Blu-ray Review: ‘Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season’ Serves as Standard

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CHICAGO – “Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season” is one of the undeniable best TV-on-Blu-ray releases in the brief history of the form. Not only was the season itself strong enough to make my top ten of 2012 but the Blu-ray does SO much to expand on the universe of this beloved show, both the fictional one and the behind-the-scenes production, that this becomes a standard-bearer for the format. They don’t get better than this.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 5.0/5.0
Rating: 5.0/5.0

Where do you begin? There are commentaries on every episode, sometimes multiple options, and they feature a fantastic selection of major players from the production of the show. On episode 2.9, for example, one of the most impressive in either season, you can listen to the original writer and show producer George R.R. Martin offer his take on the action-packed episode or switch over to a great piece with a smart director named Neil Marshall (“The Descent”) and two unbelievably talented and funny cast members, Peter Dinklage & Lena Headey. That track alone surpasses most TV-on-Blu-ray releases this year but it’s just one of several.

“Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season” also continues the wonderfully informative series of picture-in-picture features that allow you to access character profiles, maps, and histories for whatever is happening on screen. I would encourage viewers to try and make it through on your own — part of the joy of “Game of Thrones” is in the complex journey, in which one loses track of characters and motives only to be reminded of their purpose through action — but this is great stuff for repeat viewers or if you desperately need a road map.

Ultimately, not all shows can support the kind of lavish treatment as HBO has given “Game of Thrones.” We don’t need character maps for a show like “Southland.” However, it is also true that “GoT” has enough loyal fans who would have bought this set without nearly the degree of detail that HBO has delivered. They’ve gone above and beyond. And that’s something more shows could and should do.

Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season was released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 19, 2013
Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season was released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 19, 2013
Photo credit: HBO

Synopsis:
In the second season of the epic HBO original series Game Of Thrones, kings from across the fictional continent of Westeros vie for the Iron Throne. As winter approaches, the cruel young Joffrey sits upon the Throne in King’s Landing, counseled by his conniving mother Cersci and his uncle Tyrion, who has been appointed the new Hand of the King. But the Lannister hold on power is under assault on many fronts, with two Baratheons donning crowns, and Robb Stark fighting as the King in the North. In the meantime, a new leader is rising among the wildlings north of the Wall, adding new perils for Jon Snow and the Night’s Watch, while Daenerys Targaryen looks to shore up her depleted power in the East with her three newborn dragons. With tensions and treaties, animosity and alliances, Season Two is a thrilling journey through a riveting and unforgettable landscape. Based on the bestselling book series by George R.R. Martin, Game Of Thrones is a story of duplicity and treachery, nobility and honor, conquest and triumph.

Special Features:
o War Of The Five Kings
o In Episode Guide
o Histories And Lore
o Hidden Dragon Eggs
o Creating The Battle Of Blackwater Bay
o The Religions Of Westeros
o Game Of Thrones: Inner Circle
o Audio Commentaries
o Character Profiles
o Digital Copy Included

“Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season” was released on Blu-ray and DVD on February 19, 2013.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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