One of the most hotly anticipated dvd/blu-ray releases for the new year would have to be season 1 of HBO’s huge hit, “Game Of Thrones”. The series captured the epic scale and scope of the books by George R. R. Martin upon which it’s based and fans are expecting something equally epic in terms of the home edition content. The series starred Sean Bean, Lena Heady, Peter Dinklage, Jason Momoa, Nicolaj Coster-Waldau, Mark Addy, Aiden Gillen, Emilia Clarke, Iain Glenn, Michelle Fairley, Kit Harrington, Harry Lloyd and Richard Madden

The discs drop on March 6, 2012, which is an indication that HBO expects the dvds to be just as popular as the show: they’re skipping holiday season. Instead of rushing to completion for Christmas, they’re taking their time because they know they’ll sell a bazillion copies anyway. The special features will be extensive, including a myriad of behind-the-scenes “making of” documentaries and featurettes focusing on the making of the show, its source material, cast, crew, etc., not to mention the seven commentaries. The extras are rich and plentiful, befitting a show of this caliber.

Bonus Features:

Both the DVD and Blu-ray versions will include the complete first season (10 episodes) plus:

• 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, (Emmy winner) Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, and more.”

BLU-RAY ONLY:

ALL THE 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.”

Finally a reason to buy dvds again. Lately it seems that studios have been getting lazy (or just chintzy) with the special features. Considering that’s why most of us BUY the discs (instead of renting or watching via VOD), that’s an opportunity wasted. “Game of Thrones” would seem to be worth splashing out on.