Not everyone is aware, but American novelist George R.R. Martin, probably best known for the wonderful vampire vehicle, Fevre Dream, wrote another series of books, which were made into an HBO series.
Shot in Ireland over eight seasons, with effects produced around the globe, the series gathered unto itself a reasonably wide audience, and gave careers to many young aspiring thespians.
I’ll not waste time discussing the series, as most people are probably at least tangentially aware of multi-tiered interrelationships found within. And of course, there be dragons!
Bottom line, sitting down and watching the entire series, and I know several people who have done so several times, leads me to what I consider to be the finest presentation available – and that would be in 4k.
There are two physical variants. And neither is less than glorious.
The lessor is a boxed set of eight seasons, with beautiful graphics. But the one closest to my heart is the special edition available as a Best Buy release, and it’s perfection for any perfectionists and / or lovers of steel books.
As steel book aficionados well know, they have a tendency to damage easily. Nicks, scratches, dents – it’s not pretty, when desires to place them on display.
What’s special in the Best Buy variant is that the eight steelbooks are protected within a steel surrounding case, with each season protected from the next by spaces within a hard foam. No scratches or dents to be found.
Is it worth the additional $35 for the set? You’d better believe it if you’re a GOT / Steelbook fan.
Lest anyone have concerns about the quality of the programming, HBO has been upgrading for several years now.
Initially in beautifully packaged annual releases. Then the first season arrived in a steelbook, upgraded to 4k, and with the most delicately produced Dolby Atmos track that one might image. GOT nirvana.
Seasons two through seven never arrived in 4k, but season eight did, also with a wonderfully produced room filling Dolby Atmos track.
Now, the best for last. 4k/Dolby Atmos/ Steelbook within a Steel surround.
As Crassus would say…
“Thank the merciful bloodstained gods!”
And to go along with “Ever been bit by a dead bee?”
Ever heard a dragon in Dolby Atmos?
Image – 5
Audio – 5 (Dolby Atmos)
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from Blu-ray – Absolutely
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
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