Game of Thrones: Season 1 [Blu-ray] [2011]

Here it is then. the long awaited television interpretation of the first part of George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series. This show will affect you in different ways depending largely upon two possible scenarios, 1. you have read the book(s) beforehand, or 2. you haven't. If you have read the books then you will have the added advantage of going into this series with some serious background knowledge, which, given the expanse of Martin's literature, can only be a good thing. It is good (as a fan of the books) to see the characters portrayed on screen by, what can only be described as, an excellent cast. My personal favourites are Sean Bean (fellow Yorkshireman like myself) who plays Lord Eddard Stark, the proud, strong and brave (if not a bit stubborn and old-fashioned) Lord of Winterfell, the icy kingdom of the north. And, Peter Dinklage, who gives, as ever, a wonderful performance as Tyrion of House Lannister, a noble-born dwarf cursed by the hatred of his proud father but blessed with an unmatchable wit and intelligence. The story is relatively straightforward insofar that nothing groundbreakingly orignal happens. Martin's fantasy literature is about believability and realism; it is completely unlike Tolkien in that way (I don't like to compare the two authors, but most people seem to be doing so lately). Whereas Tolkien favoured Orcs, Goblins, castles and wizards, Martin prefers the medieval touch, dealing with knights, lords and priests. The story is very intricate and may leave you slightly unfulfilled at the end of the series, but, bear in mind this is only the first part of seven. One good thing, as a fan of the books, is that Martin had a very close hand in the production of this series which means very little tinkering has been done. If you compare it to The Pillars of the Earth for example, parts of the tv series didn't even come close to representing what happened in the book leaving hardcore fans a little bewildered, and not a little irritated. Martin's books though are so jam-packed with plot and character building that there really isn't much room for artistic license for the directors. They have a lot of story to get through, and only 10 episodes to do it in!! If you have never read Martin before then, what can you expect? Well, it is fantasy first and foremost (like I said earlier, with a medieval twang). Without spoiling or giving anything away the main plot is basically this: the continent of Westeros, ruled by king Robert Baratheon, falls into turmoil amidst a hungry power struggle between the realms nobles and knights. Expect a lot of plot twists and cliffhangers at the end of each episode. A quick word of warning to any of those sensitive souls out there as well, this series contains graphic bloody violence, nudity (tactful), swearing and some scenes of a sexual nature. It certainly IS NOT for kids (like Lord of the Rings etc.). Overall then I will sum up for you in some quick bullet points: + George R.R. Martin's literary masterpiece brought to life + great cast + wonderfully made, no corners have been cut, everything looks imacculate and professional + entertaining plot, good twists, beautiful ladies, handsome men, fighting, loving, laughing, crying (really, something for everybody here) + hour-episodes mean for a great amount of entertainment for your money - series 1 deals with book 1 of 7, if you get into this now, don't expect to see the ultimate conclusion for at least another 10-15 years (the last two books haven't even been written yet) - a little cliched in parts (I really didn't get this impression from the book though) I would highly recommend people to take the time to see this series and get into the number 1 fantasy series of the modern era. I would also recommend that you buy and read the books. Thank you for reading. (Thank you to everyone who found my review useful. I hope you are enjoying GOT!)

For the uninitiated: This is an adaptation of a fantasy novel A Game of Thrones (Reissue) (A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 1) which is the first in a long series of books about the struggle for power in a fantasy kingdom called Westeros. The book series hasn't been finished yet. But let's not get started on that. Westeros is a land of medieval style technology and living. Different regions have their own lifestyles. The king of Westeros went mad fifteen years before and was killed after a rebellion led by two lords. One of whom then became king. But two of the dead king's children escaped to lands in the east and have been trying to build an army to win the throne back ever since. The north of the kingdom is dominated by a huge wall built a long time before to keep out creatures that lurk in the snow covered lands beyond. The wall is manned by a group of warriors called the nightwatch. As our story starts, Lord Eddeard Stark - the one of the two aforementioned warriors who didn't become king - gets a visit to his castle in the north. The king has lost his right hand man, known as the hand of the king, and needs Eddeard [known as Ned] to take on the role. He does. And finds himself in the middle of intrigue and a struggle for power. Meantime, the two exiled royals in the east are getting into a potentially dangerous alliance. And things are stirring in lands beyond the wall. Westeros is about to erupt into conflict. And things will never be the same again for all concerned. This series condenses a very long book down into ten tv episodes that run from fifty to fifty five minutes each [approx] and if you haven't read the books then you will quickly be confronted with a large cast of characters who talk about a lot of the above mentioned backstory. And more that I haven't mentioned. It has a huge cast of characters. Lots of storylines. And lots of settings. There are episodes when certain characters and storylines don't figure. The fantasy elements are rather kept to a minimum in this season of the show, so it's more intrigue and swordplay in a medieval style setting. So you may have to concentrate if you want to get into this. But it is worth the effort. A big and involving story. Intriguing settings. And a fine cast of characters. All of which makes for epic television. As those who have read the books will know, they are very gory and don't skimp on language and adult relationships and the like. Thus this is an eighteen certificate product. And the tv show doesn't skimp on that either. Watch out for beheadings, the bloody consequences of swordplay. And lots of naked people doing things that naked people often do. Body parts are often on display. From ladies and gentlemen. Those who have read the book will find this does an excellent job of condensing a very long narrative down into a tv version. There are some minor changes to the timeline of the books, with things happening a little differently. But all key scenes and elements from the book are here. And there are also some scenes involving characters who weren't viewpoint characters in the book, which make them viewpoint characters in the scene. This does have the effect of adding depth to some of those. Which is quite pleasing. All in all it is a commendable effort at getting a seemingly unfilmable book onto the screen. And it's well worth a watch. There are five discs in the box set, with two episodes to each. It has the following language and subtitle options: Languages: English, French, Castilian, Hungarian, Polish. Subtitles: English, French, Castilian, Czech, Hungarian, Polish, Dutch, Croatian, Danish, Finnish, Greek, Hebrew, Norwegian, Portugese [Iberian], Romanian, Serbian, Slovenian, Swedish, Turkish. Extras are as follows: Seven of the ten episodes have commentaries from various members of cast and crew. Disc one has character profiles. Fifteen short features lasting no longer than a minute or two with the actors talking about their characters. Supported by lots of clips. These can be watched individually or all in a row, and if you do the latter the whole thing lasts thirty minutes. But most of the clips come from later episodes so you may want to leave it till you've watched them all. Each of the five discs contains complete guide to Westeros. An interactive map/diagram that will tell you all you need to know about all the main characters, and many others. And the various settings of the story. And disc five has some featurettes. A pretty good thirty minute long making of documentary. From the book to the screen: a five minute feature about how the book was adapted [most of this one is in the main making of documntary anyhow]. A five minute feature about the title sequence of the show was created [it has a full animated title sequence. An increasinly rare thing in tv these days]. Creating the Dothraki language: Another short feature, this one about how the language spoken by some of the characters [with subtitles] was created. And the Night's watch: a nine minute long feature all about the aforementioned guardians of the wall. The season ends on a cliffhanger of sorts. Season two will be along on dvd in due course. I look forward to it.

This first season does a fantastic job of introducing the world, characters and politics that would go on to make Game of Thrones such a huge success. The Blu-ray presentation looked and sounded great, and it's nice being able to own the series outright rather than relying on whichever streaming service happens to have it available at the time. With films and television becoming increasingly spread across multiple subscriptions, physical media is starting to feel more like convenience than nostalgia again. Overall, it's an excellent start to the series and an easy recommendation for fantasy fans.

I read the first volume in George R R Martin's epic fantasy saga not long after it came out in 1991 and thought it was terrific. For some reason -it seemed too much of a good thing- I gave up halfway through the second book and never went back to it. Twenty years later when HBO put out their ten episode version of the book, I couldn't remember a damn thing about it except that it was good. I didn't watch the TV series when it was shown on Sky's Empire channel. It wasn't out of lack of interest rather because I have Virgin Media, Empire wasn't one of the channels they paid Sky for. When the DVD set of this first season came out I still didn't rush to buy it despite all the praise heaped on it. Then I thought, what the hell, if I didn't like it I can always recoup most of my losses by selling it, so I bought it and watched two episodes a night for successive nights, and most of the extras. And, well, it's as good in its own way as Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings. Not in special effects, I should add. While the show clearly had a healthy budget there is little in the fantasy element where sfx are used mainly because there is very little fantasy involved at all. Sometimes it's quite obvious when a matte painting has been used for a castle or background scenery but that's the worst criticism I can make of a genuinely outstanding piece of television drama. The script is a superb distillation of Martin's novel. I'm sure there'll have been some filleting but it never feels watered down. Martin, who appears frequently in the making of extras, appears delighted as well he may be. The cast is outstanding featuring many of the best of British and Irish (location shooting was filmed in Northern Ireland and Malta) character actors from both tv and film. The standard of acting is, needless to say, exceptional with the youngest included. It's an ensemble piece, though it's anchored by the key figure of Lord Eddard Stark played by Sean Bean with immense dignity. It's also true what they say about how good (his Emmy was well-earned) Peter Dinklage is as Tyrion Lannister who, lacking stature, has to rely on his wits to survive. The story is basically all about scheming and fighting for the throne of the Seven Kingdoms. But the reasons why it's so good are many. The world (in terms of environment and societies) in which it is set is well worked out. Despite the existence of magic and monsters, they play very little (albeit highly significant) part which makes them all the more effective. The characters are very well rounded human beings. Good people do bad things and bad people do good things. Clearly some characters you'll identify as good or bad but (with one repulsive psychotic exception) none are what you call evil. All do things because they believe what they are doing in right. There are constant surprising developments. You can never tell when a character might die and it could well be your favourite. Also characters grow and change with Daenerys Targaryen being a prime example from quiet vulnerable girl to...well, I won't spoil it but it's quite special. I don't know the full chronological span of the series of novels but I suspect it will be a decade at least if not decades. One pre-teenager is clearly (well I think so) being set up to be a warrior woman when she gets older (though she could just as easily get killed in the next season). No character is safe. The soundtrack is good with an interesting piece about included in the extras of which there are several with the making of being the most interesting. Amazingly I've forgotten to mention that the language can be very crude, the violence is really violent with blood and body parts and heads all over the place, and the sex sometimes verges on soft-core porn. This is not a criticism, the reverse if anything. Violence particularly, I believe, should be realistic to show the horror and brutality of it. So basically this is just a brilliant piece of television which I hope will continue until the very end of Martin's story.

I haven't watched any of the Game of Thrones episodes on the tele. But something prompted me to read the first of the books and I was hooked. I'm half way through the third book and still hooked. So I had to buy the DVDs of Season 1 and I'm very glad I did. The five discs are beautifully packaged and presented and there are masses of really interesting additional features on every disc. The episodes are superb and follow the book remarkably closely. It's a classy production, the casting is brilliant, the acting outstanding and to be honest, I'm amazed that an American TV company has achieved a production of such high quality. Astonishingly, there's scarcely an American accent to be heard. There's nothing wrong with American accents but I think the producers were sensible to settle for "English" accents and actors for a story which is essentially medieval in flavour. I'm also surprised at the graphic violence and sex. The books are very violent but I had imagined that this would be toned down a bit for television. The sex is never remotely pornographic, but no episode passes without at least two women stripping off, with the director seemingly in no hurry to move on to the next scene. All of this is fine by me but undoubtedly some will be offended by the scenes of nudity and some will be upset by the violence. I mention this only so that people likely to be offended/distressed can take an informed decision and maybe save their money for something else. I think these DVDs give outstanding entertainment. I haven't enjoyed a film or TV programme as much as Game of Thrones for years and I've already bought Season 2. I'd have given an unhesitating five stars if it wasn't for the fact that on disc 2, on one of the episodes, the audio was out of synch with the visuals. As the episode wore on, the gap between the two got wider and it became hard to work out what people were saying. It was intensely irritating.

Game of Thrones is a rich, layered, epic story of a political battle for the Iron throne of the seven kingdoms. Full of deception, back stabbing, political intrigue and ferocious battles, this is one the most thrilling series on TV and demands to be enjoyed by all. Some have complained that the story is convoluted and that there are too many characters. Whilst in the first couple of episodes there is certainly a lot to take in, once past these it all starts to fall into place. Everyone is out for their own and nobody is safe. The Lannisters are calculating and cold. They sit on the periphery of power waiting for their moment to take control. The Starks on the other hand are happy in their own world and live in relative peace in Winterfell. There are many other families but these are the two the main story focusses on. The story is well paced with each episode full of incident. The story starts with Ned Stark's son witnessing a shocking encounter. He is then left fighting for his life. An attempted assassination kicks of the unfolding conspiracy which ultimately leads to a war between the two families. The level of detail is what makes this world feel so utterly compelling. You are drawn right in from the start. No dallying about, no soft slow introductions, the audience is thrown right into the mix. Throughout the series there are lots of smaller actions which will eventually be explored in further series' but it is a clever way of eliciting excitement for what may be coming. The Night Watch is a perfect example of this. Always hinting at a more monstrous danger heading their way. Far more dangerous than the feuding families. The sets, costumes and props are all superb. However this series would be nothing without a cast so fully immersed in their parts, that you forget who some of them are. Sean Bean being the standout of the series. His Ned Stark is a loyal yet wounded soldier, he will serve the King but will always do what he feels is right. He is fierce but caring and wants to do what is right for people of the realm as well as his own family. Sean bean is closely followed by Peter Dinklage whose character probably has the most significant journey of them all. He starts as a slightly cocky and arrogant member of the Lannister family, but comes to show a softer side. He is not a fighter but has a level head and a way with words that often sees him escape trouble. Dinklage is a joy to watch as is the rest of the cast. The rich tapestry of history woven into this story is divine. It is a very real feeling world and kudos must also go to George R R Martin who created this whole saga to begin with. His plotting and characters could not have been better conceived. This truly is one of the best series on television at the moment. A joy to get lost in

***NO SPOILERS*** What can I say? As a 21 year old female who is addicted to films and a good tv show nothing compares to Game Of Thrones. I have seen my fair share of desperate disasters but this is truly breath taking in all aspects. I have a degree in Cinema special effects and have seen some truley amazing, traffic stopping moments on the screen and this... tops them all. The costumes are inpecable and the set...wow... this world that was created is stunning, enchanted, dangerous yet so real. HBO didn't do the cheap on any aspect of this programme, from cast to special effects to music, I could even watch the intro over and over again. I havn't read the novels but I am starting as soon as they get delivered. The reason I refused to read the novels before viewing was because I was afraid the screen version may be a let down, just as Harry Potter was, not that George R R Martin is even in the same brief as J K Rowling. George R R Martin is in a league of his own and a inspiration to any artist not just wrighters. The story is complex but not in a way that will have you taking notes, in a way that EVERY CHARACTER has a life and a reality about them. When the camera is concentrating on one character, you truley believe that the others carry on living. I have never been so engrossed in a TV programme that appears so 3 dimensional. They are rich, brash, explosive and they are alive. I don't understand why these books and tv series arn't even bigger, people should be fighting over them. When I was 16 I camped outside my local sainsburys for the last Harry Potter book, they had sold out by 6am and this story is easily eleven times better. George Martin has so much more to offer to us, it's not just a book series but it's a sexy, dangerous cut throat world. The simplist details are what I love about these tales, each house has a animal, trait and slogan. The strange things about this series is you have some heavy emmotions to go through, I have never hated someone as much as I hate some of the characters because of how vile, twisted and cruel they can be. Yet I love to hate them. Also no one is safe in these books, characters you love will die. Personally my favorite character is Khaleesi (Deanerys), I love how she grows and it's great to see a beautiful character who's not being a typical dansel in distress, she is powerful strong and sexy, yet still remaining delicate and pure, despite the brutal sex scenes. Which is a very difficult contrast to create, but George Martin seemed to do it brilliantly. As cheesy as it sounds, I can only hope that more wrighters/tv shows produce characters like Khaleesi to give young woman a role model, who is beautiful, challenging, smart and fierce, not just some fluffy blonde bimbo who can't tell the difference between her reflection and a manaquin, that so MANY wrighters continue to produce. Another brilliant character to keep your eye on is Tyrion. He is the smallest yet strongest male character within this masterpiece. He is funny, brave, witty and the only hope the Lanisters have. He is fearless and not afraid to look death in the eyes. You never know what he has planned and is also the most misunderstood character. I had a T-shirt made for my fiance which read "What would Tyrion do?" and he loves it and now it's something that we all say to one another in the household. So I am now sat here counting down the hours until the books arrive and I can throw myself into them. Anyone who is looking for the new best thing to hit this decade, you looking right at it. I say hurry up order the books and dvd's and don't miss out on what everyone will be talking about. If you liked the continous mystery Lost offered (before it went on and on and on) the richness of Lord of the Rings and cut throat drastic wrighting with a sexy twist. With a cast so full of talent that's it's oozing out at the seams, even the child actors are top quality, if thats what you want, Then order it TODAY!

I come from an admittedly biased background of being a huge George R R Martin fan, and had read all his books before i saw the tv series. So i was prepared for the extreme violence. I was prepared for the gratuitous nudity. I was prepared for the incredibly complex (and mainly evil) characters. What i was not prepared for, however, was just how well this was portrayed in the series. It captured the content and the spirit of the first book perfectly. The casting was spot on, the lannisters in particular were brilliantly cast. The charming Tyrion, dominant Tywin, suave Jaime, caligula Joffrey and the evil Cersei - perfect characterisation. There were some unexpected casting delights - Jerome (from Robson and Jerome) as Tyrions "bodyguard" Bronn. Even Sahara Knite had a couple of scenes. An indian porn star on such a high profile show - love it! The books are very deep and complex, so to have the first book (game of thrones) so clearly portrayed is a work of genius. The blu ray version is a particular treat. The visuals are razor sharp, but the sounds are even better, i suggest anyone watching this in blue ray to invest in a decent surround sound system to get the full benefit. All those chopping of heads have added impact with the delicious sound. The "in story" and "commentary" modes on the blu ray version were very interesting. While watching, you can bring up all sorts of information on the characters on screen, the location, and even deeper behind the scenes information. All while watching. The "commentary" mode is also interesting and gives a fascinating insight of the characters as discussed by the actors - while they are on screen! by and large this works well but you cannot follow both the story and listen to the commentary as they talk over it. So this mode is best AFTER watching the episode and then replaying it in commentary mode - then its brilliant. Ok i could talk forever on this but will cut it short, the books are utterly amazing, yet unbelievably the series matches it. This is 5 stars all the way. Both the book and the adaptation. Ignore any review that says otherwise - they simply do not "get" it.

A gripping start to the epic fantasy series. Season 1 introduces a rich world with complex characters, political intrigue, and unexpected twists. The storytelling is tight, the performances—especially by Sean Bean, Peter Dinklage, and Emilia Clarke—are strong, and the production values make the world feel immersive and authentic. A must-watch for fans of fantasy, drama, and high-stakes storytelling.

Full season in several DVD, very good quality. Good price It contains lots of extras, in several languages, including Spanish.

Greatest show series of all time! :)

Dvd de mauvaise qualité de Rarewaves. J’ai du le retourner.

It will not run on an American DVR. It apparently is for an European machine. Don't know why it would be sent out if they knew it wouldn't work.