“Game of Thrones”: The Complete Second Season is another solid set. The show is still strong with powerful performances and impressive production design and this Steelbook re-release has some great bonus material to go along with incredible video and audio transfers, the latter getting upgraded to the new Atmos track.
“Game of Thrones”: The Complete Second Season
(2012)
Genre(s): Drama, Adventure, Fantasy
HBO | TVMA – 545 min. – $79.98 | November 3, 2015
 |
|
** Click Here to Purchase “Game of Thrones”: Season 2 (Limited Edition) on Blu-ray from Amazon.com **
THE MOVIE – 4.5/5 |
|
“Game of Thrones”, the hit series from HBO, begins its second season after its thrilling conclusion of its freshman year. The kingdom is split with brat teenager Joffrey Baratheon (JACK GLEESON) sitting on the Iron Throne while his mother, Cersei Lannister (LENA HEADEY) always hovering while her brother, Tyrion Lannister (PETER DINKLAGE) schemes and manipulates those around him, specifically to surround himself with people he can trust, which tends to be in short supply. Things in King’s Landing aren’t copasetic as Joffrey rules with fear even by his wife Sansa (SOPHIE TURNER), though he loathes her given she is a Stark. Episodes:
Quick Hit Review: Season two continues where the first season left off in all of its bloody and scandalous glory. As with season one, the show prides itself on its storytelling with its interweaving plots and character betrayals; on that front the acting is once again strong led way by Golden Globe winner Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey and Emilia Clarke. And as with the first season, the sets, costumes and props were top notch showing off the series’ high production values. |
SPECIAL FEATURES – 5.0/5 |
|
This “Limited Edition” release has the 5-discs contained in a nice and sturdy Steelbook packaging which is housed in a clear outer packaging with a “Collectible Sigil Magnet” displayed in front. Inside is a code for the Digital HD copy. In-Episode Guides – Each episode comes with a picture-in-picture feature where viewers can learn more info on the characters, locations and history as well as a “Complete Guide” with text and audio trivia. Audio Commentaries (12)
Disc 1: Disc 5: Histories & Lore – Here, in these animated mini-featurettes we learn about the mythology of Westeros as told from the varying perspectives of the characters. Creating the Battle of Blackwater Bay (31:16; HD) breaks down how the epic battle was brought to life in this in-depth behind-the-scenes featurette featuring the cast and crew. Game of Thrones Inner Circle (24:03; HD) – Actors Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Michelle Fairley, and Liam Cunningham talk about their experiences shooting season two in a roundtable discussion moderated by David Benioff and D.B. Weiss. The Religions of Westeros (7:34; HD) – George R.R. Martin and Showrunners David Benioff & D.B. Weiss discuss the competing religions in the show and how they influence the various characters in Westeros and beyond. |
VIDEO – 4.75/5 |
| “Game of Thrones” The Complete Second Season arrives on Blu-ray presented with a fantastic looking 1080p high-definition transfer. The 1.78 widescreen aspect ratio picture is probably one of the best looking I’ve come across for a television series. The detail levels are amazing, the darker scenes do not show signs of artifacting and the daylight scenes help the colors, drab as they are, pop quite nicely off the screen. |
AUDIO – 5.0/5 |
| The original release was good enough as it was with a DTS-HD MA 5.1 but that has been upgraded to the new Dolby Atmos track which for older systems decodes to TrueHD 7.1, so you do gain an extra two channels. This new track sounds, unsurprisingly, fantastic with great depth and exceptional dynamic providing for crisp and clear dialogue and comes to life especially for the action-centric scenes. The score also makes good use of every available channel beginning with the catchy and identifiable main theme. |
OVERALL – 4.75/5 |
|
Overall, “Game of Thrones”: The Complete Second Season is another solid set. The show is still strong with powerful performances and impressive production design and this Steelbook re-release has some great bonus material to go along with incredible video and audio transfers, the latter getting upgraded to the new Atmos track. However, is it worth the upgrade cost? Not so sure, it all depends on how much value you place on the packaging and Atmos tracks.
Published: 12/19/2015 |