This spring, the History Channel proved original scripted programming is viable with a brand new original program and an epic miniseries. Of the two, The Bible did extremely well in the ratings, sold numerous Blu-ray copies, and even spawned a sequel which is headed to NBC. It would be tough to beat all of those achievements, but the History Channel’s other big spring concept, Vikings, also did well, and will be returning to the network for a second season. If you missed the first season or really want to get your hands on the nicely packaged set, you’ll be able to catch Vikings: The Complete First Season when it hits Blu-ray and DVD on October 15.
Vikings tells the tale of Ragnar Lothbrok, an ambitious Viking who wants to see what lies beyond the realm he has grown up in. In Season 1, Lothbrok challenges the earl who runs his community and decides to take a ship and raid into North East England to plunder for resources and material wealth. The tale is shot in Ireland and is a take on the real life Viking of the same name. The series stars Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Nathan O’Toole and more.
If you are heading to San Diego Comic Con this week, the show will have a presence at the festival, with pre-orders for the series being available at The Fox Booth (#4229). To sweeten the deal, for a limited time those who choose to pre-order a Blu-ray copy of the series will be privy to collectible packaging with the “V” symbol made famous during the show. The packaging is pretty sweet looking, and it’s also not the only reason to purchase a Blu-ray copy instead of a DVD copy.
History Channel is not skimping on the bonus features related to the set, especially if you go out of your way to get your hands on the fine Blu-ray copy of the first season, which boasts over nine hours of bonus features. This doesn't mean the DVD is lacking, but it won’t come with extended or alternate scenes, nor will it come with an feature that will allow viewers to track Lothbrok’s journey, among others. I clearly haven’t seen the set, yet, but all of the extras along with the great packaging for the new season make it look like the network is stepping up its game a notch, although the price tag reflects this. You can check out the full list of bonus features, below.
Vikings Blu-ray Special Features
- 9 episodes with extended and alternate scenes.
- “The Armory Of Vikings” - an interactive feature that allows viewers to learn more about the history and legacy of Vikings armory and weapons.
- “Conquest and Discover: The Journey Of The Vikings” - an interactive feature that allows viewers to learn more about the locations and places Ragnar traveled to in his journey through Season 1
- “Warrior Society: Viking Culture & Law” - featurette that takes a closer look inside the fascinating system of laws, practices and rules employed by Vikings.
- “Birth Of The Vikings”- featurette that provides an all-access look at the creation of VIKINGS.
- “Forging The Viking Army: Warfare And Tactics” - featurette that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the process of casting and creating the epic battle scenes of Vikings
- Deleted Scenes
- Commentary from Michael Hirst
Vikings DVD Special Features
- “Warrior Society: Viking Culture & Law”
- “Birth Of The Vikings”
- “Forging The Viking Army: Warfare And Tactics”
- Deleted Scenes
- Commentary from Michael Hirst
