***SYNOPSIS***
Journey to a thrilling ancient world in this epic new series about history's bravest and most brutally fearsome warriors...VIKINGS. Ragnar, a would-be Viking chieftain, longs to fulfill his destiny as an explorer and conqueror, alongside his ambitious brother Rollo and loyal wife Lagertha. But as Ragnar leads daring raids in distant realms across the ocean, treacherous forces in his Norse homeland conspire against him. Faced with shocking betrayals and the temptations of a mysterious seductress, Ragnar must wage war on the battlefield -- and within himself -- to protect his freedom, family and life.
***SERIES REVIEW***
Vikings was a show that when it first started I wasn't all that intrigued by it. The first couple episodes take their time to build the characters and the world they inhabit but things really ramp up after that and at the end of the season I was converted into a fan. The battles have impressive scale and the detail that goes into the costuming and locations are top notch work. The cast grows into their roles beautifully and since there are no big names you get a sense these characters are real people instead of just actor's playing dress up. If you missed out on the show when it aired on History Channel do yourself a favor and pick this one up before the next season debuts.
8.5/10
***VIDEO QUALITY***
Vikings: Season One arrives on Blu-ray with a 1080p transfer in the original aspect ratio
1.78:1 - Vikings has some gorgeous cinematography and the transfer represents it perfectly. Colors have a stylistic look with a cooler tint with splashes of brilliant reds, piercing blues, and lush greens. Fine detail shows every battle wound and weapon with striking clarity. Black levels were consistently deep. One of the absolute best looking series currently available on Blu.
9.5/10
***AUDIO QUALITY***
Audio is provided by a
DTS -HD Master Audio 5.1 track. - A thrilling and dynamic track throughout the season. Dialogue is centered and clear. Surrounds are constantly engaged for directionality, environmental effects, and bleeding of the score by Trevor Morris. LFE comes alive with powerful and deep bass. I felt like I was placed right in the middle of the battles.
9/10
***SPECIAL FEATURES***
* Audio Commentary featuring Michael Hirst and Jessalyn Gilsi - Commentary for the episode "Rites of Passage"
* Audio Commentary featuring Katheryn Winnick and Clive Standen - Commentary for the episode "All Change"
*Deleted Scenes (HD, 3min39sec) - These scenes are extended moments of scenes already in the episodes "Rites of Passage" and "Sacrifice".
*A Warrior Society: Viking Culture and Justice (HD, 20min48sec) - Quite an informative look at the real Viking culture with insight from Professor's, cast and crew, and Micheal Hirst.
*Birth of the Vikings (HD, 17min9sec) - Creator Michael Hirst is joined by cast and crew interviews that explore how the series came to fruition.
*Forging the Viking Army: Warfare and Tactics (HD, 12min11sec) - The season's intense battles are looked at here with some nice behind-the-scenes detail.
* Conquest and Discovery: Journeys of the Vikings BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE (HD) - Interactive map with short clips from Dr. Jochen Burgtorf talking about locations Vikings ventured to.
* The Armory of the Vikings BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE (HD) - Interactive look at the weaponry of the show. Dr. Jochen Burgtorf hosts.
