Release Date: 10/2/07

The Film

When I first heard about Caligula in high school, it was simply known as some old movie that had a whole lot of nudity and sex. Back then, I didn’t bother actually watching the film, instead, I fast-forwarded to the “good parts.” Now with the release of Caligula – The Imperial Edition, I get to revisit the film with a less perverted mindset. Unfortunately, the film remains the same ridiculous flesh-fest it was, if not more with the unrated and uncensored version of the film.

The film follows Emperor Gaius Germanicus Caesar, a/k/a Caligula (Malcolm McDowell), who becomes Emperor of the Roman Empire after the death of his grandfather, Tiberius Caesar (Peter O’Toole). As Caligula becomes more powerful, he also becomes more paranoid, so much so that any threats to his crown are immediately handled and put to death. After nearly grinding the entire empire into the ground financially, Caligula attempts to recoup funds by installing a state sponsored brothel for the citizens to sleep with the wives of Roman higher-ups. However, things quickly downhill as there are several plots to overthrow the ruler, even from within his counsel and family.

So what’s to separate a film like Caligula from all the other period pieces from the era? Well, first off, the reputation of the film’s chaotic production transcended the film itself through the years. With Penthouse’s Bob Guccione as the film’s executive producer, Tinto Brass barely offering any direction to the film’s lost cast, and Gore Vidal disowning the film, Caligula was lost from the start. The film itself is a standard of how not to make a true to history period piece film, as the 156-minute epic movie tossed in random sex scenes to lure in pornography lovers by the masses.

The DVD

The main menu comes with silence and static backgrounds. Submenus are offered in similar fashion with transitions utilized in between menus.

The video is offered in 2.00:1 Widescreen Format. The box says its digitally remastered and it certainly shows. The level of detail and colors really hop out compared to the original release. I can honestly say after viewing this release that there were definitely small items of detail that I just wasn’t able to pick up on with the original release.

The audio is offered in English Digital Dolby 5.0 and English Digital Dolby Mono. Once again, the audio has been completely restored and provides us with a fuller aural experience than previously available in digital formats. There are no subtitles offered.

The Extras

The 3-disc set comes in a foldout digipak that is encased within a cardboard box. Also included is an essay booklet offering a little bit of history on the making of the film and a index of the discs’ contents.

The first disc only includes the Theatrical Trailers. However, the dearth of a bonus options lie on the second and third discs.

First off is the Alternate Pre-Release Version of the film on the second disc. Essentially, this is the version found on the first disc minus all the pornographic scenes.

Next up are three Audio Commentary tracks, the first being provided by Malcolm McDowell, moderated by film writer, Nick Redman. The second track includes Helen Mirren, moderated by film writers, Alan Jones and James Chaffin. The third track is provided by Ernest Volkman.

Rounding out the second disc are 12 Deleted & Alternate Scenes with a Play All option.

The third disc continues on with a huge treasure trove of bonus options. First up is the hour-long Making of Caligula and an alternate 10-minute version. Caligula’s Pet: A Conversation with Lori Wagner offers a 28-minute interview. Tinto Brass: The Orgy of Power is a 35-minute featurette featuring an interview with the director of principal photography as he speaks on his experience during the production of the film. The disc rounds out with 15 sequences of Behind-the-Scenes Footage, Still Galleries, and DVD-Rom Features.

Final Thoughts

Recommending Caligula – The Imperial Edition is an odd request for the film itself is a huge mess, however, the story behind the production that is told through the various bonus options is enthralling. This might be one of the very few cases where the bonus options are the best reason to purchase a DVD over the film itself.

- Morris Tang