Vikings: Season One [Blu-ray]

One Step Closer To Valhalla: History Channel Presents Its First Scripted Series With The Nine Episode "Vikings"
After scoring blockbuster ratings as well as multiple EMMY nominations for the dramatic miniseries "Hatfields & McCoys," the History Channel is forging forward with its first ever scripted series in "Vikings." I don't know about you, but a series about Vikings seems perfectly attuned to a television market that is currently enjoying a plethora of dark and complex adult dramas on cable networks! Created by Michael Hirst, this nine episode series was shot in Ireland and looks absolutely terrific. One of the things that most surprised me on checking out this endeavor is just how expensive the series looks in terms of period recreations, sets, locations, and effects. It shouldn't be too surprising, Hirst has worked on a number of noteworthy historical dramatizations including Showtime's "The Tudors" (which he created) and "The Borgias" (on which he is an executive producer). As with any fictionalization, though, you should expect some liberties to be taken with the subject for the...
This show is great and more than fairly historically accurate.
Being raised in Iceland we started learning about our history at nine years old and we read our history as far back as Ragnar Lodbrok, we also learn to read Edda in its original writing, but that depends more on how long you stay in school. Lot of the knowledge also comes from archeological dig sites and artifacts. We are proud of our heritage so our history is relentlessly drilled in our heads. I know these characters fair to say, pretty well. Although a lot of the history of the Vikings was word of mouth until the 12th century, when the history of the Early Vikings- Icelandic- and Norse- saga was chronicled, mostly by the Icelandic historian Snorri Sturluson, it is fair to say that History Channel did their research extremely well, from the script down to detailed props on the set. The story in the first season, I have seen are accurate but of course, since this is not a documentary some fictional drama is woven masterfully into the story.

The actors are ALL great and...
Those interested in the Viking Era (800 - 1100 AD) will love this new series.
The writing is crisp, the storyline engaging (though based on limited known historical records), the characters are refreshingly multidimensional and brought to life by a cadre of very talented actors.

Watching history unfold from the perspective of these particular Viking invaders was fascinating, albeit violent and at times, stomach churning. Our present historical account is based on the records of monks and priests who were both literate as well as the frequently targeted victims.

Clearly, the Viking perspective is speculative, as they left few records, but I found it to be believable as well as wonderfully entertaining. It was a relieve to see there wasn't an attempt to whitewash or glamorize.

Kudos to the fine writers, excellent actors and committed directors for bringing history back to life. Double kudos for Vikings being renewed for a second season.
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