It was shortened by a minute and a half (by director Kubrick).The role of each of the six main cast members during the credits was illustrated by a symbolic item:Spartacus (Kirk Douglas) - a manacled or chained hand (a symbol of defiance)Crassus (Laurence Olivier) - an imperial or Roman eagle (on a sceptre)Varinia (Jean Simmons) - a hand holding a water or wine jugGracchus (Charles Laughton) - a hand reaching outBatiatus (Peter Ustinov) - a hand holding a snakeJulius Caesar (John Gavin) - a hand holding a swordThe film""s title was then presented above an image of the ends of two green sword blades that moved vertically into he frame to challenge each other - representative of the slaves"" struggle for freedom and dignity against Rome.Zod""s Black Zero craft and other drop ships were he UFOs being reported.] Various parts of the United States lost electrical power.Suddenly, General Zod""s voice transmitted a static-filled broadcast to TV screens globally and via RSS feeds to cell phones - even in foreign scripts and languages: "YOU ARE NOT ALONE.Film Notables (Awards, Facts, etc.)Nominated for one Academy Award (with no win): Best Art Direction.With a production budget of $150 million, and gross revenue of $290 million (domestic) and almost $896 million (worldwide).The prologue sets the stage for the romantic tragedy:It is a tale of temple bells, sounding at sunset before the image of Buddha; it is a tale of love and lovers; it is a tale of tears.