L.J. Smith's multi-volume YA saga about ancient bloodsuckers and teenage love predates the Twilight book series. But it wasn't until after Twilight became a pop phenomenon that showbiz cashed in on the craze with a TV version of The Vampire Diaries, which remains a hit for the CW network. The biggest news from season four arrives in the 20th episode, which is essentially the pilot for the new spin-off show The Originals. The Vampire Diaries is set in Mystic Falls, where supernatural spirits have long been present, and where the blood of Elena, Stefan, and Damon boils with passion in a complicated triangle of vampire obsession. Newly turned Elena is struggling with the switch to immortality and the reality of what feeding really means, although it will later turn out that Elena has a cure for vampirism—a plot point that reaches a head during the cliffhanger finale. Actress Nina Dobrev plays both Elena and her ancient doppelgänger Katherine, which leads to the unusual prospect of fighting herself to the “death.” Paul Wesley, who plays Stefan, also has a double named Silas. Compiling all 23 episodes from the 2012-13 fourth season, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes, deleted scenes, a gag reel, and a gallery of fan-created artwork. Recommended. (T. Fry)
The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Fourth Season
Warner, 969 min., not rated, DVD: 5 discs, $59.98; Blu-ray/DVD Combo: 9 discs, $69.98 Volume 29, Issue 1
The Vampire Diaries: The Complete Fourth Season
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