Audio Video News

HBO has announced that Season 1 of the smash-hit series Game of Thrones, the most successful franchise in the network’s history, is scheduled for release on 4K/Ultra HD Blu-ray June 5.

All 10 episodes of the season that started GoT-mania have been “beautifully redone in 4K format,” according to HBO, and will be presented in Dolby Vision high dynamic range (HDR). Total running time of the season is 600 minutes plus bonus features ranging from behind-the-scenes shorts and making-of sequences to audio commentaries and more.

For newcomers or fans who need a refresher, HBO provides a Season 1 synopsis:

In a land where summers span decades and winters can last a lifetime, trouble is brewing. From the scheming south and the savage eastern lands, to the frozen north and the ancient Wall that protects the realm from the darkness beyond, powerful families are engaged in a deadly cat-and-mouse game for control of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros. As betrayal, lust, intrigue, and supernatural forces shake the four corners of the Kingdoms, their bloody struggle for the Iron Throne will have unforeseen and far-reaching consequences. Winter is coming. Let the Game of Thrones begin.

Bonus features, all presented in HD, include the following:
• Animated Histories: Mythology of Westeros as told from the varying perspectives of the characters themselves
• Anatomy of an Episode – Explores the creative minds and colossal efforts behind episode six, "A Golden Crown"
• Cast Auditions: Rarely-seen footage of cast members auditioning for the series
• Making Game of Thrones – A 30-minute feature with never-before-seen footage from the set and interviews with the cast and crew
• Character Profiles – 15 major characters described by the actors portraying them
• Creating the Show Open – An inside look at how the series’ opening title sequence was created
• From the Book to the Screen – Executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss along with author George R.R. Martin talk about the challenges of bringing Martin's epic fantasy novel to life on screen
• The Night's Watch – An in-depth look at the unique order of men who patrol and protect the Wall, the 700-foot ice structure that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the darkness beyond
• Creating the Dothraki Language – An insightful look into the language created for the Dothraki people
• Seven audio commentaries with cast and crew, including David Benioff, D.B. Weiss, George R.R. Martin, Emilia Clarke, Peter Dinklage, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Mark Addy, Nikolaj Coster-Waldau, Maisie Williams, Sophie Turner, Isaac Hempstead Wright, Bryan Cogman, Harry Lloyd, Daniel Minahan, and Alan Taylor The disc set also includes a code that provides access to an HD digital download of the season

The set can be pre-ordered for $46.99 on bestbuy.com.