The sound and vision of 300 in its high-definition versions are simply outstanding, with the state-of-the-art HD DVD and Blu-ray technology delivering a ferociously stylized retelling of the 5th century B.C. Battle of Thermopylae between 300 Spartans and the Persian army. Looking closer at what each format has to offer, the HD DVD edition appears to have the more unique and appealing supplements of the two. The HD DVD-exclusive bluescreen “picture-in-picture” function is most interesting, with director Zack Snyder’s commentary narrating a comparison of the pre-CGI film and the final product. The HD DVD’s game is a far cry from the simple games of standard DVD. “Vengeance and Valor” is complex and challenging, asking users where to deploy soldiers, how many to deploy and which weapons they should use. (There’s no close-up action as you’d find on videogames such as Gears of War, but seeing your troops slowly diminish against Xerxes’ forces encourages repeat plays.) As for the supplements on Blu-ray, the one that’s exclusive to the format is arguably the least visual—a feature-length director’s commentary—but it’s a lively and engrossing track that fans of the movie and, more importantly, movie-making, are sure to enjoy more than any interactive game.

Shelf Talk: There has been lots of online talk about the high-def versions of 300 since the film opened theatrically, and it’s poised to be one of the biggest high-def titles of the year. An over-the-top action extravaganza filled with CGI animation that enhances its bloody swath of carnage, it’s the title that first- and second-generation adopters will pick up to experience what their home system is capable of. 300’s high-profile DVD launch at Comic-Con in San Diego last week was heavily covered on the Web and beyond, so those who are interested in the box-office smash should be all too aware that it’s available.