Video:

Warner Bros. comes through with a tremendous anamorphic transfer for Spartan. No grain, no artifacts, no edge enhancement. The only flaws seen involve occasional zebra-striping on white surfaces, likely a flaw in the digital transfer process.

Sound:

The Dolby Digital 5.1 soundtrack is impressive, as well. The rear channels are particularly satisfying from a directional standpoint, with bullets whizzing across the soundscape. The dialogue level is kept high above the fray, which is crucial with such a complex script.

Extras:

With Spartan being a showcase role for Kilmer, it's fitting that his is the lone voice on the full-length commentary. When Kilmer is talking, he's interesting, especially in his thoughts on the shadowy character Scott and Scott's namless, faceless personality. He's also very funny when talking about Mamet and the director/writers peculiarities. However, Kilmer just isn't talking enough, leaving large gaps in the track.

The only other extra is a trailer, which is not too surprising because of the film's relatively meager box office take. However, if there's ever been a writer deserving of a script-to-screen option, it would be Mamet.

Final Thoughts:

Watching David Mamet's Spartan is like watching Michael Jordan sink the Utah Jazz, like listening to Billie Holliday sing "Gloomy Sunday," like seeing Johnny Carson host The Tonight Show. It is a master doing what he does best.