Game of Thrones: Season 1

IF YOU'VE NEVER READ GAME OF THRONES.....Should you watch the show or read the book first? (no real spoilers) First - just to note (in case you didn't know), Game of Thrones is based on a book series called "A Song of Ice and Fire" by George R.R. Martin. There are five so far (the first written in 1996, the most recent written in 2011), and he's planning to write at least two more (at the time of this review - 1/4/12). "A Game of Thrones" is the first installment of the series. HBO decided they liked the name "Game of Thrones" rather than "A Song of Ice and Fire" (I can see why - sounds less fantasy and more mainstream) and so that's the name of the whole series. Each season is based on one novel. So the first season was based on "A Game of Thrones" and the second season will be based on the second book, "A Clash of Kings," and so on. Well, it may not be in exact perfect book order, and it will be interesting to see what they do in books 4 and 5, which have overlapping storylines. Plus, aCoK is really too long to have in one season...the second season will air in April, 2012. Anyway, back to the original question. Show or book first? This is a really difficult question. For most books turned into show/movie, you'll want to read the book first, because it is usually superior to the adaptation. However, we are talking about HBO here, so be prepared for a VERY good show. Are there differences from the book? Yes, but in general it stays true to the storyline and all differences are done artistically and were approved by the author, George R.R. Martin. NUMBER OF CHARACTERS - There are a LOT of characters in this story. Because the show has to be condensed somewhat from a 800 page novel to 10 hours of airtime, it can get really confusing to know who is who while watching the show. It can get confusing in the book as well, but things are usually more detailed for you in the book so it is easier to reference. However, it always help to put a face to a name, so that's a plus for the show. But once again, sometimes there will be a really long part in the book that will be eliminated entirely from the show, and the absence can throw you off a little. The book definitely has more backstory, and you'll probably be able to more accurately identify characters when watching the show after. NEW SCENES FOR THE SHOW - Since we can't just look into the minds of the characters as in the book, there are a lot of invented scenes between characters in the show. This isn't a bad thing, but it's just to give you more of an idea of who these people are and what is going on in their minds. There is also a (sort-of) made-up character for the show, the prostitute Ros. At first I thought she was added in there for just eye candy or something and found that sort of annoying, but ultimately I think she is just an outlet for us to get into the minds of characters since it's a show and not a book. Also, her interactions with Greyjoy display (in my opinion) his disgusting personality, and since he's a much more important character in book 2 than 1 (his personality and backstory are almost non-existent in Book 1, they just hint at it), Ros was a way to kind of ease his character into the second season. DIFFERENCES - Like I said, the show is generally true to the book. However, if you read the book first, you may get super annoyed with some of the differences when watching the show. One of the major differences is ages. Everyone is a lot older in the show (the children, especially), and people are generally a lot different and better looking. That's not really an issue though, or else the show would seem odd and creepy. An example is Dany, a 13 year old in the book, is in frequent nude and sex scenes. In the show, I think they say she is 17 (but the actress is actually 24). It would also seem silly if Robb (14ish in the book) was actually 14 in the show, with him playing the type of role he has. My major gripe was a few storyline differences that I didn't think were necessary at all for the show, but I'm a nitpicker. An example is the major absence of direwolves in the show. They're there, but are much more prevalent in the book! I love the direwolves and think they are very symbolic, and wish HBO did more with them. Maybe next season. DO YOU LIKE TO READ? - That's probably the best way to decide. The book is BIG. Around 800 pages. It's similar in size to a Harry Potter book, and in my opinion, even more captivating. But it's a LOT of material, and you have to really pay attention due to the number of characters and intertwining story lines. If reading isn't your strong suit, the show may be better at breaking it down for you. If you are interested in reading all of the books, that's about 5,000 pages to trek through. For comparison - if you read the Harry Potter books, all 7 books in the series are roughly the same number of pages as the first FOUR books of A Song of Ice and Fire. YOU CAN'T GO WRONG If you are an HBO fan, you know that HBO doesn't produce garbage. This show is a masterpiece - one of my favorite shows in a long, long time. It reminds me of a mix of Lord of the Rings and the Sopranos, with it's edgy, unforgiving attitude and a splash, but not too much, of fantasy. People aren't casting spells with wands like Harry Potter or anything. The fantasy aspect is very, very subtle. Actually, way more subtle than I expected. It's very reminiscent of medieval times. The acting is superb and like most HBO shows, there aren't a lot of big names. Sean Bean and Peter Dinklage are probably the most well-known. The scenery and the show itself is drop dead gorgeous, however, maybe due to budget constraints, the show feels quite a bit "smaller" than the book. Feasts, castles, celebrations, cities....all seem smaller in the show. I think all changes in the show were done very well and nothing butchered the book. Although nothing can compare to the books for me, I think aids it in really bringing it to life. Plus, Martin was along for the ride of the writing and making of the show, so you know he'll try not to let writers deviate too much from the heart of the story. My two major recommendations are: #1 - watch show, read book, re-watch show: this is better if it's hard for you to get into books or just really want to see it first. Then you can read the book, and think, "Hmm...I never remember seeing this person," and low and behold, when you watch it the second time around, that character IS there. It really puts the pieces together. However, prepare to be confused. This is normal. The show has many, many major characters, and it can be really difficult to keep track. I know several people who only watched the show and didn't read the book who can't point out Varys. If you read the book, you damn well know who that is! The show and the book alike both start out a little bit slow....but trust me, they both quickly turn into something quite thrilling and action-packed. Just wait until Season 2. #2 - read the book, then watch the show: the only downside to this is that you may sometimes be disappointed if things don't live up to your idea of the books standards. You might find yourself saying things like, "WHAT! That's not how they consummated!" and nitpick. However, you'll understand MUCH more of of what is happening in the show with your book knowledge. Also, this book was right up HBO's lane. HBO likes to make gritty, real, intense and often unforgivingly brutal shows. There aren't any good or bad guys, and when you think you found one....well, take a closer look. Sick of fantasy books where things are too black and white (too good vs. evilish) or where the big characters are never killed off no matter how many deadly situations they are in? Sick of books just not being REAL? Well, Game of Thrones, the book and the movie, are a fantasy lover's dream. Whether or book or show first, watch and read them both to really appreciate the art of Game of Thrones and the Song of Ice and Fire and series.

There is a Great Wall of ice, under-maintained, which protects the 7 kingdoms from unspeakable horrors to the north. Below the wall there are 7 kingdoms vying to possess a throne usurped by a wrongful heir in a setting as authentically medieval as it is cruel and power mad. And across the Narrow Sea, the heirs of the last rightful king gather an army of barbarians to bring them home. Let the Game begin! This TV series, which has been more successful for HBO internationally than The Sopranos: The Complete Series , is based upon the cycle of books in A Song of Ice and Fire. The TV series takes its name from the first book, and each season is planned to represent one book from the cycle of 7 total (two yet unwritten). Unlike a TV series like The Sopranos, this means you may already know what to expect when you sit down to watch. If TV is your first look at this story, you're missing much - my analogy is watching a sports game without knowing the players by jersey number. You will still enjoy the game but your viewing will be casual. The books are ripping good so I recommend them as well. The novels in this cycle: A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One , A Clash of Kings [Book #2 A Song of Ice and Fire] (HARDCOVER) , A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3) By George R. R. Martin , A Feast for Crows. Book 4 of Ice and Fire and A Dance with Dragons: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Five have all been praised as a realistic character-driven fantasy story. The biggest problem the TV series has is with recording the passage of time. Each episode goes over events without a set period of time delineated. Time varies from scene to scene and episode to episode. Ravens can fly only so fast, of course. Perhaps this matters most to people who have not read the book. As the novel has been serialized for TV, the typical plodding minutiae of follow-along soap opera is removed. (This series makes the case for the old 26-episode per season schedule from TV's Golden Age.) Another limitation to the medium is the TV budget, averaging to a whopping $6 million per episode. That's not much money, however, for epic cinematic storytelling. So, do not expect to trade soap opera pacing for lots of The Lord of the Rings: The Motion Picture Trilogy (Platinum Series Special Extended Edition) set piece battle sequences. (George R. R. Martin, the story's author, has been contracted by HBO to write the season 2 episode with the big battle so that may underline the limitations that even the author will have to struggle with for TV.) And those are the two main negatives in my review of content. The story is epic, sweeping, exciting and intellectual. It is to fantasy writing what The Great Gatsby is to the American novel, and the TV series faithfully translates the work from one medium to the other within its given limitations. I had the privilege to view the first two episodes in a cinema recently and I noticed things on the big silver screen I had not on the idiot box. The cinematography is brilliant. The writing bears repeatedly scrutiny as much is packed between the lines and within the lines than what is typical for TV. The writing is laser superb. I also think the episodes I viewed were extended cuts, which I will be looking for along with the many extras released on the Internet, in the official DVD release. Episode # - Title - Internet Run Time (in minutes) opening to closing credits: 01 - Winter is Coming - 61.35 02 - The Kingsroad - 55.15 03 - Lord Snow - 57.12 04 - Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things - 55.36 05 - The Wolf and The Lion - 54.14 06 - A Golden Crown - 52.34 07 - You Win or You Die - 57.56 08 - The Pointy End (scripted by the novelist) - 58.08 09 - Baelor - 56.14 10 - Fire And Blood - 52.35 On the topic of gratuitous sex and nudity, I did not find any. However, by watching this series, the uninitiated viewer will learn that women do not leap from bed clinging to bed sheets and men's genitalia bounce when running. You won't see any labia. One character operates a franchise of whorehouses where the women are not Julia Roberts but more like skilled factory girls. There is the use of the word fcuk, and it is very The Oxford English Dictionary (20 Volume Set) (Vols 1-20) usage correct. No one fades to unconscious black at a pure kiss before bedding time. Now, while I think that has more artistic merit than brutish demonstrations, I do think the brutish demonstrations serve their place here. It sets a tone that our civilized mores have robbed from us. In the mid-15th century, girls younger than 10 were married off; impregnated by 13; and old maids by 16. The act of copulation was to please men and male Gods. The man was rare who was concerned with whether the woman had her climax before he was finished. Women were chattel who could not possess property or power. Oaths were contracts of blood. Lawyers wielded axes... All this stuff that we have forgotten is definitely alive in this series as an accurate reflection of its time. Now, all that medieval framework laid, I must say the women are far from helpless furniture and the characters shine brighter among the darkness of their time. So it comes down to what you want to focus on while watching; and Parental Guidance is not so much a suggestion as it is an opportunity for parents with this series. Your mileage may vary, of course. But for those who expect Cyrano de Bergerac courtly love making, I recommend the purchase of Ivanhoe instead of Game of Thrones. Sir Walter Scott's novel Ivanhoe was another inspiration for the author after all. == My Original Review to be Deleted After I Complete My Review of the DVDs == First, it needs to be said that the DVD has not yet been packaged or released. So if you are reading these reviews on the DVD set now, even before they're released, you're reading about something else. When it is released, I will give my opinion on the package so you can make an informed decision about the product. If you're a fan of the series, undoubtedly like myself you have already decided to buy it even if the DVDs are pressed cardboard and sold in flimsy sleeves. So this review will be for the rest of those people merely interested and looking for a good purchase experience. The novels in this series, A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One, A Clash of Kings [Book #2 A Song of Ice and Fire] (HARDCOVER), A Storm of Swords (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3) By George R. R. Martin, A Feast for Crows. Book 4 of Ice and Fire and A Dance with Dragons: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book Five have all been praised as a realistic character-driven fantasy story favourably compared with the actual historical event of England's War of the Roses. You don't need to attend conventions and dress as an Elf to thoroughly enjoy this story and get caught up. But to be sure, some of these characters are driven by the most feral ambitions and base passions. How much sex, violence and betrayal you can stomach is served up by the characters who practice it - not audience expectations. These are not 21st century emos. These are authentic period characters. So far I can only comment on the running time of each show televised thus far in the hope that HBO will release the DVD without edits and with the many extras that are already available on the InterWebz. I have been watching these shows on the Web and have not owned a television since before HBO was available, so I cannot comment if these shows run with commercial interrupts. (They do not on the Web.) Here are the shows, by title, and with their Internet run times: Episode # - Title - Run Time (in minutes) opening to closing credits. 01 - Winter is Coming - 61.35 02 - The Kingsroad - 55.15 03 - Lord Snow - 57.12 04 - Cripples, Bastards and Broken Things - 55.36 05 - The Wolf and The Lion - 54.14 06 - A Golden Crown - 52.34 07 - You Win or You Die - 57.56 08 - The Pointy End (scripted by the novelist) - 58.08 09 - Baelor - unaired at this time 10 - Fire And Blood - unaired at this time I will check the run times when I receive my pre-ordered DVD set. I not only expect the run times to match but I also expect to have the extras already available on the Web, including commentary, and, perhaps, even a glimpse at season 2 in packaging that is stylish, protective and enduring. I fully intend to write a review on the packaging of this series when it's released. HBO starts out with a 5-star rating at this point based upon the strength of its series ability to engage me. If you have not read the novel it is based on, and if you like good reads, do yourself a favour and buy it A Game of Thrones: A Song of Ice and Fire: Book One. If you are a fan of the book and have not seen the series, then do so! But expect TV not a novel. The adaptation is good, in my opinion, but it is an adaptation of the novel not the story you were watching in your mind's eye.

I have recently watched the first seasons of two shows that I thought were really excellent. Both were way above what I have generally come to expect from television. The first was this show (Game of Thrones for those who have already forgotten what product page they are looking at) and the other was Justified: The Complete First Season . I do not think that it is a coincidence that both were based on novels (Game of Thrones was, of course, based on the novels by George R.R. Martin, and Justified was based on novels by Elmore Leonard). I think that novelists often have more freedom than television writers. They can make their characters more ambiguous and interesting and they can make their story lines darker. They do not have to pander as much and as a result, shows that base themselves on novels, wind up being way more interesting as a general rule (there are exceptions). That is certainly true about this show. The show has a whole host of really interesting characters. Way too many to list. The web of characters is quite complex but they are all drawn so well, each character is so unique and distinctive, that the viewer never gets confused about who is who. The show also has a pretty dark story line. I will not give any specifics away for those who have not watched the first season yet but the show does not shy away from allowing good people to die. The politics of the show are complex. It is really an adult show. Not only due to its complexity but also because there is a lot of violence and nudity. I applaud HBO for not ironing out all the complexity, or removing all the violence and nudity, in order to appeal to the widest possible audience. The complexity is really part of what makes this such an engaging show. There are so many characters, and the show shifts between story lines, and it always leaves each story line at a critical moment so that the audience is dying to get back to that story line. Sometimes when a show, or a movie, has multiple story lines going at once, some of the story lines wind up being way more interesting than others, and the viewer winds up feeling like they just have to get through one story line so that they can get back to the more interesting story lines. This show manages to produce multiple story lines (Robb Stark, Arya Stark, Sansa Stark, Tyrion Lannister, Jon Snow, and Daenarys Targaryen all have their own story lines) and they are all equally interesting and engaging. I have never seen a show that I thought was as successful in weaving various story lines together. That is part of what makes the show so addictive. Even when you are watching Daenerys' story line, or Arya's story line, you are eager to get back to Jon Snow's story line, or Tyrion's story line, etc.. It really is a fantastic achievement. I have not actually read the Martin books this show is based on but it is clear to me that Martin was successful in creating a really interesting and believable alternate world which this show brings to life. Watching the show is an immersive experience not unlike reading the Lord of the Rings. I doubt that any fantasy writer will ever be as successful as J.R.R. Tolkien in creating an alternate world but Martin deserves praise for what he has accomplished with Game of Thrones. It is the details that really make it feel like a genuine world. For example, the Northern wall, the new and old gods, the fact that Winter comes rarely and at unpredictable times, the various cultures, the death of the dragons, etc.. There is an entire mythology operating in all of those details. I am actually not a huge fantasy enthusiast. I have read very few fantasy novels, but I understand the appeal of escaping to another world, and this show allows the viewer to escape into another world for an hour at a time (or more, if you are like me, and cannot stop at just one). There are two more things that the show does particularly well. First, it sets up some really evil villains. All of the Lannisters, with the possible exception of Tyrion, are genuinely detestable. They are villains that the viewer loves to hate and the hope that they will eventually get their comeuppance is more than enough to keep the viewer watching. Second, the show sets up some really interesting mysteries. What is happening north of the wall? Are we going to see the White Walkers? Are the dragons going to return? I love it when shows set up mysteries like that. I don't think I have ever watched a show that has been as successful as this one at creating a sense of unrequited anticipation in me. I am dying to see the White Walkers. The fact that we just hear stories about the White Walkers, without seeing them (at least in the first season) was genius. However interesting the White Walkers wind up being if, and when, we see them, seeing them cannot compete with the mystery (What are they?). The show is extremely addictive. I have to be careful starting an episode because I can never stop after just one. Or two. Or three (let's be honest). This is certainly one the most interesting, and well written, shows I have ever seen. Here is my advice to television studios: make more show adaptations of novels. You already have a solid set of characters to start with, and a story, and the show is almost guaranteed to be edgier and more interesting than anything that was developed for television (there are, of course, exceptions, like Breaking Bad, which I have heard is quite good and edgy). The success of shows like Game of Thrones, Justified, and Dexter (which was also based on graphic novels) prove that audiences crave good writing, interesting characters, and dark story lines, and are willing to follow shows with some moral complexity and ambiguity. So that is my advice for television studios. Here is my advice for viewers: watch this show! (unless you hate good writing, or are too busy saving the world to be sucked into an alternate universe for a few hours at a time).

Game of Thrones, for those that do not know, is based on a novel written by George R.R. Martin, who was proclaimed by Time magazine as the modern day Tolkien. Being so highly acclaimed it came as no surprise it soon found its way into a film adaptation. Fantasy has never been one to be very good on film due to its need of a ridiculous budget to make it look well produced versus a B movie from the 80s. However, I can say without hesitation this is one of the best adapations I have ever seen. Game of Thrones is set in a fantasy world, but it is simply a backdrop to a very human story. The entire series is character driven, each coming from different cultures, all playing for power to rule on the iron throne. Violence, sex, love and political intrigue this series has it all. L.A. Times describes this series as a medieval version of The Sopranos and it comes pretty close to that description. I will spare you the in depth synopsis since it is complicated to say the least and would only spoil it for anyone viewing this for the first time. I suggest everyone reading the first book to fully enjoy this series, but if you don't please watch all bonus material that has to do with the characters and setting on these great blu rays before starting episode 1. Game of Thrones Blu Ray set is the definitive way to watch this series. First, for those that have not read the book can easily get a brief history lesson in the world and the characters that inhabit it. The Blu Rays are simply put reference quality. This is a 5 star set with flawless picture quality and an incredibly immersive 5.1 DTS Master HD sound track. To top it all off you are not simply getting just the episodes which is so common with TV series sets. You also get this long list of extras as well: - Complete Guide to Westeros - "An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in Season One." - Making "Game of Thrones" - "An exclusive 30-minute feature including never-before-seen footage from the set and interviews from the cast and crew." - Character Profiles - "Profiles of 15 major characters as described by the actors portraying them." - Creating the Show Open - "An inside look at the creation of the Emmy-winning opening title sequence for 'Game of Thrones'." - From the Book to the Screen - "Executive producers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss and author George R.R. Martin talk about the challenges of bringing Martin's epic fantasy novel to life on HBO." - The Night's Watch - "An in-depth look at the unique order of men who patrol and protect the Wall, a 700-foot ice structure that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the darkness beyond." - Creating the Dothraki Language - "An insightful glance into the comprehensive language created for the Dothraki people in 'Game of Thrones'." - Audio Commentaries - "Seven audio commentaries with Cast and Crew including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and more." - Blu-ray Complete Guide to Westeros - "An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in Season One PLUS 24 exclusive histories of the Seven Kingdoms as told by the characters themselves." - In-Episode Guide - "In-feature resource that provides background information about on-screen characters, locations, and relevant histories while each episode plays. - Anatomy of an Episode - "An in-episode experience that explores the creative minds and colossal efforts behind Episode Six, `A Golden Crown.'" - Hidden Dragon Eggs - "Find the hidden dragon eggs to uncover even more never-before-seen content." That is a HUGE list of extras that should excite anyone buying this incredible series. Do not think this series is just for fans of the books or for fans of this genre of film, this is an incredible story that everyone should experience. This Blu Ray set comes not only Highly Recommended but as a must own.

Lucky me. I had heard about this program a number of times but it is an HBO product, so I wasn't able to see it. My provider here in town is Comcast, and they have an 'On Demand' feature. I clicked it last week, I think Tuesday, and there was a button called 'Watchathons'. All of the shows listed were free until the thirty first of March. I scanned them quickly, not really thinking much about it as I was looking for something else, and there it was. A Game of Thrones. 2 season's worth. I had Tuesday through Sunday to view. What I was searching for forgotten, I saddled up for a long ride in my spare moments after work. I was hooked from the first episode. This series is absolutely incredible and well worthy of the high acclaim it has received. Fastforward to Sunday, and I had viewed all of the first two seasons. (I think Comcast screwed the pooch Sunday night because I was able to see the first episode of season three as well.) What to do after seeing such an epic in such a short period of time? First, I bought the 4 volume set of books. Now, I tried to do this through Amazon, but they were out of stock, so I found a local dealer what had it. I'm now about 300 pages into the first book, and man... The HBO series follows so closely to the book, it's like reliving it in print! Incredible how alive the series makes the characters. The production is epic, with what would seem no expense spared. Vivid and visceral. Intricate and involved. 2 days later, here I was on Amazon buying the DVDs for the first two seasons, and as soon as able, will be buying season three. How could I not? With the books, you get the scope of what the author envisioned, and I'll tell you that that is fantastic as well if you're a reader, but the HBO series is, with little exception, that in the flesh. Uncanny, so far. So now, I await standard shipping and the DVDs from Amazon. I'm anxious to see the extras to broaden what I know about the show and share the truly engrossing experience that has been coming to know this series, and now the books, with my friends and boss. Martin has gained a new reader, and HBO has made a little cash from me, and, being an impatient man, might just get a subscriber so I can see season three 'live'. And then Amazon for the DVDs of THAT season, and so on. Comcast wins, Martin wins, HBO wins, Amazon wins, but I am the ultimate victor for the sheer entertainment and experience I can witness over and over, and share with my friends. Come on delivery date!!

The show itself is quite possibly the best TV show I've had the pleasure of viewing in my life. It encouraged me to read the books, and greatly anticipate the new season coming april 1st. Heck this is the only TV show that I've ever purchased a entire season of. The show itself takes place mainly in the semi-magical world of westeros (magic doesn't play much of part in the first season, and in all honesty isn't too large in the first 5 books mainly thought of as non-existent). In the first season the show mainly focuses around three Noble Houses, The Lannisters, the richest family in Westeros, the primary antagonists, the Starks, The primary protagonists and honorable lords of Winterfell, and the Targareans a family formally ruling westeros before a rebellion removed them from the land roughly two decades prior to the show. The show is mainly about the power struggle of a medieval society through a political aspect (their are some battles but are generally not the focal point and glossed over). The plot is amazing the casting impeccable as is the filmography. The show itself well deserves 5 stars, it is a faithfully adaption of the novels, and is stupidly well done. The reason why it gets 5 stars, is because I was expecting some more extra content in the show. The commentary is good so far, I'm currently on the 4th episode, the first one was informative with the directors doing the comments, the second fun using the cast of the royals, the third cute using the children actors, the fourth is alright so far it uses a writer and the bastard Jon Snow, the first three there was a lot of commentary between the first three and is a nice addition, outside of that there is much to talk about there is a character charts to help explain some characters from their actors perspective and a map. I wish there was more like explaining maybe a bit about the different religions and the maesters who play a rather important part in the ruling of the lands of westeros, and really just the large amount of back story that you can't always convey into a tv show. So while the show it's self deserves 5 stars, the dvd box additions just aren't 5 star material and I'm review the box not the show, so I'll give it a 4.5, but since I can't give a half I'll round it down to four.

Update: If you did not see the series on HBO, I strongly recommend getting the DVDs for the season rather than watching them on line from Amazon or Netflix. I watched the first season and there was so much I missed because I did not have a firm grasp on the relations between the characters. All the little family trees helped, but not much. I watched the complete first season over again, and it made far more sense. I did not attend to the "extras" in the review. I suggest they are "fair to good". There is a voice-over commentary for almost all episodes, except that the quality is uneven. If the writer(s), director, or producer are commenting, the value is very good. If, as in the second episode, the commentary is by three child actors, the commentary is almost worthless, unless you have an adolescent in your audience. Given all the other reviews, it is hard for me to think of anything new to say about this celebrated HBO series which as some strong similarities to the 2 season historical drama "Rome". It seems the writer has "borrowed" a bit from just about everyone, most heavily relying on the real history of the Plantagenets and the War of the Roses, although there is little evidence that the dialogue owes anything to Shakespeare's great plays about that history. Of course, there is also a strong flavoring of Tolkien, as if you needed Sean Bean (Boromir in LOTR) in the lead role of Ned Stark to tell you that. When I began watching, I had high expectations, which were temporarily deflated through the third to about the seventh episode. I yearned for more back story, which the narrative gave out in drips and drabs. I anticipated that the king would die in some way during the first season, and the fact that Sean Bean does not reappear in season 2 give away some of the plot. Another element which enlivened my interest is that Peter Dinklage's character, Tyrian Lannister, begins to appear more regularly by episode 7, and starts having an active effect on events. Even in this season, there is no mystery to why Dinklage got several acting awards for his role in this series. Aside from Bean and Dinklage, the acting is sound, if not necessarily inspired. If I were to identify one actor and role I began to anticipate, it was Emilia Clarke, who plays the exiled Daenerys Targaryen. The season succeeded in what may have been its two primary objectives. I am now anxious to see what happens in Season 2 (especially to see more of Dinklage) and to buy some of the books by George R. R. Martin, on which the series is based. It is this deep history which made Tolkien's books so magical and which works for Martin's story as well.

I stumbled across this little gem here under my Amazon recommendations. I'd never even heard of this series of books or the fact it was an HBO show. I read the synopsis and all the reviews here about the show and I was very intrigued. I like Sean Bean as an actor, and enjoyed Peter Dinklage from Nip/Tuck, and as everyone raved about his performance in this, I thought I'd check out at least one episode. WOW oh WOW.... This series just blew me away! The storyline was amazing! All the machinations, assignations, intrigue, deliberations, or stunning confessions that go on are incredible. The sets and locations are gorgeous. The theme music is very stirring and the opening credits are creatively done. I can see why each episode runs a cool $6 mil.... I'm afraid I'll run out of superlatives in describing this show. There were many times in watching the series where I was shocked and stunned, like "wow.... Oh my gosh, did that really just happen?".... You think you may know what's going to happen next, and the show surprises you. It plays out like an elaborate and intricate game of chess. I love shows that do that. You may not recogize many of the names, but you'll recognize a lot of the faces. Mark Addy (Roland from A Knight's Tale, Bill Miller in Still Standing) is wonderful as Robert, king of the seven kingdoms. Rightfully on the throne? Some aren't so sure about that. Eddard (Ned) Stark (excellently played by Sean Bean, Boromir from Lord of the Rings) is Lord of Winterfell and Robert's friend. Ned is asked to come to Kings Landing and accept the job of Hand of the King, due to the recent demise of the previous title holder. Some whisper assassination. If that is indeed the case, Ned wants to know why he was killed. Lena Headey (Queen Gorgo in 300) is superb as Robert's wife Cersei Lannister. Talk about a 180 degree character portrayal from her role in 300. She was amazing, I loved to hate her. And no one could have played the role of Cersei's brother Tyrion, "the Imp" better than Peter Dinklage. He almost steals the show with his performance. The actors playing two of Ned's younger children are phenomenal, especially Maise Williams as Lord Stark's spunky and scrappy daughter Arya. This little gal will be a force to be reckoned with in the years to come. She will definately be one to watch. Isaac Hempstead Wright plays Arya's brother Bran to perfection. The actors playing Ned's older children deliver solid performances as well. Even Natalia Tena (Nyphadora Tonks in Harry Potter) delivers an outstanding performance in a minor role as Osha, a criminal turned new house slave at Winterfell. Then of course, there is the ominous and massive Wall. Manned for thousands of years, most have forgotton why they even continue to stand the watch, and where deserting your post still means death. Yet rumors and frightened witnesses swear that monsters and white walkers are beginning to stir, and icy horrors wait beyond the wall. Dragon lore and direwolves are also spoken of. Toss into the mix House Taragaryen across the narrow sea. In exile, Viserys Targaryen desires to take what he feels is his rightful place on the throne in Kings Landing, and sells his sister Daenerys in marriage to the Khal of the fierce and nomadic Dothraki tribe, (think Klingons of the wastelands) so that Khal Drogo (Jason Momoa from Stargate Atlantis) will provide the muscle Viserys needs to get the job done. There are several family dynamics occuring at the same time and it's very involving, so I would refer to IMDB to better understand who was who and where they fit in to the storyline, (thank you IMDB). There is soooooo much more happening than what I've mentioned here, but this review is already getting to be the length of a book itself, so just check it out for yourself. If you are offended by nudity or violence, this may not be the show for you. Game of Thrones hits the ground running right from the opening credits where you see a white walker, and let me tell you, they're creepy. This show grabs you and doesn't let go. It's one hell of a ride. I can't wait for the second season. HBO, you definately have a gem of a winner in this series. During the hiatus, I'll be reading the books. ~ jade ~

Consiglio vivamente a tutti gli amanti della serie di prendervi la prima stagione in blu ray perché merita assolutamente. Sono rimasto sbalordito dalla qualità video e audio degli episodi, poi che dire della serie, eccezionale. E' la mia serie tv preferita e infatti mi sto prendendo le stagioni prima che uscirà la sesta. Dal punto di vista tecnico Game of Thrones è fatto molto bene e il blu ray ne risalta molto il lavoro che hanno fatto per questa serie.

De la serie hay poco que decir que no sepamos ya: impresionante producción como nunca se había visto en la TV. La presentación es increíble, digna de todo fan coleccionista, steelbook con 5 discos blu-ray + el escudo magneto que acompaña a cada edición. En este caso, el de la casa Stark. La serie se ve y se escucha impresionante, con multitud de extras. Un auténtico festín para los seguidores de esta saga.

原作の大ファンだっただけにテレビ・シリーズ化されると聞いても素直に喜べなかったというのが本当のところ。原作者のジョージ・R・R・マーチンも自分のホームページでバックアップしたりしていましたが、彼の原作の映像化は「サンド・キング」にしても「ナイトフライヤー」にしてもがっかりするものだったという悪い思い出がある。 そもそも原作の実写化なんて本当にできると思えなかった。むしろアニメ化した方がいいのではと思ってしまったくらい。 だが、実際に放送されての評判は大変なもの。 とはいえ、スチルを見る限りでは、登場人物はなるほどと思うものが多い一方で、こんなんで大丈夫という感もぬぐえなかった。 そして、今こうして見終えての感想は、「これは想像を絶する素晴らしさだった」と言うしかない。 いや、もちろん不満なところまいろいろあります。でも、全体としての出来はそうした不満を吹き飛ばして余りある。 たとえば、冒頭。 北の壁ってこんなデカいの。 自分の想像力の貧しさを痛感するだけです。 話のアブリッジのしかたも見事としかいいようがありません。ちなみにエクゼクティブ・プロデューサーとしてベニオフの名前があり、第一シーズンの大半は彼が共同脚本としてクレジットされています。さすがとしかいいようがない。 （また、第８話は原作者のマーチン自身が脚本にクレジットされている。） キャスティングも素晴らしい。 なんせ、登場人物が多くて、しかもみんなキャラがちゃんとたっているというのが原作の面白さの最大の要因。よくぞこれだけ集めてくれましたという感じで、みな本当に素晴らしい。 最初は、ええ？ という感じの人でも見ているうちに納得してしまいます。 映像の強みといえますが、それもちゃんとした演出と演技があるからのもの。 ちなみん、ＢＤのフィーチャーとして、画面にアイコンを出して、登場人物や場所の情報を見れるようになっています。これがとてもいい。原作を読むときにもこういうのがほしいよ、というくらいです。 早く続きが見たい。

Fantástica edicion, totalmente en español de España, tal y como se vio en canal+, gran precio, la mitad que en españa y es la misma edición. Plagado de extras, y con guia de episodio, que te muestra los personajes que hay en pantalla, el lugar donde están y la historia que les ha llevado hasta allí. Gran edición para una gran serie.

I returned this DVD because it didn't work, I thought there was something wrong with my laptop, and i tried on my BF's laptop, but also didn't work. You should test your DVDs before selling them.