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I spent six hours watching the movie and the special features. I must admit that second time round for me is much better, and kudos to Ruthaki for always praising it so much. I really enjoyed this version this time round. It is not the Alexander that I would expose to the world as again, I am for a heroic version rather than a tragic v ersion, but I truly loved the movie and the special features. Again, it is all fictional, and that is that! But it was great fun! So enjoy at your leisure. I can always take a laugh at my expense! Oliver really nailed me!

Jan U suprise me with your positiveness towards the film. To be honest the extras. What extras a bit of behind the scenes footage. Stone trying his Colin Farrel impersonation with the F words.As you say not the Alexander I know but some scenes were convincing.The banquet with his father and Clietus. But Im not convinced 40000 hardened tropps would follow Stone Alexander anywhere let alone the ends of the earth.Some people comment Stone for giving the Audience Alexander the man. There are many Alexander the man and only one that the Romans and we now know as great. And im sure the public wanted to see the Great and what made him great.The directors cut was only the same with minor edits ands scenes moved around.Some have said they thank Stone for doing a true historical Story. But the wau Cassander is added and covered for me makes the film a lie. I am only aware of Cassanders involvement latewr when Antipater was summoned to Babylon. Ant the time Alexander rattles his head against the wall for been cheaky.Let alone involved in war councils and the line from Alexander when bold Cassander breaks.RegardsKenny.Alas Gaugamela has to be up there amongst thge greatest battle scenes .

Well I'll buy it and watch it again (fourth time). It's worth keeping for my collection. On the DVD did they include any of the footage of Colin in the 'boot' camp learning to be a commander? That was truly an interesting film and after I saw it I had a greater appreciation for what he put into the part of Alexander.

No footage of the Bootcamp.the footage was mostly it seemed done by a home camcorder.Indeed its worth adding to the collection but no master piece.Kenny

Hi Ruth and all,
I think you are looking for the documentary "Becoming Alexander" that was done by the Discovery Channel. Just as a nice marketing tool to sell a few more discs, if you buy the Full Screen version at Wal-Mart (in the US) you get a second disc which is a promotional disc that has "Becoming Alexander" on it. So if you want the documentary, get the Full Screen no frills version of the Director's Cut. I couldn't pass it up, so I bought that and the widescreen theatrical version of the film, with the frills. Yes, both of these versions were good. I liked the DC and all of the small extra edits and extended scenes that Stone added. It will never be a classic or masterpiece in the minds of most (which is too bad), but it is not a bad film, overall, as many have said. I get more out of it each time I have looked at it. It's enjoyable enough for me, flaws and all and that suits me just fine. Dara

Archaeological Institute of America has realised movie commentary on the film from an archaeological and historical perspective from
Professor Dr. Eugene Borza
Emeritus of Ancient History,
The Pennsylvania State University in Decembar 2004.
Pdf file can be downloaded on this link:
http://www.archaeological.org/pdfs/pape ... Review.pdf
or from this link:http://www.archaeological.org/webinfo.p ... =10266"One wonders why Stone and Lane Fox were unable to
recognize what AlexanderGÇÖs own army saw so clearly: there was no point to it all. And so the
army mutinied on the Indian frontier, refusing to go further."

Hi Dara, thanks for that info. Unfortunately we have no Walmarts up here (they have not been allowed) but I will see who might have this extra version of the DVD. I havent a DVD player either but will still buy it for my collection. It might not be a brilliant masterpiece but it sure beats that other version made with Richard Burton.

Thanks so much, Dara, for the info about the Walmart Director's Cut. I ordered my copy from Sam Goody, Rewards frequent buyer program, and have the Special Edition, cover being white...like page expired.Ruthaki, I am shocked. No dvd player...but you still want a copy...hmmm.Kenny, I am just as critical of the lack of character development, the scenes between Roxanne and Alexander on their wedding night, and the scenes in drag made especially for the "queer eyes" as I had been originally. This group of Macedonians bear no resemblance to the true or real Alexander's military army than the proverbial man in the moon, but thespians and athletes and real soldiers are three different kinds of people. No way does anyone believe that any of these actors resemble the truth, but that is theatre and drama for ya.I was just amazed at myself in my reactions to this movie being able to sit at home and express myself loudly and noisly. I, in fact, talked all the way through Robin Lane Fox and Oliver Stone's narrative. So none of the dialogue reached me much yet, as so far, I have heard only occasional lines, spending more time listening to the beautiful musical score, which now makes more sense to me.I was astounded at how emotionally involved I was in the battle scenes. I have gone through so much in reliving these battles already, that I got quite carried away. I really actually marveled at how computers can triple the original small group of men that Stone used to film these sequences, but I truly loved participating at home in the battle scenes, being critical all the while. He truly brought out something in me.YOu know I argue this problem of being in Alexander all the time, as I do not think he is the savage wild beast that historians like to portray. Little is done in this movie to show that these men practiced and drilled every single day, but the special features show that the actors learned how difficult it was to wear that kind of armament and to perform in the heat as those original hardy soliders had done so well and so easily. The movie has made its impact, and would be an exciting edition for the right college classroom. I am still quite affected by it and am even excitied in discussing it with you.So I will close. Too much excitement...

The end result of one man's obsession to achieve his goal through military might and power, rather than through philosophical teachings and discussions, enlarged the then known world's to heights greater than even Cyrus the Great had achieved when he first began the Persian Empire. Through his expedition, Alexander plowed the fields of the Greek and Persian empires, weeding out the adversary, and rebuilding a new empire, seeding it with the development of whole new cities, administration, and government, creating a new day and a new era, supplanting the Persian with the Greek and Hellenic culture, which prospered and grew for ages. It was not for nought that he traveled so far and wide, doing exactly the same as Cyrus had done before him. Only this time he sponsored the Greek agenda, as the Persian had been so hated.Sorry to say this but that is a bit what is happening in Iraq today as the old day of Saddam Hussein is being weeded out while the new dawn of democracy (which is Greek in origin) is being seeded and cultivated.Alexander did what he believed that he must do, and all the stories and legends are only stories...the events historically prove that he achieved much for one who had come from such a small and obscure country as Macedonia.

Jan HailI agree the movie is very loose but its all theres out there. For me the people argue gave us Alexander the man. Well there are many Alexander the man and only one Alexander the Great Stone owed the public a explanation why and what made him tro be known by the Romans as great then the world.Stones ans Lane Fox narration was good as it explained some of the history and why the scenes were done as they were.For me Roxane Bisexuality nor the crazy rantings of his mother had anything to do with Alexander. He was his own man of his own steal.I take up point with Richard Burton. Be bud have the presence and the voice to convince more so than Colin Farrel. Farrels only a good looking actor with no real Charisma nor the voice sorry to the farrel Fans who im sure will be better in Miammi Vice.Remember Burtons Speach to Darius."If I slay you which I intend to do remember that this great Chief and Warrior died at the hands of a little Greek boy,For I am comming against you and having trusted myself to the immortal gods I will be victorious"RegardsKenny

When that Burton movie first came out, I'd been involved with Alexander since I was 16. I was bitterly disappointed with the movie. For one thing, Burton (though he was an exceptional actor) was far too old to play a young Alexander. The sets are phony and though some of the script lines might have resonated more, the whole thing was a huge disappointment to me. I've watched it since a couple of times, have it in my collection, still have the same opinion.No DVD player? Well I live on a very meagre full-time writer's (practically non-existant) income so DVD players are not high on my list of necessary requirements.
First, I need a new TV. The one I have is ancient.
But I still intend to collect DVDs (like Stone's Alexander) because once in awhile I do manage to sit down and enjoy a movie. (not often though).
I've always loved the big cinema screen!

HI Kenny and Ruthaki,I saw Colin Farrell today at the bookstore. He strolled in, looking cool as a cucumber in his expensive white shirt, and blue jeans. I could not take my eyes off him as I was reading about Kim Novak who walked away, and her history as an actress. I loved her when I was a kid. An old boyfriend had compared me to her once, so I know that it is the eyebrows. And cheekbones...love to be flattered now and then.So she mentions real deal and sure enough, Colin is good at mindreading and walked forward so I could get a better look at him, and eventually, he went to the cafe express and bought something...stood and stared at me through his sunglasses, and I stared right back, thinking, gee he does look a lot like me after all...He is so cute it just isn't funny...decided as I had a pic of Angelina Jolie also on the table that AJCF, angelina and colin add upt to my inititals too...and what a neat surprise to see Alexander the movie personality walk right into my heart and mind. Small world, isn't it?Loved it...am mulling it over in my mind...what a day!

Wow! Did he resemble Alexander (movie version?) or has he dyed his hair again?
We have a lot of star sightings here in Vancouver. I wonder if he'll ever show up here.
And yes...Kim Novak...whatever became of her? (off topic...sorry folks!) ruthaki

Jan,
Do you live in Miami? Thats where Colin has been filming 'Miami Vice' for the last month and a half. It must be his day off if he is wondering around the bookstores.

I am glad you had your up close and personal look at the movie "Alexander", which I still think Colin did a nice job with. But I like his other work, as well (just think he is a good actor).

Good for you, girl. Did you get to talk to him? I hope you were at least able to say to "hi" before he bought his coffee.
Unfortunately, the blonde is gone. What color would you say his hair was, Jan? I think it's dark brown and long pulled back into a ponytail, many times. Thats how I have seen it, anyway.
Dara

I'm happy more people have enjoyed the film as I have always been one of the pro-movie camp. It's a beautiful film and watching it is like watching the ancient world live and breath again.And I think he did come across as a charismatic leader to his troops (especially in the earlier part of the film). KennyX mentions he's not convinced his men would follow such an Alexander but remember that his moments of weakness that Stone portrays where in private. The soldiers would know nothing of it.And while the film might not be 100% historically accurate in certain events, it is largely down to some creative licence to put emphasis on certain aspects that where true to the history.The directors cut is actually quite good too. Some of my friends who hadnt seen Alexander at the cinema, and saw that version before they saw the theatrical cut preferred the directors cut, as it was a bit pacier and the Indian battle was extended. I however prefer the theatrical cut as I thought some of the flashbacks in the directors cut where a bit oddly placed.