DVD review: True Blood

BY CHRIS SCHULZ
Last updated 14:43 14/07/2009
Season one of True Blood is addictive, compelling viewing.
BLOODY GOOD: Season one of True Blood is addictive, compelling viewing.

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What do you do when you've covered the dead to death? In the case of Alan Ball, the creator of HBO's hit funeral home show Six Feet Under, you start writing about the undead.

Yep, vampires are the topic for True Blood, another superior HBO television series from the guy who wrote the Oscar-winning movie American Beauty. Ball, who adapted the show from Charlaine Harris' book series, is on a roll, and he knows it.

Based in the fictional town of Bon Temps, Louisiana, True Blood is certainly a lot more violent than Six Feet Under, providing occasional grisly shocks like those seen in a Peter Jackson splatterfest.

And it certainly takes its sweet time to warm up. If you find the first four episodes a little uneasy, stick with it, because by the end you'll find True Blood to be compelling viewing.

It certainly helps that there's a Kiwi leading the charge. Anna Paquin, who won a Golden Globe award for her role as telepathic waitress Sookie Stackhouse, is virtually unrecognisable thanks to her blonde hair, short skirts and thick southern accent.

It's her relationship with 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton that underpins the series, shocking the small town of Bon Temps with their public displays of affection and inter-species love.

And with a serial killer running amok, bartenders who aren't what they seem, Sookie's vampire blood-addict brother Jason being consistently dodgy, and a battle between various vampire sects brewing, True Blood is never boring.

Season two has already started screening in America. Let's hope it's not too far away from New Zealand screens, as True Blood is as addictive as human blood is to vampires.

Extras: A mockumentary about vampires living in America, as well as six audio commentaries from the cast and crew.

* What did you think of True Blood? Post your comments below.

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- © Fairfax NZ News

24 comments
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sam   #24   08:14 pm Dec 07 2009

FANTASTIC!!! We don't get prime so can't wait for the second season to come to DVD!!

Stewart   #23   03:21 pm Dec 03 2009

The Blu-Ray of Series 1 for both Video and Audio quality is superlative

dawn   #22   08:20 am Jul 21 2009

This is the best TV watching in quite some time. Can't wait for the next episode and shame NZ is so far behind. This is a gotta watch for everyone. Season 2 adds to the intensity of Bill and Sookie with additional characters worth a watch. Seasons 1's Layfette was a favorite also, so lets see what happens to him in season 2.

Kat   #21   05:08 pm Jul 18 2009

I love this show to bits. I hope Prime hurries up and shows Season 2 soon as I do feel a bit guilty getting it off the internet, but I just could not wait. I initially watched it because I heard it was naughty and I like Alan Ball's stuff and I got sucked in so fast. It was very strange as I normally hate most TV shows. This DVD is totally worth it for anyone who didn't catch it on Prime this year, plenty of eye candy for chicks too, especially Bill <3

carol wright   #20   08:55 am Jul 17 2009

This show ROCKS, glad 2nd season is finally here, love all the cast and they are perfect for their roles. can't hardly wait for Sunday night to get my fix. Love all the people and all thier parts. What's up with those church peeps??? Love Snookie and Bill. ther are great together but that blond from the bar really gets my blood up ugh? Well take care mucho success.

Prime   #19   04:04 pm Jul 16 2009

We’re working with HBO to release Season 2 to us ASAP and it’ll be back on Prime very soon!

tarpz   #18   09:38 am Jul 16 2009

Loving it, stumbled upon it by mistake, thought it was a bit weird at first but was hooked, couldnt get enough. I cant wait for the 2nd series to come out on Prime

Creative Tania   #17   07:29 pm Jul 15 2009

You can't say you've found series 2 and not tell us where to find it!!! I've watched the season two trailer and it got me all excited again...and it is so true, you need to get past the "do I really want to watch this" feeling in the first few episodes and relax.

Luke   #16   02:18 pm Jul 15 2009

I prefer the books but still the tv series is very very good. The show has changed a few characters and the storylines enough to make it harder to compare to the books.

Tracy   #15   01:59 pm Jul 15 2009

Actually I found the books heaps better than the show. The show seemed superficial and out for the shock factor. The characters seem one dimensional but then I'm over 30. I imagine it will appeal to the under 20.


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