The Spartacus Collection (Gods of the Arena, Blood and Sand, Vengeance) DVD – Manu Bennett, Peter Mensah 

The first two series plus the prequel spin-off of the US drama which follows life in and around the brutal environs of Ancient Rome’s gladiatorial arenas. ‘Spartacus – Blood and Sand’ (2010) follows Spartacus (Andy Whitfield) as he is torn from his wife and thrust into the bloody and merciless world of the arena. ‘Spartacus – Gods of the Arena’ (2011) acts as the prequel to the first series and focuses on the gladiatorial hero who preceded Spartacus, Gannicus (Dustin Clare), and his ambitious owner, Batiatus (John Hannah). ‘Spartacus – Vengeance’ (2012) follows on from the events of the initial series and stars Liam McIntyre as Spartacus, who is now the leader of an armed slave rebellion that threatens the very fabric of the Roman Empire.

Blood And Sand: Betrayed by his country. Beaten into slavery. Reborn as a warrior. ‘Spartacus: Blood and Sand’ is a graphic and visceral account of Rome’s most famous gladiator. When he’s separated from the love of his life, Spartacus is forced into the gruesome and bloodthirsty arena, where a grisly death is primetime entertainment. Spartacus must fight for survival, befriend his enemies and play politics in this new world of corruption, violence, sex and fame. He’ll be seduced by pow…