The Game Of Thrones Begins On DVD March 6th

If you're like me, you're still vibrating in anticipation after watching that amazing trailer for the second season of HBO's acclaimed Game of Thrones series. We've known for a while that the show would return in April, but many fans -- myself included -- have been itching to get our hands on the DVDs in the meantime so we can run back through the show before diving into the sophomore year. Finally, HBO has announced a release date and full specs for the set. Game of Thrones: The Complete First Season is set to arrive on Blu-ray, DVD, and digital download on March 6th from HBO Home Video.

As is typical with HBO releases, Game of Thrones is a bit pricey. The Blu-ray will list at $79.98, with the DVD version coming in at $59.99. On the up side, both the Blu-ray and DVD sets will be packing a nice array of bonus features. They're including features that will let fans explore not just the making of the show, but the history of the rich universe George R.R. Martin has created in his Song of Ice and Fire books. While the price point might still seem high for 13 episodes, I think the bonus content tips the scales in favor of a must-buy. And with it hitting a month before the show returns to HBO, you should have just enough time to get through the first-season set before returning to Westeros. Here's the rundown:

Blu-Ray -- includes all DVD features plus:

• Blu-ray Complete Guide to Westeros -- An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in season one, PLUS 24 exclusive histories of the Seven Kingdoms as told by the characters themselves done with animated illustrations that provide more information on the background of Game of Thrones.
• In-Episode Guide -- In-feature resource that provides background information about on-screen characters, locations, and relevant histories while each episode plays.
• Anatomy of an Episode -- An in-episode experience that explores the creative minds and colossal efforts behind episode six, "A Golden Crown."
• Hidden Dragon Eggs -- Find the hidden dragon eggs to uncover even more never-before-seen content.

DVD

• Complete Guide to Westeros -- An interactive compendium of the noble houses and lands featured in season one.
• Making Game of Thrones -- An exclusive 30-minute feature including never-before-seen footage from the set and interviews from the cast and crew.
• Character Profiles -- Profiles of 15 major characters as described by the actors portraying them.
• Creating the Show Open -- An inside look at the creation of the Emmy®-winning opening title sequence for Game of Thrones.
• 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 HBO.
• The Night's Watch -- An in-depth look at the unique order of men who patrol and protect the Wall, a 700-foot ice structure that separates the Seven Kingdoms from the darkness beyond.
• Creating the Dothraki Language -- An insightful glance into the comprehensive language created for the Dothraki people in Game of Thrones.
• Audio Commentaries -- 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.