Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		5.0
Audio		5.0
Extras		5.0
Overall		5.0

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie Review

"The night is gathering. It's coming for all of us..."

Reviewed by Kenneth Brown January 28, 2014

Game of Thrones' third season is something of a masterstroke for showrunners David Benioff and D. B. Weiss. The award-winning executive producers have not only made the unmistakably wise decision of splitting author George R.R. Martin's "A Storm of Swords" (the third book in the "Song of Ice and Fire" series) into two seasons, they've delivered a season to top all seasons, with each episode eclipsing the last. It's rare that a show is able to be as quietly affecting in its downtime (Jamie's confession to Brienne during "Kissed by Fire" for one) as it is deeply unsettling amidst shocking developments (the infamous "Red Wedding," among other season-defining scenes). But Game of Thrones does it so often, and with such daring and marvelously crafted clarity of purpose, that it solidifies its place among the HBO greats and TV's finest. Everything from the writing to the performances, cinematography, production design and, perhaps above all, the suddenness and confidence with which the game changes, is exemplary of what television can accomplish when bold creators are given leave to be bold.

The battling families of the Seven Kingdoms continue to fight for power as bonds are strained, loyalties are tested and cruel fates are met. The Lannisters (Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Jack Gleeson and Charles Dance) barely hold on to power after a savage naval onslaught from Stannis Baratheon (Stephen Dillane), while stirrings in the North threaten to alter the overall balance of power. Robb Stark (Richard Madden), King in the North, faces major calamity in his efforts to build on his victories over the Lannisters, including a dispute with his mother Catelyn (Michelle Fairley), while beyond the Wall, Mance Rayder (Ciarán Hinds) and his army of Wildlings continue their inexorable march south, much to the dismay of prisoner Jon Snow (Kit Harrington). Elsewhere, across the Narrow Sea, Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke), reunited with her three rapidly maturing dragons, attempts to raise an army to sail with her from Essos, in hopes of eventually claiming the Iron Throne for herself.

Condensing a 10-episode season of Game of Thrones into a neatly organized plot synopsis is nothing short of a fool's errand. Devising a synopsis that touches on every key character, plotline and perfectly cast actor even more so. (Unmentioned thus far are familiar faces Aidan Gillen, Liam Cunningham, Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams, Gwendoline Christie, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Iain Glen, Alfie Allen, Rory McCann, John Bradley, Carice van Houten, Rose Leslie and Natalie Dormer, and newcomers Paul Kaye, Emmy nominee Diana Rigg, Clive Russell and too many others to rattle off here.) More incredible is the fact that most every character is so interesting, so deserving of more attention than they're afforded, that it almost stings when the camera pulls away to follow someone else. Which, I have to point out, is a good problem for a show to have if it has to have one. Not every story comes to a close by season's end, nor does it seem some storylines will ever come to a close; particularly with Martin's penchant for wiping out entire groups of crucial players before any traditional narrative satisfaction is achieved. Game of Thrones isn't a series for the weak of heart, and Season Three is its most vicious yet. If you manage to make it to the end without feeling betrayed by Martin, Benioff and Weiss at least three times, you have a heart of stone. But that's the power of the show: to leave you shaking your fist, screaming at your television, gasping for air and begging for more.

I could go on and on about everything Season Three gets right, but it would read like a point by point overview of all ten episodes. And who wants to risk spoiling any second of the madness, heartache and drama that transpires? (Although after the hit-or-miss treatment of Daenerys in Season Two, I will take a second to praise the sharp plunge forward Clarke's storyline finally, finally takes.) Criticisms, meanwhile, are few and far between -- Bran's journey is sometimes more of a holding pattern and... erm... and... well, like I said, few and far between -- and the momentum and suspense that builds from start to finish, whether the series is idle or barreling ahead, is riveting. Overwhelming even. (Binge viewers be warned: the third season can be exhausting.) Humor and wit serve as an oasis. Victories are generally short-lived. Surprises and plot twists are more akin to weirdly welcome sucker punches. The series shifts on a dime and the ride is better for it. The writers aren't beholden to the audience any more than Martin is to his readers. Death and tragedy are commonplace. Stomach churning losses and disheartening falls are everywhere. And no conflict, much less any feud, is ever won. Especially when someone dares to believe they're safe, even for a moment. As crowded as Game of Thrones becomes in its third season, the ease with which it sheds baggage and the fearlessness with which it casts away characters maintains the balance. If the series isn't already sitting on the throne of your DVR season pass list, it should be.

The Blu-ray release of Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season features ten episodes spread across five BD-50 discs. Episodes 1-2 on Disc One, 3-4 on Disc Two, 5-7 on Disc Three, 8-9 on Disc Four and Episode 10 on Disc Five.) Episodes include:

• Valar Dohaeris: "Jugglers and singers require applause. You are a Lannister." Jon is brought before Mance Rayder, the King Beyond the Wall, while the Night's Watch survivors retreat south. In King's Landing, Tyrion asks for his reward, Littlefinger offers Sansa a way out, and Cersei hosts a dinner for the royal family. Daenerys sails into Slaver's Bay.
• Dark Wings, Dark Words: "All this horror that's come to my family is all because I couldn't love a motherless child." Sansa says too much when questioned about Joffrey. Shae asks Tyrion for a favor. Jaime finds a way to pass time. Arya crosses paths with the Brotherhood Without Banners and is recognized by Sandor Clegane. Ravens bring dark news to the King in the North. Jon Snow learns about wargs from the Free Folk.
• Walk of Punishment: "We seem to be running short on patience." Tyrion shoulders new responsibilities. Jon is taken to the Fist of the First Men. Daenerys meets with the slavers. Jaime strikes a deal with his captors. In Storm's End, Melisandre prepares to sail away. Stannis Baratheon pleads with her to stay and make him another son.
• And Now His Watch is Ended: "He would see this country burn if he could be king of the ashes." The Night's Watch takes stock. Tyrion visits Varys. Arya is taken to the commander of the Brotherhood. Daenerys exchanges a chain for a whip. Varys meets his better. Cersei and Lady Olenna tour the Sept of the Baelor, where Joffrey and Margaery will marry.
• Kissed by Fire: “It doesn’t matter what we want. Once we get it, we want something else.” The Hound is judged by the gods. Jaime is judged by men. Jon proves himself. Robb is betrayed. Tyrion learns the cost of weddings. Lady Margaery and Sansa watch as Ser Loras trains with a man-at-arms. In the Brotherhood's hideout, Thoros informs Arya she's a hostage.
• The Climb: "I would have hoped you've learned your lesson about overplaying your position" Tywin plans strategic unions for the Lannisters. Melisandre pays a visit to the Riverlands. Robb weighs a compromise to repair his alliance with House Frey. Roose Bolton decides what to do with Jaime Lannister. Jon, Ygritte and the Wildlings face a daunting climb.
• The Bear and the Maiden Fair: "You've been nursed on pretty lies since you were a baby." Dany exchanges gifts with a slave lord outside of Yunkai. As Sansa frets about her prospects, Shae chafes at Tyrion's new situation. Tywin counsels the king, and Melisandre reveals a secret to Gendry. Brienne faces a formidable foe in Harrenhal.
• Second Sons: "A man who fights for gold can't afford to lose to a girl." King's Landing hosts a wedding, and Tyrion and Sansa spend the night together. Dany meets the Titan's Bastard. Ayra considers killing the sleeping Hound. Davos demands proof from Melisandre. Lady Margaery links arms with Queen Cersei and remarks they'll soon be sisters. Sam and Gilly meet an older gentleman.
• Rains of Castamere: "You’re almost there and you’re afraid you won’t make it. The closer you get the worse the fear gets." Robb presents himself to Walder Frey, and Edmure meets his bride. Jon faces his harshest test yet. Bran discovers a new gift. Daario and Jorah debate how to take Yunkai. House Frey joins with House Tully. The Lannisters send their regards.
• Mhysa: "A good man does everything in his power to better his family's position." Joffrey challenges Tywin. Bran tells a ghost story. In Dragonstone, mercy comes from strange quarters. Varys gives Shae a pouch of diamonds. Bran Stark, Hodor, and the Reeds take up camp in the Nightfort. Tywin confirms what Tyrion already suspected. Dany waits to see if she is a conqueror or a liberator.

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season features a striking 1080p/AVC-encoded video presentation every bit as impressive as the two that have come before it. Color and contrast are perfectly faithful to both the series' summery and stormy photography, with beautifully saturated skintones, sun-kissed southern vistas, bleak northern snowscapes, suitably dim and dank castle interiors, darkly satisfying evening scenes, grisly primaries and sinister blacks. Shadows are muted on occasion and noise sometimes spikes, but each instance is in keeping with the source. Detail is outstanding as well. Edges are crisp, clean and naturally defined, free of aliasing and ringing, and fine textures are nicely resolved, backed by a notably filmic quality that grants the show its cinematic flair. Moreover, significant artifacting, banding, shimmering and other issues are nowhere to be found, and distractions are all but non-existent. HBO once again bolsters its reputation for first-rate Blu-ray releases.

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

As stunning as Game of Thrones' video presentation may be, the experience is made complete by yet another rousing, wholly immersive DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 surround track. Dialogue is ably centered, intelligible and carefully prioritized at all times, and firmly planted in reality. LFE output is potent and powerful, with consistent and consistently satisfying support that lends weight and heft to every collision of armor, crunching skull, thundering horse, groaning castle door, flapping dragon wings and clash of rival families. The rear speakers are terrifically aggressive too, with deadly accurate directionality, effortless cross- channel pans and a fully enveloping soundfield. All told, Game of Thrones' third season AV presentation delivers without incident or issue.

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

• Audio Commentaries (Discs 1-5): The Blu-ray release of Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season features twelve engaging and extensive audio commentaries. That's more than one per episode, excluding the first episode, "Valar Dohaeris," which doesn't earn a track. Better still, the pairings are excellent, with actors central to the episode being assembled smartly and logically, leading to more revealing dissections that weave a behind-the-scenes third season narrative all their own.
  
  Commentaries include "Dark Wings, Dark Words" with writer Vanessa Taylor, director Daniel Minahan, and actors Jack Gleeson and Natalie Dormer; "Walk of Punishment" with executive producers/writers/directors David Benioff and D.B. Weiss; "Walk of Punishment" with production designer Gemma Jackson and costume designer Michele Clapton; "And Now His Watch Is Ended" with director Alex Graves and actors Lena Headey and Diana Rigg; "Kissed by Fire" with writer Bryan Cogman and actors Nikolaj Coster-Waldau and Gwendoline Christie; "The Climb" with director Alik Sakharov and actors Kit Harington and Rose Leslie; "The Climb" with actors Sophie Turner, Maisie Williams and Isaac Hempstead Wright; "The Bear and the Maiden Fair" with co- executive producer/author George R.R. Martin and director Michelle MacLaren; "Second Sons" with MacLaren and actors John Bradley and Hannah Murray; "The Rains of Castamere" with director David Nutter and actors Richard Madden and Michelle Fairley; "The Rains of Castamere" with weapons master Tommy Dunne, stunt coordinator Paul Herbert, assistant stunt coordinator David Forman and swordmaster C.C. Smiff; and "Mhysa" with actors Emilia Clarke, Iain Glen and Iwan Rheon.
• In-Episode Guide (Discs 1-5, HD): Each episode features an on-screen guide interface that allows fans to learn more about the characters, lands and histories of the Seven Kingdoms and beyond. "Characters" and "Location" buttons deliver simple pop-up text and factoids, making each rather bland. The "Histories" button, though, is more worthwhile, as it leads to simple but strikingly animated videos that detail the legends of Westeros and Essos, as told by the characters themselves. These varying perspectives offer insight into key houses, religions and important events relevant to the third season.
• A Gathering Storm (Disc 1, HD, 14 minutes): Those looking for a refresher course on the events and betrayals that've led to Season Three should begin with "A Gathering Storm," a carefully constructed overview peppered with actor interviews that succinctly touches on every major plot point and development thus far.
• New Characters (Disc 1, HD, 10 minutes): Introducing Game of Thrones' incoming freshman class, among them Olenna Tyrell, Missandel, Mance Rayder, Tormund Giantsbane, Orell, Jojen and Meera Reed, Blackfish and Edmure Tully, Thoros of Myr and Beric Dondarrion.
• The Rains of Castamere Unveiled (Disc 4, HD, 47+ minutes): An in-depth, Maximum Movie Mode-esque Picture- in- Picture experience that can be played alongside the third season's most crucial, most emotionally taxing and most jaw-dropping episode, "The Rains of Castamere," in all its gory, gutsy glory. In addition to cast and crew interviews, behind-the-scenes footage and other materials, an icon appears at various intervals that allows fans to access even more content and scene- specific videos.
• Deleted and Extended Scenes (Disc 5, HD): Five scenes are available: "Jon Meets Mance," "Edmure, Robb and The Blackfish," "Tywin and Pycelle," "Small Council Discusses Wildling Threat" and "Jon Thinks About Escaping." Each one is well worth watching and could have easily been retained had time allowed. "Tywin and Pycelle" is particularly good...
• Histories & Lore (Disc 5, HD): The third season's animated "Histories & Lore" videos -- specifically those pertaining to Westeros' history and mythology -- cover everything from the Battle of Qohor to the Vale. Segments include:
  
  
  • Old Ghis & Slaver's Bay (Jorah Mormont )
  • House Reed (Meera Reed)
  • House Bolton (Roose Bolton)
  • House Frey (Catelyn Stark)
  • House Tully (The Blackfish)
  • The Lord of Light (Thoros of Myr)
  • Wargs and the Sight (Bran Stark)
  • The Red Keep (King Joffrey)
  • Robert's Rebellion (Petyr Baelish and Lord Varys)
  • The North (Jon Snow)
  • The Reach (Margaery Tyrell)
  • The Riverlands (The Blackfish)
  • The Stormlands (Brienne of Tarth)
  • The Westerlands (Tywin Lannister)
  • The Vale (Petyr Baelish)
  
  
• Roots of Westeros (Disc 5, HD): This sister-guide delves into the interweaving relationships, alliances, rivalries and feuds that stand between the various Houses of Westeros, again via "Histories & Lore" animated segments narrated by the series' main characters.
• Inside the Wildlings (Disc 5, HD, 6 minutes): Returning to the land of production featurettes, "Inside the Wildlings" gives the cast and crew a chance to discuss the Wildlings, their culture and their lifestyle, as well as their portrayal in the series.
• The Politics of Marriage (Disc 5, HD, 9 minutes): Power grabs and politics: the art of love in Westeros.

Game of Thrones: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

Game of Thrones' third season doesn't simply deliver its best season to date, it further establishes the series as one of the finest on television, granting it a seat at the head of the TV table that won't soon be relinquished. Just be warned: Season Three doesn't take prisoners, give viewers any quarter or pull a single punch. Brace for bloody, brutal impact and prepare to have the wind knocked out of your chest more than once. HBO's Blu-ray release is one of its best too, with a masterclass AV presentation and an exhaustive supplemental package. The year just began and Blu-ray has already been bestowed one of the year's top releases.