The History Channel's surprise hit miniseries Vikings draws generously from historical details gleaned from Scandinavian artifacts and archeology and the rich myths surrounding these brawny blond warriors and their deeply spiritual connection to the notions of honor and dying a good death. The story arc tracks the rise of Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel), a strong, proud man with a family he holds dear, including his loyal wife, Lagertha (Katheryn Winnick), and ambitious brother, Rollo (Clive Standen). Ragnar's nemesis is the feudal ruler Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne in a juicy villain role), who knows his fate is tied to Ragnar's ascendency. Vikings follows the looting, murderous, enslaving plunderers as they make bloody incursions into England carrying eternal fealty to their gods. Creator Michael Hirst (The Tudors) thrusts viewers into a rich, absorbing world where shocking twists strike unexpectedly (although the series is less salacious or gratuitously violent than HBO's Game of Thrones). Combining classic themes with high production values, the show pays close attention to particulars such as the Norsemen's bad table manners, sexual proclivities, and fearlessness in battle, offering a combination of ripping entertainment and engaging history lesson. Compiling all nine episodes from the 2013 debut season, extras include extended episodes, audio commentaries, behind-the-scenes featurettes, and deleted scenes. Exclusive to the Blu-ray release are a pair of interactive features. Recommended. (T. Fry)
Vikings: The Complete First Season
Fox, 3 discs, 804 min., not rated, DVD: $49.98, Blu-ray: $59.99 January 13, 2014
Vikings: The Complete First Season
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