Search - The Arena on DVD

Oh Karen, why did you do it?

Vampale | The spongy innards of love | 07/11/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Sure, the only reason I bought this movie was because my favorite Playmate/PMOY is in it. I wasn't expecting much, just something worth seeing. So, is there anything worth seeing in this film? Simply put, no. The acting is terrible, the costumes are cheap, but there is mindless nudity from both of the featured playmates. I hate to say it, but Ms. Mcdougal can't act to save her life. Sure she was great in her playboy video, but she didn't do anything other than prance around naked. I only paid $12, so it didn't hurt me in the ol' pocket. I bought this one to add to my growing collection of Mcdougal merch, and that would be the only reason to own this one. Don't even bother renting it, it's not worth the money."

Not up to the original

12/18/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Unlike the reviewers before me I was not familiar with the actresses in this movie. I was familiar with the original low budget movie from the early seventies. I bought this DVD hoping for an improved movie. I was quite dissapointed. This movie followed a similar but different storyline. Some of the original dialog and camera angles were used. They found some nice halls to film the "Rome" locations in. The Arena looked purpose built and they actually had crowds of spectators. Unfortunately everything else was worse. The original had two great catfights plus three arena duels plus the final rebellion/escape. This movie only repeated the last two arena duels, one of which was shot at night so dark I was unable to see what was going on. The girls in the original movie all have quite distinct and interesting personalities. Not so in this one. The voiceover narration used intead of showing the story did not help either. I suggest you buy the original Roger Corman classic instead - The Arena (aka Naked Warriors) (1973) -- DVD. This review was bases on the DVD versions of both movies."

A very entertaining film!

michael b. hall | birmingham, alabama United States | 09/12/2003

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I purchased this film on DVD even though I had read bad reviews of it, I was very surprised! I had none of the audio, nor visual problems, and had a very crisp and clear picture. I even tested it on a high definition TV, with outstanding clarity. I have never seen the original version shot in the 70's, but I intend to. First, Karen McDougal and Lisa Dergan both give fine performances for first time acting stints. the cinematography was well executed, and the film well paced, along with other fine acting of the foreign actors. The McDougal/ Dergan commentary/ interview is very nice and insiteful. Version reviewed is presented in widescreen format.
I disagree with the other reviewer's view on the nudity, it was not gratutitous, nor degrading, and fell in line with the story. Yes, there is some nudity, but to give a negative review just because there is not ENOUGH nudity is too harsh.
I give a thumbs up for "The Arena", and highly recommend this film for those who enjoyed "Amazon's and Gladiator's" a superior film of the same time period. Amazon.com ships very quickly, and safely, with excellent pricing!"

Stay Away !

michael b. hall | 12/04/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I was pretty anxious to see this movie, regardless of the bad reviews. Being a fan of mid 80's "Barbarian Flicks" I assumed that this movie was going to be an update on this classic genre which usually includes plenty of mud wrestling, gratuitous nudity, torture devices, gratuitous nudity, midgets and ummm....gratuitous nudity. Especially since the two main characters were playmates.The Arena disappointed on so many fronts that it boggles the mind. I think there was more flesh and titillation on an episode of Sheena than this movie. That being said the movie itself was a total bore and had none of the campy fun I expected.If you want some fun check out Barbarian Queen or DeathStalker"