With the release of Game of Thrones season 3 on multiple formats approaching this Tuesday, the question always arises: Is the box set worth my hard-earned dragons money?
Fans interested in the individual DVD set will be pleased to know that this set shares a decent amount of the really juicy extras with the Blu-ray and combo edition. (Fans should note that the DVDs included in the combo edition do not include special features.) All sets include 12 audio commentaries across nine of the 10 episodes of Game of Thrones season 3. (Episodes 3, 6, and 9 are provided with two commentary tracks each.) And though the five extra scenes are somewhat meager – the count stands more accurately at three extended and two deleted scenes – they also appear on the DVD edition.
However, most of the other DVD extras (such as the “Politics of Marriage” and “Inside the Wildings” features) are already available online. While interesting, they are not integral to a fan wishing to re-experience Game of Thrones season 3.
Those interested in the Blu-ray editions will not be disappointed, as the features exclusive to the Blu-ray edition are intricate and enjoyable. As with past seasons, all episodes include an “In-Episode Guide,” which points out character and location information, as well as the history of various Houses and events. Fans of the original source material will find the “Roots of Westeros” and “Histories & Lore” features a treat for the eyes and ears.
Once again picking up from previous seasons, these in-depth looks at the history of noble Houses, locations, and pivotal events across both Westeros and Slaver’s Bay are thoughtfully and beautifully constructed. Animated in a simple, yet visually interesting style, and narrated by actors from the series performing as their characters, these featurettes offer an unexpectedly fascinating and enriching experience. (Try not to shiver while listening to Roose Bolton describe the history of his macabre House, we dare you!)
But the pièce de résistance of the Game of Thrones season 3 Blu-ray sets is a substantial feature on the fourth disc titled “‘The Rains of Castamere’ Unveiled.” Almost documentary-like, this extra immerses viewers in the production of the pivotal ninth episode, which featured the cataclysmic Red Wedding. Multiple portrait-like videos play simultaneously, displaying the finished episode, interviews from cast and crew (including author George RR Martin), and footage from behind the scenes.
In addition, an icon in the corner of the screen offers an interactive element to the experience. When selected, viewers are treated to further videos on the characters, the world, and the production of Game of Thrones season 3. The more than twenty topics include “Guest Right,” “Arya and the Hound,” and “Dany’s Love Triangle.” Though slightly more general, these clips also offer an interesting look at the characters and concepts of Game of Thrones from the people who bring them to life. (And, you know, death.)
Though reliving the Red Wedding (and the murders of Robb, his wife Talisa, and Catelyn Stark) is not easy, “‘The Rains of Castamere’ Unveiled” is an undeniably fascinating and valuable look back at a landmark event in television history. (If you’ve ever wondered how much fake blood they used to film the scene, this feature has the answer.) Though perhaps not worth the price of the Blu-ray or combo-pack on its own, combined with the commentary tracks and “History & Lore” segments, the Blu-ray offers an intricate re-experience of Game of Thrones season 3 that fans of the series should not miss.
Giveaway
Hypable is giving away one copy of Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season on Blu-ray/DVD Combo! Enter below for a chance to win!
This giveaway will conclude at 12:00 a.m. on Feb. 24.
Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season will be available on Blu-ray and DVD on Tuesday, Feb. 18.