The HBO series is based on George R.R. Martin hit series of novels and is a smash success. Game of Thrones is one of the highest rated drama series. Filled with twists, interesting characters and cool mythology it has people riveted. Of course, murder, incest and sinful behaviour usually does do the trick when done well. This incredibly adult series is done well – script, direction, set, costumes and acting is all great. Be warned that there is plenty of graphic sex and violence, so if you are easily offended stay away.
Even if you have not read the books you can enjoy the series. Each episode is better than the previous one. The makers of it are rewarded for their creativity and daring with storylines and character development. A must watch even if you are not usually a fan of the genre. Enjoy as several families fight for the control of the mythical land of Westeros.
Reviews like this try to keep things short while enticing potential viewers. While at the same time revealing as few spoilers as possible. To that end, my job is made much easier by the writers in that there are so many stories going on within the ten episodes of each season it is impossible to talk about them all without going on for pages and pages. Without going much into the details of the story let me warn you that you that it continuously proves that the viewer can never get too comfortable while watching it. The expected rarely happens in this series and that is what makes it great. Big characters are killed off and storylines are introduced without a second thought of upsetting or shocking those watching. It is unpredictable and that is what keeps you coming back. That, plus the excellent cast, realistic sets and costumes, strong dialogue, and sure handed direction.
Several characters forge, for their own survival, new and oftentimes shocking alliances. New characters are introduced that rock the boat and put who is in power into question. The body count is shocking at times and it is still a series that demonstrates no fear of ending the run of big characters. Don’t think you have figured out where the series is going…because you haven’t. That is all I am going to say because anything else would lead to spoilers and that is not cool. Watch and find out for yourself as it is time well spent.
Special Features:
-In-Episode Guide
-Histories and Lore – The Old Way: narrated by Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk)
-The Kingsmoot: narrated by Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk)
-The Sunset Sea: narrated by Euron Greyjoy (Pilou Asbæk)
-War of the Ninepenny Kings: narrated by Brother Ray (Ian McShane)
-The Great Tourney at Harrenhal: narrated by Meera Reed (Ellie Kendrick)
-Robert’s Rebellion: narrated by Jaime Lannister (Nikolaj Coster-Waldau)
-Vaes Dothrak: narrated by Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen)
-The Dothraki: narrated by Jorah Mormont (Iain Glen)
-Northern Allegiances to House Stark: narrated by Sansa Stark (Sophie Turner)
-Children of the Forest vs. the First Men: narrated by the Three-Eyed Raven (Max von Sydow)
-Brotherhood Without Banners: narrated by Thoros of Myr (Paul Kaye)
-Oldtown: narrated by Grand Maester Pycelle (Julian Glover) and Qyburn (Anton Lesser)
-House Dayne: narrated by Young Ned Stark (Robert Aramayo)
-The Little Birds: narrated by Lord Varys (Conleth Hill)
-Knights of the Vale: narrated by Petyr ‘Littlefinger’ Baelish (Aidan Gillen)
-House Tarly: narrated by Randyll Tarly (James Faulkner)
-Riverrun: narrated by Brynden ‘the Blackfish’ Tully (Clive Russell)
-Great Sept of Baelor: narrated by the High Sparrow (Jonathan Pryce)
-The Battle of the Bastards: An In-Depth Look
-Recreating the Dothraki World
-18 Hours at the Paint Hall
-Audio Commentaries
-Deleted Scenes
– A Day in the Life (1080p; 26:01) featurette that aired on HBO and involves behind the scenes footage as well as interviews.
-New Characters/New Stories (1080p; 7:41) a focus on the new characters brought into the fold.
-Anatomy of an Episode: Mother’s Mercy (1080p; 29:33) is a a look at the season’s final episode.
-The Real History Behind Game of Thrones features some interviews with George R.R. Martin:
Part One (1080p; 18:13)
Part Two (1080p; 22:00)
-Histories and Lore discuss the following subjects:
The Seven Pointed Star (1080p; 3:26)
The Faith Militant (1080p; 5:05)
Volantis (1080p; 4:18)
Braavos (1080p; 5:35)
The Faceless Men (1080p; 2:17)
Winterfell (1080p; 2:36)
The Lord Commanders (1080p; 3:23)
-The Dance of Dragons (1080p; 20:27) a look at one of the important mythologies of the series
-Creating the Battle of Blackwater Bay
-Game of Thrones: Inner Circle
-The Religions of Westeros
-Creating the Battle of Blackwater Bay
-GAME OF THRONES: Inner Circle
-12 Audio Commentaries with Cast and Crew
-The Religions of Westeros
-Character Profiles
-In-Episode Guide
-Histories & Lore
-War of the Five Kings – Hidden Dragon Eggs
-The Fallen: A Roundtable
-The Politics of Power: A Look Back at Season 3
-Bastards of Westeros
-Behind the Battle for the Wall
-New Characters & Locations
-Season 4 Blooper Reel
-Complete Guide to Westeros
-Hidden Dragon Eggs
-Making Game of Thrones
-The Night’s Watch
-From the Book to the Screen
-Creating the Show Open
-Creating the Dothraki Language
-Conquest & Rebellion: An Animated History of the Seven Kingdoms
• From Imagination to Reality: Inside the Art Department
• Creating the North and Beyond
