Vikings Season 1-3 UK Region

DVD Wholesale Quick Overview:

After the Fall of the Roman Empire, circa 400 CE, Europe and her surrounding territories plunged into an abysmal era, often called the Dark Ages. While some believe the term too pejorative, other scholars have acknowledged it as a strange time when societal infrastructure was very tenuous. Warring barbarians battled for land and wealth across Europe until the territory was more or less united under Charlemagne in circa 800. Of the many barbarian groups associated with the Dark Ages, including the Goths and the Huns, the Vikings still capture our imaginations. Their picturesque ships with ornamented bow and single mast sail are iconic imagery associated with voyage, plunder and even pagan mythology. Their battle-axes, thick swords, and wooden shields symbolize a world plunged into literary and cultural darkness in which warrior might was esteemed beyond all else. Unfortunately the Vikings plundered many areas of Europe, notably the Irish monasteries where beautiful books were pillaged for the jewels ornamenting their covers.

The History Channel has produced a narrative series chronicling the lives of a Viking tribe during the 8th century. Ragnar Lothbrok (Travis Fimmel) is the man of a humble family of four living on the outskirts of a Viking settlement. He and his family have sworn fealty to Earl Haraldson (Gabriel Byrne), the chieftain of the tribe. In the first episode, the story begins at the end of a battle in which Lothbrok has survived a brutal confrontation. We learn not only of his family and his farm but that Lothbrok is a warrior who has ambitions to raid the west by sea.

Lothbrok and his son travel to the main urban center of their tribe. There, Lothbrok’s son and another boy swear fealty to Earl Haraldson by kneeling and accepting a wrist ring. Oaths of fealty, the swearing of allegiance to a lord, became a widespread ceremonial rite during the Dark Ages. The ritual is associated with feudalism in which vassals swore allegiance and servitude to a lord. Before the oath, the boys along with a congregation of males, witness a trial and punishment of two residents who are convicted of crimes. After the ceremonies, Lothbrok suggests to the earl and those present that they sail west instead of their typical eastern raid. Earl Haraldson becomes indignant and chastises Lothbrok in private.

However, unbeknown-st to the Earl, Lothbrok has secretly commissioned a new ship to sail west thus disobeying his lord’s instructions. Thus begins a wonderful series of Viking culture intertwined with a compelling story. The production values are as good as any feature film recently produced. The photography of the lush Scandinavian landscapes is breathtaking, the acting superb, and the script compelling. This offering is far more compelling with a richer tapestry than other similar series such as the Tutors which was nothing more than a soap opera set in the 16th century. “Vikings” is one of the best historical made-for-television series since “Band of Brothers”.

-classicalsteve

Starting with the haunting image of lightning striking the tree of life, this show captures the narrow line between superstition and day to day reality for the Norsemen who ushered in the Viking age. All the actors are fantastic and the scenery is stunning. Sure, Uppsala is in reality a rolling farmland setting with no major rocky crags and mountains, and yes, the Vikings knew about England and had been trading with them for centuries, but if you take this show as a version of reality filtered through story telling, like the sagas themselves, you’ll enjoy it for what it’s meant to be. Was there really a Ragnar Lothbrok? Very possibly. As a descendent of Swedes from Jonkoeping, I enjoy seeing a portrayal of Vikings as more than simply mindless barbarians in horned helmets and scraggly locks. Well worth a watch!- Bobandy

This series has something for EVERYONE. Amazing storyline and interpretation of the Viking life. There is History, Folklore, Mystery, Intrigue, LOTS of EPIC Battles, Love, Friendship, Family, Adventure, Fantasy, More Epic Battles, and again an EXCELLENT storyline about Ragnar The Viking, I watched Season 1 Episode 1 and could not stop watching until I was all the way through season 3. To my good fortune, Season 4 started about 2 weeks later. The cinematography is spectacular, the acting is superb and Vikings The Series definitely makes it into my TOP 10 Series of ALL Time List, right up there close to the top with Game Of Thrones and The Walking Dead. I cant wait for season 5.-A. FernRodTop

DVD Wholesale Main Features:

Actors: Travis Fimmel, Katheryn Winnick, Jessalyn Gilsig, Gabriel Byrne, Clive Standen
Language: English (Dolby Digital 5.1)
Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
Region: Region 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
Number of discs: 9
Rated: NR-Not Rated
Studio: 20th Century Fox
DVD Release Date: October 15, 2013