GAME OF THRONES: THE COMPLETE SECOND SEASON
(2012, Blu-ray released February 19, 2013 – MSRP $79.98)
THE SERIES:
- “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 Cersei 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. With tensions and treaties, animosity and alliances, Season Two is a thrilling journey through a riveting and unforgettable landscape.“
WHO SHOULD BUY:
The Lannisters, Starks, Baratheons and company will all be returning to cable boxes (and bittorrent clients) shortly as the third season of the ever-popular Game of Thrones series kicks off in March. In anticipation of the glorious event, HBO has released on Blu-ray their now annual collection of episodes from the previous season of the series and, if you’re a fan, it’s well worth the steep price tag.
The Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season disc set features all ten episodes of this part of the series looking and sounding remarkably more detailed and robust than in initial broadcasts.
An adaptation of A Storm of Swords, the second book in author and screenwriter George R.R. Martin’s (who’s present on many of the special features in the set) vast A Song of Fire and Ice series, the story picks up right where the first season left off and follows a staggering and often head-spinning amount of individuals down a variety of dragon-and-zombie-worn paths. Playing an episode is often akin to observing a few careful moves being made on a chess board with four competing players, whose pesky pieces often swap allegiance. Thank god there’s a metric ton of graphic sex and violence to keep things visceral and engaging!
For all the ground covered in season two, it seems by the end that very little has actually been accomplished and without two of the leading performers from the previous season (let’s not mention those characters who lost their heads, just in case there’s someone out there who’s yet to be addicted to this televised narcotic yet) this season is left feeling less grounded and somewhat without purpose. Such is the lot of a typical second act.
The second season might not be as effective a part of the narrative as the first but is action packed, filled to the brim with exceptional performances and boasts production value well beyond any expectation of what a television series is capable of delivering. If you’ve never watched a single episode, don’t start here. But if you’re a fan of the series, the Blu-ray edition of Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season is a must-own.
THE BLU-RAY DISC:
This is HBO Blu-ray content at its best. I’m not quite sure how I’ll be able to stomach the look of Season 3 on cable this month after drooling over the stunning transfers afforded these episodes on Blu. HBO has really outdone themselves here, with a gorgeous detailed presentation that’s very nearly perfect. The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 tracks are also stunning, offering dynamic and directional sound the likes of which are rarely prepared for broadcast television material.
If you’re a GOT fan, you’re going to be bowled over by all the bonus goodies spread over the five Blu-ray discs in the set. Aside from sporting 12, count them 12 commentary tracks (that’s more than one an episode!) and around an hour’s worth of straight-up documentary and interview content, the set delves into the rich backstory of the world in animated shorts and multiple in-episode and interactive guides. The word exhaustive comes to mind when thinking of the extras here.
Highest possible recommendation!
SPECIAL FEATURES:
- Creating the Battle of Blackwater Bay
- Game of Thrones: Inner Circle
- Character Profiles
- 12 Audio Commentaries
- The Religions of Westeros
- War of the Five Kings
- Histories & Lore
- In-Episode Guide
- Hidden Dragon Eggs