Game of Thrones: The Complete Second Season

The second run of HBO's sprawling fantasy epic based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Fire and Ice novel series builds an increasingly complex narrative that spans many lands, and encompasses an ever-growing cast of characters. The confederation of kingdoms plunges into a free-for-all civil war after sniveling young Prince Joffrey (Jack Gleeson) is elevated to the throne by his cold-blooded mother, Cersei Lannister (Lena Headey). At the same time, the scheming Lannister family's black sheep, Cersei's brother Tyrion (Peter Dinklage), steps up to prove himself a master politician and tactician. Meanwhile, barbarian queen Danerys (Emilia Clarke) gathers her own army in the sun-baked desert across the water, and in the icy north, something is rumbling on the other side of The Wall. The fantasy elements here are still merely grace notes in a human-based saga that plays like a fanciful take on Europe in the Dark Ages. The scale of the production (in particular the climactic battle of King's Landing) is impressive, with location filming in Ireland, Morocco, Malta, Croatia, and Iceland—capturing striking, dynamic landscapes that define each fictional land. But none of this would mean much without the strong writing, vivid characters, and superb cast, a combination that has earned the show a legion of obsessive fans. Compiling all 10 episodes from 2012 on DVD and Blu-ray, extras include audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and character profiles. Exclusive to the Blu-ray version are an interactive “War of the Five Kings” guide, animated “Histories and Lore” videos, and “Hidden Dragon Eggs” (as well as a pair of DVD flipper discs with all episodes). Highly recommended. (S. Axmaker)