Last year, the thrilling Starz original series Spartacus: Blood And Sand returned with a six-episode prequel now out on Blu-ray and DVD: Spartacus: Gods Of the Arena (Anchor Bay). When star of the original show Andy Whitfield had to drop out because of ill health, the creators of the show decided to explore what happened before Spartacus arrived. (Tragically Witfield died over the weekend from non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma).  We see how the house of Batiatus (starring John Hannah and Lucy Lawless as his ambitious wife) grew in stature with their fighting gladiators. Handsome Dustin Clare plays the cocky, arrogant, warrior hero of the house- Gannicus. We also see the rise of studly fighting champion Crixus (Manu Bennett) and how he was enslaved first into the house as a fighter and later lover of the lady of the house. We also see the struggle between son (John Hannah) trying to emerge under the tyrannical thumb of his father and the nasty political machinations of other power brokers. But all the nudity and blood spray during the wild battle scenes that audiences tuned in for returns, even more outrageous that the first season. With many bonus extras, including a funny blooper real and interviews with Lucy Lawless and FX behind the scenes features.