Here’s everything you need to know about the home video release of HBO’s Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season. EW.com exclusively has the release date, the list of extensive bonus features, a ton of screen shots, and first-look video clip from one of the documentaries.
The fantasy drama is arguably the most anticipated DVD release for a TV series that’s aired this year. And with the show’s expected home video revenue factored as a major player in the show’s finances, it’s no surprise HBO has pulled out all the stops. Based on the two disks I previewed, Thrones was given a lavish presentation. The sophisticated menu navigation and behind-the-scenes extras that are on par with DVD sets from hit movies rather than what fans typically receive for TV shows.
Game of Thrones arrives in stores on March 6, 2012. The cost: $79.98 for BD and $59.99 for standard-def DVD. Here’s a list of all the extras followed by 11 exclusive pics and then a video clip from one the of the documentaries.
Both the DVD and Blu-ray versions include the first season’s 10 episodes, plus (descriptions are the official text):
Complete Guide to Westeros
“An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in season one.”Making Game of Thrones
“An exclusive 30-minute feature including never-before-seen footage from the set and interviews from the cast and crew.”Character Profiles
“Profiles of 15 major characters as described by the actors portraying them.”Creating the Show Open
“An inside look at the creation of the Emmy-winning opening title sequence for Game of Thrones.”From the Book to the Screen
“Executive producers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, and author George R.R. Martin talk about the challenges of bringing Martin’s epic fantasy novel to life on HBO.”The Night’s Watch
“An in-depth look at the unique order of men who patrol and protect the Wall, a 700 foot ice structure that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the darkness beyond.”Creating the Dothraki Language
“An insightful glance into the comprehensive language created for the Dothraki people in Game of Thrones.”Audio Commentaries
“Seven audio commentaries with Cast and Crew including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and more.”
BLU-RAY ONLY: ALL THE FEATURES ABOVE PLUS:
Blu-ray Complete Guide to Westeros
“An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in season one, PLUS 24 exclusive histories of the Seven Kingdoms as told by the characters themselves.”In-Episode Guide
“In-feature resource that provides background information about on-screen characters, locations, and relevant histories while each episode plays.”Anatomy of an Episode
“An in-episode experience that explores the creative minds and colossal efforts behind episode six, ‘A Golden Crown.’”Hidden Dragon Eggs
“Find the hidden dragon eggs to uncover even more never-before-scene content.”
There’s no deleted scenes from the series itself — the producers used almost everything they shot. I’d love to tell you about the Dragon Eggs, but I’m sworn to silence on that one. The making-of extras should please longtime Ice & Fire fans looking for more detail, while the character profiles and major houses compendium are useful to newcomers who could use some background to help follow the complex show.
NEXT: Ready for some exclusive screen-shot pics?
