Experience the brutal origins of the House of Batiatus with . This six-episode prequel miniseries, which premiered on Starz, dives deep into the blood-soaked sands of Capua five years before Spartacus ever set foot in the ludus. The Story: Ambition and Blood

Because of the heavy use of CGI and dark, high-contrast scenes, some detail in the "blood and sand" textures may look softer or slightly pixelated in 480p compared to high-definition versions. Final Verdict Rating: 9/10 Gods of the Arena

Unlike the stoic Spartacus, Gannicus (Dustin Clare) is a cocky, jovial warrior who fights for the thrill, once even famously defeating an opponent while blindfolded.

If you can afford the space, 720p is the true sweet spot for this series. But 480p remains the champion of portability.