The 300 Spartans (DVD, 2004)

I am a history buff and the story of the Spartans stand at Thermopylae is one of my favorites. I had recently seen the new movie "300" and had enjoyed it. While it was visually very good it was somewhat strange factually and historically. "The 300 Spartans" on the other hand was much closer to the mark historically. It is an older movie and so does not have the flash or special effects of the new movie, but the battle scenes, the weapons and armor, and the costumes and scenery are quite good. The story is very well written and includes all the famous quotes and events that I had hoped it would. I highly recommend it and would also strongly recommend Steven Pressfield's excellent novel "Gates of Fire."