woven here. The makers have tried for a fair degree of historical accuracy, but the known facts are a bit sketchy when it comes to the detail, so they have resorted to imagination to fill the gaps. The historical framework has been used to marvellous effect to support a colourful and fascinating collection of speculation and soap-opera elements. There's a significant amount of sex and violence. This may be quite realistic but it upsets some people and those people may appreciate a warning. If you are one of those people, you should certainly avoid this. Also, a few liberties have, no doubt, been taken with some of the known facts. History buffs may howl in indignation at the artistic licence exercised in making these programmes but I didn't mind at all. They are wonderfully entertaining and addictive. The actors, costumes, sets, storylines, music - every element I can think of - are excellent. I watched the series when it was first broadcast by the BBC and bought the DVDs as soon as they were available and watched them all again, and then again. The new series will be shown soon. The BBC has started showing the trailers. So I'll be watching these DVDs yet again to refresh my memory in preparation for that - and because I can't wait for it all to start again.