Video: HBO’s ‘True Blood: The Complete First Season’ Available on May 19th

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CHICAGO – HBO sent over the details on the complete first season of their excellent “True Blood” with Anna Paquin today and included a video preview that we just had to share. Details on the release below the video.

Synopsis:

For the first time ever, HBO Home Entertainment® is simultaneously releasing a DVD and Blu-ray version of an HBO® original series when True Blood: The Complete First Season hits stores on May 19, 2009 – just weeks before the second, highly-anticipated season of the show premieres on the network. True Blood: The Complete First Season on DVD and Blu-ray features 12 episodes on five discs and is the perfect antidote for audiences that want to catch up or catch on to HBO’s highest-rated series of 2008.

The meticulously-crafted and alluring world of True Blood, which will also be available for digital download beginning May 19th, 2009, is created and executive produced by Alan Ball (Emmy®-winning creator of HBO series Six Feet Under®) and based on the popular Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris. Now, HBO Home Entertainment is giving audiences a chance to immerse themselves even deeper into Sookie’s world with original, in-story DVD and Blu-ray bonus materials.

Fans will hear what Alan Ball says about the mysterious reason vampire Bill Compton is attracted to Sookie in one of six revealing audio commentaries with cast and crew. Anna Paquin (winner of a Golden Globe® for her portrayal of Sookie Stackhouse) also discusses doing her own stunts, while Stephen Moyer (Bill Compton) gives insights into how V-juice (vampire blood) affects all humans differently.

The True Blood bonus materials on Standard Definition and Blu-ray will also give viewers a chance to engage with the stories, characters and themes of the show with in-story features like: “In Focus: Vampires in America”, a documentary that chronicles the integration of vampires into the human world; “Tru Blood” beverage ads marketing the synthetic blood product to “out of the coffin” vampires; Public Service Announcements created by groups on opposite sides of the “Vampire Rights Amendment” debate; and vampire-targeted product ads for dating, motel and lawyer services.

In addition, with True Blood Enhanced Viewing, Blu-ray offers an amplified experience with even more original, interactive content that unearths fascinating behind-the-scenes details about the series, all in HD 1080p video and DTS-HD master audio. True Blood’s flamboyant and outspoken Lafayette (played by Nelsan Ellie) gives audiences the scoop on everyone in Bon Temps with over 70 video clips dishing up everything from secrets about Tara ’s crush on Jason to the history of the Stackhouse family in Bon Temps and much more.

Blu-ray bonus features also include helpful hints and FYI’s that pop up to unravel the mysteries surrounding the entire series, animated maps to help viewers explore colorful locations in Bon Temps and ways to learn more about how your favorite vampires were “made.”

True Blood cast regulars include Ryan Kwanten (Summerland) as Sookie’s womanizing brother Jason; Rutina Wesley (How She Move) as her outspoken best friend Tara Thornton; Sam Trammell (Judging Amy) as Sam Merlotte, her good-hearted boss; Nelsan Ellie (The Inside) as Lafayette Reynolds, a cook at Merlotte’s whose personal life is as colorful as his wardrobe; Chris Bauer (HBO series The Wire®) as Det. Andy Bellefleur, Jim Parrack (Criminal Minds) as Hoyt Fortenberry, one of Jason’s co-workers; Carrie Preston (Law & Order: Criminal Intent) as Sookie’s fellow waitress Arlene Fowler; Michael Raymond James (Black Snake Moan) as Rene Lenier, another of Jason’s co-workers; William Sanderson (HBO series Deadwood) as Sheriff Bud Dearborne; and Alexander Skarsgäard (HBO miniseries Generation Kill) as Eric, a Nordic vampire. Also appearing in True Blood is Lois Smith (Hollywoodland) as Sookie’s beloved grandmother Adele, who shares her fascination with vampires.”

By BRIAN TALLERICO Content Director HollywoodChicago.com [email protected]