Game of Thrones: Season 4 (Blu-ray)

Season Four of GoT combines storylines from three different books in George R.R. Martin's series of novels, specifically the second half of A Storm of Swords, along with elements of A Feast for Crows and A Dance with Dragons. As has been the case in prior seasons, this season has a series of parallel story arcs that sometimes intertwine with each other. Daenerys Targaryen captures Meereen and decides to rule as queen of Slaver's Bay until she can permanently defeat the slavers while trying to consolidate enough power to return to King's Landing and retake the throne. At The Wall, the Night's Watch prepares for an invasion by the Wildlings, and in King's Landing a murder scandal plays out throughout the season. Arya is traveling across Westeros with the Hound trying to take out people on her "list".There are a ton of extras for those who get the Blu-Ray set. There are 11 total commentary tracks (a couple of episodes get two commentary tracks and the third episode does not have any commentary). The commentaries generally rotate cast and crew/showrunner members and are all usually informative and/or entertaining. Then there are a couple of hours (give or take) of making-of and behind-the-scenes featurettes, some deleted scenes, a blooper reel, and some interactive material. And, the A/V quality is again top-notch. So, there is a lot there for people who prefer physical discs.Overall, the season is very good. This season included several new characters played by The season introduced a number of new cast members, including Pedro Pascal, Indira Varma, Michiel Huisman, and Dean-Charles Chapman. Some of them would be around for a short time and others would remain past this season. As has always been the case, no character is safe on this show and there are definitely major deaths this season. The series continues to be very compelling and is very well written and acted (with definite kudos going to Alfie Allen this season). Even though there are fewer characters in the show than in the books (and even some of the major storylines from the books removed from the show) it is sometimes hard to keep everything straight, but overall I do think the show does a good job balancing the large ensemble cast and the multiple story arcs. There is still a lot of violence and sex in the show, but if you have stuck with the show through the first three seasons that should not be an issue for you. This season is definitely worth watching.

Good season but the series ending is the worst ever. You’ll be disappointed and angry that you wasted so much time watching this promising series.

I bought this mainly for the collectible steelbook and magnet.— MULTIPLE COPIES —You technically get three different copies of the series:1) Blu-ray (physical discs)2) UltraViolet 1080p HD version (digital copy, HD only available on some devices)3) iTunes 1080p HD version (digital copy)The digital code gives you two digital versions (which is rare, and appreciated).— STEELBOOK and MAGNET —This steelbook has artwork designed by Elastic, the agency that created the Emmy Award-winning opening credits, and has a magnet on the cover that can be removed and used as a regular magnet, or left on to show off as a collector's piece. Each season represents one of the major houses of the series, and this season four steelbook doesn't represent a house, but the brotherhood of The Night's Watch of The Wall with its Raven sigil on the magnet. The steelbook is in a matching decorative plastic outer case that holds the magnet in place so it doesn't scratch the steelbook. Depending on how this was shipped, this plastic may or may not be cracked as I've seen a lot of cracked plastic cases with the steelbook intact.— THE SHOW —The show is great—in acting, in storytelling, in visuals, in music, and in writing. I've watched everything at least three times, and there are so many new things you see when re-watching, and with the knowledge of future episodes. The fourth season brings Dorne into the picture with the character or Oberyn Martell. We also see the players of the game switch places in terms of positions of power after the events of season three. There is also a trial, and a fight of the century in the second half of the season. If someone had recorded my reactions for this particular fight, I am pretty sure it would've gotten millions of views if you saw my reaction. The final episodes are epic in scale and prepares us for Winter.I have converted many friends who previously used to think this was about "dungeons and dragons and lord of the rings," (like I did) who are now *all* addicted to the show. If you don't already know, this show isn't about what you think it may be about.This is currently THE only good show on television, and if you don't like it, you probably don't understand good television (sorry, not sorry). It has been the number one torrented show in every single year since it came out for a reason (which is a blessing and curse for the producers). After watching this, everything else on TV becomes: "why I am watching all these other crappy shows?"This is one of those series that I will buy the individual season sets, and whatever big box set comes out in the future. GAME OF THRONES! Recommended.

Actually, we have the entire series on a Blu Ray set, but the discs are thin and flimsy. One of the Season-4 discs cracked trying to get it out of the snap in thingie, so I needed to get one to replace it. This stand alone disc set is solid, much thicker material and just what I needed. I replaced the entire season due to a different episode layout than the original. I also believe the image quality is better than the box set.Dragons, and thrones, and zombies... Oh, my!