HBO's sprawling fantasy epic, faithfully adapted from George R.R. Martin's Song of Ice and Fire fantasy series brings in more viewers every season, thanks to a smart and intricate storyline, a massive cast of vividly drawn characters, and beautiful location filming (the series is shot in Ireland, Iceland, Morocco, Malta, and Croatia). This fourth season of the show, which plays like an alternate reality take on Europe during the Middle Ages, features yet another shocking murder that changes the reins of power and puts Tyrion Lannister (Peter Dinklage in an Emmy-winning role) on trial for a killing (in which he's clearly been framed). The surviving Stark girls—court-trained princess Sansa (Sophie Turner) and scrappy young warrior Arya (Maisie Williams)—learn hard lessons here, while across the sea, barbarian queen and Mother of Dragons Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) frees the slaves of the desert kingdoms on her march to retake the throne, but finds herself bogged down by the responsibilities of rule and justice. While not quite as exciting as past seasons—much of the story finds the characters simply trying to hold things together in crisis—the ninth episode does deliver a massive battle with literal giants attacking the Night's Watch, and Jon Snow (Kit Harington) leading the defense (while also facing the woman he betrayed). Compiling all 10 episodes from the 2014 fourth season, extras include audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, a roundtable discussion, deleted scenes, and a blooper reel (exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a pair of interactive features). A show loaded with sex, nudity, gory violence, foul language, and exceptionally sophisticated storytelling, this is highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)[Blu-ray Review—May 31, 2016—HBO, 4 discs, 545 min., TV-MA, Blu-ray: $79.98—Making its second appearance on Blu-ray, 2014's Game of Thrones: The Complete Fourth Season sports a great transfer with an all-new Dolby Atmos soundtrack. Extras are identical to the previous release, but in addition to Dolby Atmos, this collector's set limited edition steelbook includes a collectible sigil magnet. Bottom line: the sigil magnet is certainly not worth the upgrade if you already own the original Blu-ray release, but this set is thinner and therefore takes up less room on the shelf.]
Game of Thrones: The Complete Fourth Season
HBO, 545 min., TV-MA, DVD: 5 discs, $59.99; Blu-ray: 7 discs, $79.98 Volume 30, Issue 2
Game of Thrones: The Complete Fourth Season
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