Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection brings together all eight seasons of this epic HBO fantasy drama based on the series of books by George R.R. Martin who, it is well documented by now amongst fans, never completed the final novel in his series before the series wrapped. The last three seasons of this series set in the fictional world of Westeros that follows various families and factions as they vie for control of the Iron Throne to rule the entire world spent the second half of its run winging it without any original source material, although Martin remained as a consultant.
All of the issues that cropped up aside, especially with the widely maligned final season that failed to answer so many of the questions brought up throughout the series and suffered from a lack of care in the production, with takeout coffee ups popping up where they shouldn’t and more, this remains one of the greatest series television has ever seen, one of, if not the highest rated series of all time, and certainly one of the most awarded, and this Complete Collection brings it all together for the best quality binging in 4K. You can relive all the pivotal moments, like the Red Wedding and the Battle of the Bastards.
The Video
Game of Thrones is a digital production shot on the ARRI ALEXA Mini, Arri Alexa, and Red Epic Dragon with Cooke S4 and Angenieux Optimo lenses over the course of its eight seasons. Seasons one and eight have been previously available on 4K Ultra HD with Dolby Vision HDR and now we get all the other seasons – finally. I skipped right to season two, having seen season one in 4K multiple times, and I was not disappointed at all, nor was I disappointed with any of the other seasons. If you really want to see how well your display handles HDR highlight episodes include season two’s “Blackwater” with its dark, nighttime battle (though nowhere near as dark as “The Long Night”) and blasts of wildfire; season eight’s ‘The Long Night” – if your display handles the shadow details properly here (and my new LG CX OLED comes through with flying colors) then you’re set; and season five’s “The House of Black and White” which offers a fine look at the varying palettes of this series. One thing you will notice throughout is that flames really ‘pop’ in this magnificent Dolby Vision grading, and the warmth of King’s Landing comes through.
The Audio
HBO initially began releasing Game of Thrones with what was then awesome (and cutting edge) lossless DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mixes. They were the first to release a TV series an Atmos mix when they embarked on their Blu-ray SteelBook reissue series, and now every season of Game of Thrones has an Atmos mix, fittingly, for this 4K Ultra HD collection. The sound has always been excellent for this series and now Atmos takes up two notches with the sound of clanking swords or the chatter of crowds really encompassing the listener or the flapping of dragon wings whooshing overhead. Of course, the low end is beefy, so when those dragons flap their wings, you feel them too.
The Supplements
The majority of the bonus features included here have been previously released on the Blu-ray releases of Game of Thrones although this complete series on 4K does remove the interactive, in-episode guides and also includes three Bonus Feature Blu-ray Discs as well, but I am pretty sure the Anatomy of a Scenes ran after the broadcasts and the and Animated History of Westeros was available in a Best Buy Exclusive (or Target?) please feel free to contact me with a correction. I’m cure I have the disc in my collection, but I just reshuffled my collection and can’t seem to find it. Anyway, this is still staggering and GoT has always been that way, only you can see it start to taper off in quantity as you get into the final seasons, and by season eight the special features are a trickle in comparison to the earlier seasons.
- Episode Guide
- Digital Copy Code
Season One
- Audio Commentaries:
- Episode One – with executive producers/writers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
- Episode Two – with Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Mark Addy (Robert Baratheon), and Nikolajj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister)
- Episode Three – with Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), and Isaac Hempstad Wright (Bran Stark)
- Episode Four – with writer Bryan Cogman and Kit Harrington (Jon Snow)
- Episode Six – with Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Emilia Clarke) Daenerys Targaryen), Harry Lloyd (Viserys Targaryen), and director Daniel Minahan.
- Episode Eight – with co-executive producer/author of A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin
- Episode Ten – with executive producers/writers David Benioff & D..B. Weiss, and director Alan Taylor
- Character Profiles
- Anatomy of an Episode (1080p; 01:00:29) – Episode Six “A Golden Crown” An In Episode experience that explores the creative minds and colossal efforts behind this important episode.
- Making of Game of Thrones (1080p; 00:30:01) – An exclusive 30-minute feature including never-before-seen footage from the set and interviews with the cast and crew.
- From the Book to the Screen (1080p; 00:15:15) – Executive producers David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, and author George R.R. Martin talk about the challenges of bringing Martin’s epic fantasy novel to life on HBO.
- Creating the Show Open (1080p; 00:05:06)– An inside look at the creation of the Emmy-winning opening title sequence for Game of Thrones.
- Creating the Dothraki Language (1080p; 00:05:27) – An insightful glance into the comprehensive language created for the Dothraki people in Game of Thrones.
- The Night’s Watch (1080p; 00:08:05)
- Histories & Lore
- Cast Auditions
Season Two
- Audio Commentaries:
- Episode One with executive producers/writers David Benoff & DB. Weiss
- Episode Two with Alfie Allen (Theon Greyjoy) and Gemma Whelan (Yara Greyjoy)
- Episode Three with writer Bryan Cogman and director Alik Sakharov
- Episode Three with Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), and Isaac Hempstead (Bran Stark)
- Episode Four with Carice Van Houten (Melisandre) and Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth)
- Episode Six with Kit Harrington (Jon Snow), Rose Leslie (Ygritte), and co-executive producer/ writer Vanessa Taylor
- Episode Seven with executive producers/writers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
- Episode Eight with Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jame Lannister) and Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark)
- Episode Nine with co-executive producer/author of A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin
- Episode Nine with Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Lena Heady (Cersei Lannister) and director Neil Marshall
- Episode Ten with Rainer Gombos and Kullback of the visual effects team
- Episode Ten with Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen) and co-executive producer/director Alan Taylor
- Character Profiles (1080p; 00:15:42)
- Histories & Lore (1080p) – Learn about the mythology of Westeros as told from the various perspectives of the characters themselves.
- Creating the Battle of Blackwater Bay (1.78:1; 1080p; 00:31:16) – See how the epic battle of Blackwater Bay was brought to life in this in-depth, behind-the-scenes look featuring the cast and crew.
- Game of Thrones: Inner Circle (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 00:24:03) – Actors Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Michelle Fairley, and Liam Cunningham talk in detail about their experiences shooting season two in this roundtable discussion, moderated by David Benioff & D.B. Weiss
- The Religions of Westeros (1.78:1; 1080p; 00:07:34) – Hear author George R. R. Martin and showrunners David Benioff and D.B. Weiss discuss the competing religions in Game of Thrones, and how they influence the various characters in Westeros and beyond.
- Deleted Scenes (1080p; 00:06:09):
- Dorreah and Irri
- The Hound and the Little Bird
- Varys Congratulates Littlefinger
- Margaery Comforts Loras
Season Three
- Audio Commentaries:
- Episode Two – By Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon), Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell), writer Vanessa Taylor, and director Daniel Minahan
- Episode Three – By executive producers/writers/directors David Benioff & D/B. Weiss
- Episode Three – By production designer Gemma Jackson and costume designer Michelle Clapton
- Episode Four – By Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), Diana Rigg (Lady Olenna), and director Alex Graves
- Episode Five – By Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth) and writer Bryan Cogman
- Episode Six – By Kit Harington (Jon Snow), Rose Leslie (Ygritte) and director Alik Sakharov
- Episode Six – By Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), and Isaak Hempstead Wright (Bran Stark)
- Episode Seven – By co-executive producer/author of A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin and director Michelle MacLaren
- Episode Eight – By John Bradley (Samwell Tarly), Hannah Murray (Gilly), and director Michelle MacLaren
- Episode Nine – By Richard Madden (Robb Stark), Michelle Fairley (Catelyn Stark) and director David Nutter
- Episode Nine – By weapons master Tommy Dunne, stunt coordinator Paul Herbert, asst. stunt coordinator David Forman, and swordmaster C.C. Smiff
- Episode Ten – By Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen), Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont), and Iwan Rheon (Boy)
- A Gathering Storm (1.78:1; 1080p; 00:14:01) – Look back at the stormy events of Season 2 in this 14-minute recap with cast and crew
- New Characters (1.78:1; 1080p; 00:09:41)
- “The Rains of Castamere” Unveiled (1.78:1; 1080p/24; 00:46:36) – Get an in-depth look at the creation of the most pivotal episode of Season 3 in this comprehensive exposé featuring cast and crew. An interactive commentary with link-outs to extra video clips and more for the entire “Red Wedding” episode.
- Roots of Westeros (1080p; 00:06:21)– Explore the interconnected web of rivalries, relationships and conflicts between the noble houses of Westeros with this interactive guide.
- Histories & Lore (1080p) – Learn about the mythology of Westeros as told from the varying perspectives of the characters themselves.
- Inside the Wildlings (1.78:1; 1080p; 00:06:21) – Go beyond the Wall with this introduction to the Wildlings to gain a better understanding of their history and background.
- The Politics of Marriage (1.78:1; 1080p; 00:08:38) – The concept of matrimony in Westeros is all about making power plays and political alliances. Cast and crew examine this ancient institution and its place in Game of Thrones.
- Deleted/Extended Scenes (1.78:1; 1080p; 00:14:28):
- Jon Meets Mance
- Edmure, Robb, and the Blackfish
- Tywin and Pycelle
- Small Council Discusses Wildling Threat
- Jon Thinks About Escaping
Season Four
- Audio Commentaries:
- Episode 1 by executive producers/writers/directors David Benioff & D.B. Weiss and Pedro Pascal (Oberyn Martell)
- Episode 2 by Jack Gleeson (Joffrey Baratheon), Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell), co-executive producer/author of A Game of Thrones George R.R. Martin, and director Alex Graves
- Episode Four by director Michelle MacLaren and director of photography Robert McLachlan
- Episode Five by Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark) and Maisie Williams (Arya Stark)
- Episode Six by director Alik Sakharov and writer/co-producer Bryan Cogman
- Episode Seven by Aidan Gillen (Littlefinger), Kate Dickie (Lysa Arryn), executive producer Bernadette Caulfield, and producer Chris Newman
- Episode Eight by production designer Deborah Riley, costume designer Michele Clapton, and director of photography Anette Haellmigk
- Episode Nine by Kit Harrington (Jon Snow), Rose Leslie (Ygritte), and John Bradley (Samwell Tarly)
- Episode Nine by VFX producer Steve Kullback and VFX supervisor Joe Bauer
- Episode Ten by Rory McCann (The Hound), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), and director Alex Graves
- Episode Ten by Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), Lena Headey (Cersei Lannister), and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister)
- The Politics of Power: A Look Back at Season 3 (1080p; 00:25:02) – Revisit the brutal events of Season 3 to see the power shifts that define Westeros at the start of Season 4.
- Bastards of Westeros (1080p; 00:07:16) – Hear showrunners David Benioff & D.B. Weiss and author George R.R. Martin discuss the role bastards play in the Seven Kingdoms.
- New Characters & Locations (1080p; 00:07:39) – Explore the new societies, cultures and locations of Season 4
- Behind the Battle for the Wall (1080p; 00:37:11) – Follow the cast and crew as they create the most ambitious battle to date. This extensive documentary explores the challenges of putting on one of the series’ most intense episodes, with never-before-seen material.
- The Fallen: A Roundtable (1080p; 00:29:37) – Writer Bryan Cogman sits down with a few of the many cast members who meet their demise in Season 4. From first learning of their deaths to shooting their final scenes, this 30-minute feature will shed light on what it’s like to live – and die – in the Game of Thrones world.
- Histories & Lore – Learn about the mythology of Westeros as told from the varying perspectives of the characters themselves
- Deleted Scenes (1080p; 00:03:05):
- Bronn and Shae
- Danny and Missandei
- Season 4 Blooper Reel (1080p; 00:02:02)
Season Five
- Audio Commentaries
- Episode One – By director Michael Slovis, director of photography David Franco, and Ciarán Hinds (Mance Rayder)
- Episode Two – By Niolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister), Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), and Daniel Portman (Podrick Pyne)
- Episode Three – By production designer Deborah Riley, costume designer Michele Clapton, and director of photography Anette Haellmigk
- Episode Four – By director Mark Mylod, writer Dave Hill, Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell), and Dean-Charles Chapman (Tommen Baratheon)
- Episode Five – By director Jeremy Podeswa, direvtorf of photography Greg Middleton, Ian Rheon (Ramsay Bolton), and Michael McElhatton (Roose Bolton)
- Episode Six – By writer Bryan Cogman, Maisie Williams (Arya Stark), and Tom Wlaschiha (Jaquen H’ghar)
- Episode Eight — By director Miguel Sapochnik, stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam, Kit Harrington (Jon Snow), and Kristofer Hivju (Tormund Giantsbane)
- Episode Eight — By visual effects producer Steve Kullback, visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer, and producer Chris Newman
- Episode Eight — By director of photography Fabian Wagner, and camera operators Sean Savage and David Morgan
- Episode Nine — By director David Nutter, Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister), and Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont)
- Episode Nine – By executive producer Bernadette Caulfield, director of photography Rob McLachlan, and camera operators Ben Wilson and David Wolsey
- Episode Ten – By executive producers/writers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, director David Nutter, and Lena Heady (Cersei Lannister)
- A Day in the Life (1080p; 00:26:01) – Three countries, hundreds of cast and crew one epic day. Get an inside look at the production process of season 5.
- New Characters/New Locations (1080p; 00:07:41)
- Anatomy of an Episode: Mother’s Mercy (1080p; 00:29:33)
- The Real History Behind Game of Thrones
- Part One (1080p; 00:18:13)
- Part Two (1080p; 00:22:00)
- Histories & Lore – Learn about the mythology of Westeros as told from the varying perspectives of the characters themselves.
- The Dance of Dragons (1080p/24; 00:20:27) – Hear the story of the Greens and the Blacks, the Targaryen Civil War that led to the downfall of the dragons.
- Deleted Scenes (1080p; 00:07:59)
- Missandei Visits Grey Worm
- Daario Taunts Grey Worm
- Jaime and Bronn in the Ship’s Hold
- Tormund and Alliser in the Courtyard
Season Six
- Audio Commentaries
- Episode One – By director Jeremy Podwesa, director of photography Greg Middleton, and Daniel Portman (Podrick Payne)
- Episode Two – By writer David Hill, Michael McElhatton (Roose Bolton), Iwan Rheon (Ramsay Bolton), Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth), and Ben Crompton (Dolorous Edd)
- Episode Three – By director Daniel Sackheim, production designer Deborah Riley, and Dean-Charles Chapman (Tommen Baratheon)
- Episode Four – By Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei), Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont), and Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm)
- Episode Five – By Gemma Whelan (Yara Greyjoy), Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy), Ellie Kendrick (Meera Reed), and Kristian Nairn (Hodor)
- Episode Five – By Prosthetics supervisor Barrie Gower, camera operators Chris Plevin and Ben Wilson, and executive producer Bernie Caulfield
- Episode Six – By director Jack Bender, director of photography Jonathan Freeman, John Bradley (Samwell Tarly), and Hannah Murray (Gilly)
- Episode Seven – By producer/writer Bryan Cogman, Ian McShane (Septon Ray), and Natalie Dormer (Margaery Tyrell)
- Episode Eight – By director Mark Mylod, Essie Davis (Lady Crane), and Nikolaj Coster-Waldau (Jaime Lannister)
- Episode Nine – By director Miguel Sapochnik, Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark), and Kit Harrington (Jon Snow)
- Episode Nine – By director of photography Fabian Wagner, visual effects producer Steve Kullback, and visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer
- Episode Ten – By executive producers/writers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Lena Heady (Cersei Lannister), and Peter Dinklage (Tyrion Lannister)
- Episode Ten – By special effects supervisor Sam Conway, camera operator Sean Savage, and producer Chris Newman
- Recreating the Dothraki World (1080p; 00:20:15) – Learn how the production resurrected the world of the Dothraki from Season 1. From costumes and dialect coaches to creating the world’s biggest bonfire, this show explores all aspects of the steps it took to bring this world back to life.
- The Battle of the Bastards (1080p; 00:30:01) – Find out what went into creating the largest battle in Game of Thrones From crafting the story to the extensive stunts involved, to the complete visual effects breakdown. It’s the battle that the show’s creators have been waiting to make since the very first season.
- 18 Hours at the Paint Hall (1080p; 00:28:17) – Experience a truly unfiltered “day in the life” behind-the-scenes event. Told through the eyes of the cast & crew – from the first person on set at 3 A.M. to the very last at 9 P.M.
- Histories & Lore (1080p; 01:20:47) – Learn about the mythology of Westeros as told from the varying perspectives of the characters themselves.
- Deleted Scenes (1080p; 00:11:08)
- Edd & Thorne
- Litter
- The Play
Season Seven
- Audio Commentaries
- Episode One – By director Jeremy Podeswa, Gwendoline Christie (Brienne of Tarth), and John Bradley (Samwell Tarly)
- Episode Two – By Gemma Whelan (Yara Greyjoy), Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm), and Nathalie Emannuel (Missandei)
- Episode Two – By co-executive producer/writer Bryan Cogman, prosthetics supervisor Barrie Gower, stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam, and Pilou Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy)
- Episode Three – By executive producer Bernadette Caulfield, production designer Deborah Riley, and costume designer Michele Clapton
- Episode Four – By director Matt Shakman, director of photography Rob McLachlan, special effects supervisor Sam Conway, and camera operator Chris Plevin
- Episode Four – By producer Chris Newman, visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer, and visual effects producer Steve Kullback
- Episode Five – By writer Dave Hill, director Matt Shakman, and director of photography Rob McLachlan
- Episode Five – By Liam Cunningham (Davos Seaworth). And Iain Glen (Jorah Mormont)
- Episode Six – By director Alan Taylor, director of photography Jonathan Freeman, and camera operators Sean Savage and David Morgan
- Episode Seven – By executive producers/writers David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, Lena Heady (Cersei Lannister), and Kit Harrington (Jon Snow)
- Episode Seven – By director Jeremy Podeswa and director of photography Greg Middleton
- Histories & Lore (1080p; 00:29:35)
- From Imagination to Reality: Inside the Art Department (1080p; 00:46:25)
- Fire & Steel: Creating Westeros (1080p; 00:30:02)
Season Eight
- Audio Commentaries
- Episode One – By co-producer/writer Dave Hill and production designer Deborah Riley
- Episode Two – By co-executive producer/writer Bryan Cogman and Daniel Portman (Podrick Payne)
- Episode Three – By director Miguel Sapochnik, director of photography Fabian Wagner, and camera operator Sean Savage
- Episode Three – By executive producer Bernadette Caulfield, visual effects producer Steve Kullback, and visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer
- Episode Three – By stunt coordinator Rowley Irlam and Richsrd Dormer (Beric Dondarrion)
- Episode Four – By director of photography David Franco, Jacob Anderson (Grey Worm), Nathalie Emmanuel (Missandei), and Piloum Asbæk (Euron Greyjoy)’
- Episode Five – By director Miguel Sapochnik, director of photography Fabian Wagner, and Conleth Hill (Varys)
- Episode Five – By producer Chris Newman, special effects supervisor Sam Conway, and visual effects supervisor Joe Bauer
- Episode Six – By executive producers/writers/directors David Benioff & D.B. Weiss, and Emilia Clarke (Daenerys Targaryen)
- Episode Six – By director of photography Jonathan Freeman and camera operator Ben Wilson
- When Winter Falls (1080p; 00:29:13) – Go behind the scenes on the production of “The Long Night” with on set footage and interviews with the cast and crew.
- Duty is the Death of Love (1080p; 00:31:36)
- Histories & Lore (1080p; 00:26:51)
- King’s Landing
- Greyjoy Rebellion
- The Blackfyre Rebellion
- The South
- The Defiance of Duskendale
- Maegor the Cruel
- Game of Thrones: The Last Watch (1080p; 01:53:00)
- Deleted Scenes (1080p; 00:08:28):
- Soup in the Trenches
- Davos & Fergus
- Alys Karstark
- Tyrion & Sansa in the Crypts
- Grey Worm & Missandei at the Feast
Bonus Features Blu-ray 1
- Game of Thrones Reunion Special Part 1 (1080p; 00:57:01)
- Game of Thrones Reunion Special Part 2 (1080p; 00:42:21)
- Anatomy of Scenes:
- Season 4: Planning a Royal Wedding (1080p; 00:22:50)
- Season 5: The Massacre at Hardhome (1080p; 00:28:03)
- Season 6: Inside the Fight for Meereen (1080p; 00:23:59)
- Season 7: Ice, Fire, and Dragons – Creating the Frozen Lake (1080p; 00:27:23)
Bonus Features Blu-ray 2
- Behind-the-Scenes
- Season 1: Houses of the Seven Kingdoms (1080i; 00:15:27)
- Season 2: Westeros at War with George R.R. Martin (1080i; 00:18:44)
- Season 4: Silk, Leather, & Chain Mail: The Costumes of Season 4 (1080p; 00:19:14)
- Season 5: The Final Step (1080p; 00:25:54)
- Inside the Visual Effects
- Season 1 (1080i; 00:17:49)
- Season 2 (1080i; 00:20:53)
- Season 3 (1080p; 00:25:03)
- Season 4 (1080p; 00:24:36)
- Season 5 (1080p; 00:25:37)
- Season 6 (1080p; 00:21:43)
- Season 7 (1080p; 00:29:37)
- Season 7 Deleted Scenes
- Extended Sam & Gilly (1080p; 00:02:21)
- Daenerys & Tyrion Corridor Talk (1080p; 00:01:43)
- Varys & Trella in King’s Landing (1080p; 00:01:04)
Bonus Features Blu-ray 3
- An Animated History of Westeros (1080p; TrueHD 5.1; 00:44:47)
The Final Assessment
This is the ultimate way to watch Game of Thrones. With flawless picture quality and theatrical-quality sound, plus over 15 hours of bonus features, this is the one you want for yourself if you are a fan.
Game of Thrones: The Complete Collection is out on 4K Ultra HD November 3, 2020 from HBO
- Studios & Distributors: Home Box Office (HBO) | Television 360 | Grok! Studio (as Grok! Television) | Generator Entertainment | Bighead Littlehead | HBO Home Entertainment
- Release Date: 3 November 2020
- Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
- Video Format: HEVC 2160p (4K)
- HDR Format: Dolby Vision (Compatible with HDR10)
- Primary Audio: English Dolby Atmos (Compatible with Dolby TrueHD 7.1)