Originally released as a motion picture in 1964.

Special features of these DVDs: feature commentary with Bill Bronston (son of producer Samuel Bronston) and Mel Martin (biographer of Samuel Bronston) ; Rome in Madrid: 1964 promotional film ; original theatrical trailer ; filmographies ; still gallery ; "The rise and fall of an epic production:" the making of the film ; "The rise and fall of an empire:" an historical look at the real Roman Empire ; Hollywood vs. History: an historical analysis ; Dimitri Tiomkin: scoring the Roman Empire ; widescreen presentation ; Dolby Digital ; scene selection ; digitally mastered.

Music, Dimitri Tiomkin ; production designers, Colasanti, Moore.

Sophia Loren, Stephen Boyd, Alec Guinness, James Mason, Christopher Plummer, John Ireland, Mel Ferrer, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quayle.

Marcus Aurelius Antonius is philosopher-emperor of Rome who summons his empire's governors and princes to his German war headquarters for a Pax Romanus. He confides to his daughter, Lucilla, that his adopted son, Livius, will succeed him instead of his more unstable heir, Commodus. Overhearing this, Cleander, a blind prophet loyal to Commodus, presents Marcus with a poisoned apple. After the funeral, Livius, who does not share Lucilla's ambition for himself or Rome, allows Commodus to proclaim himself emperor. While pestilence ravages Rome, Commodus continues his vain, licencious behavior. He ultimately neglects to deal with all symptoms of unrest and banishing anyone reminding him of his responsibilities.

Not rated.

DVD.

Audio track in English ; subtitled in Spanish ; closed captioned for the hearing impaired.

Golden Globe; Best Original Score.