Richard and Mildred Loving appear to be a normal couple. They grew up and fell in love in the same Virginia town. Of course, they did have some differences. Mildred was half-black and half-Native American. Richard was white. While this might not turn many heads today, in 1958 when the couple made the decision to get married, their marriage was declared illegal by their home state.

Realizing what the couple had, they fought back and changed history in a Supreme Court case that overturned bans on interracial marriage in 16 states. This exclusive documentary will appear on HBO on Valentine’s Day. The Loving Story is an uplifting saga of two unlikely Civil Rights heroes. Tune in on February 14 at 9 PM EST.

Other HBO playdates: Feb. 14 (5:15 a.m.), 18 (3:30 p.m.), 23 (1:00 p.m.), 26 (9:00 a.m.) and 29 (12:30 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Feb. 19 (12:20 p.m.), 24 (5:15 p.m.) and 29 (8:00 p.m.)

More on the Lovings

Married in Washington, D.C. on June 2, 1958, Richard Loving and Mildred Jeter were arrested in their home state of Virginia five weeks later and subsequently convicted of the felony crime of miscegenation. To avoid a one-year jail sentence, they agreed to leave the state, and could only return to Virginia separately. But that was just the beginning of their story.

The Loving Story offers never-before-seen vintage film and stills of the family that was shot in 1965 and 1966. In addition to this footage, there are present-day interviews with the daughter of the Lovings’, Peggy, as well as neighbors, police, and the ACLU lawyers who argued the case in front of the 1967 US Supreme Court.

From HBO:

The luminous, newly discovered 16mm footage of the Lovings and their lawyers, which was shot by filmmakers Hope Ryden and Abbot Mills, and photographs by acclaimed LIFE photographer Grey Villet capture the intimate realities of the Lovings’ daily lives. The prints were given to the Loving family by the photographer 45 years ago and given to the filmmakers in 2010. (A selection of these photos is currently on view at the International Center of Photography in New York through May 6.)

When the Lovings were unable to have their convictions overturned at the state level, ACLU attorneys went to a federal level and Loving v. Virginia was heard by the US Supreme Court. On April 10, 1967 Richard Loving spoke to the justices through his attorneys by saying, “Tell the court that I love my wife, and it is unfair that I can’t live with her in Virginia.”

The decision came on June 12, 1967 and it was unanimous. The Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Lovings. From that moment on the prohibition of interracial marriage was stopped in 16 states. This was a decision that continues to shape America’s attitude towards marriage to this day.

The Lovings:

Neither dedicated activists nor participants in the protests of their time, the Lovings spent nine years simply trying to be able to live legally in their home state, and on their journey became little-known heroes of the Civil Rights era. They didn’t ask to be heroes. They just wanted to be happy.

About the Filmmaker:

Director and producer Nancy Buirski says the message of the film is both timeless and timely. Although depicting a universal love story, it comes at a time when, she says, “white supremacy groups are growing in the U.S. – in the very communities that perpetuated and maintained anti-miscegenation laws up to the 1967 Supreme Court ruling. While we’ve elected the first mixed-race president, we also recently witnessed a Louisiana justice of the peace refusing to marry a mixed-race couple.

“Contemporary parallels are gently embedded in the Lovings’ fight for marriage equality. Today, 45 years after Loving v. Virginia, Perry v. Schwarzenegger is making its way to the Supreme Court. This is a story not of just civil rights, but of human rights and the pursuit of happiness, regardless of religion, race or gender.”

Technorati Tags: The Lovings, The Loving Story, Richard Loving, Mildred Loving, Penny, US Supreme Court, Civil Rights, February, Valentines Day, HBO

When the Season Ended:

After fleeing his North Carolina hometown, washed-up major-league pitcher Kenny Powers spent a soul-searching season in Mexico as “La Flama Blanca” – and ended up returning to the States a changed man. Or is he?

From HBO:
Find out when the comedy series EASTBOUND & DOWN, executive produced by Will Ferrell, Chris Henchy, Adam McKay, Jody Hill and Danny McBride, kicks off its eight-episode third season SUNDAY, FEB. 19 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT), exclusively on HBO, just as real-life baseball spring training begins.

Synopsis:

Starring Danny McBride (“Pineapple Express,” “30 Minutes or Less”), EASTBOUND & DOWN tells the story of Kenny Powers, who used to be a star pitcher until his self-destructive behavior knocked him out of Major League Baseball. Picking up a year after season two, the third season finds Kenny in action on the “Redneck Riviera” (aka Myrtle Beach, SC), somehow resurrecting his baseball career by becoming the closer for the minor-league Myrtle Beach Mermen. Even as he tries to pass himself off as the “King of Myrtle Beach,” Kenny struggles to come to terms with growing older and accepting the responsibilities of being a new father.

Upcoming episodes:

Episode #14: “Chapter 14”
Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 19 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: Feb. 19 (midnight), 21 (9:30 p.m.), 22 (midnight) and 24 (midnight)
Enjoying a new lease on his baseball career as the closer for the minor-league Myrtle Beach Mermen, Kenny Powers (Danny McBride) settles into a life of body-boarding, jet-skiing and hard-partying with his catcher, Shane (Jason Sudeikis). A detour to Shelby to attend the one-year birthday of his child reunites Kenny with April (Katy Mixon).

Episode #15: “Chapter 15”
Debut: SUNDAY, FEB. 26 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: Feb. 26 (midnight), 28 (10:30 p.m.) and 29 (midnight), and March 2 (midnight)
With the baby in tow, a seething Kenny heads north in search of April. Getting no assistance from Dustin (John Hawkes), Maria (Elizabeth De Razzo) or Jamie (Jerry Minor), Kenny tracks down his erstwhile lackey Stevie (Steve Little), currently employed at Ashley Schaeffer’s (Will Ferrell) car dealership. Kenny crashes a perverse plantation fete the dealer is throwing in an effort to liberate Stevie.

Episode #16: “Chapter 16”
Debut: SUNDAY, MARCH 4 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: March 4 (midnight), 6 (10:30 p.m.), 7 (midnight) and 9 (midnight)
Pro scout Roy McDaniel (Matthew McConaughey) arrives in Myrtle Beach to ask Kenny to mentor Ivan Dochenko (Ike Barinholtz), a promising young Russian pitching prospect. Stevie lays down the ground rules for his return to Kenny’s team, while grappling with Shane and Kenny’s relationship.

Technorati Tags: Eastbound and Down, HBO, Television, Baseball, Comedy, Will Farrell, Matthew McConaughey, Jason Sudeikis, Danny McBride

HBO’s Golden Globe nominations this year include:

4 nominations for Mildred Pierce:
Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Kate Winslet)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Evan Rachel Wood)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Guy Pearce)

3 nominations for Boardwalk Empire including:
Best Television Series – Drama
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Drama (Steve Buscemi)
Best Performance by an Actress in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Kelly Macdonald)

3 nominations for Cinema Verite including:
Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Best Performance by an Actress in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Diane Lane)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Tim Robbins)

3 nominations for Too Big to Fail including:
Best Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television
Best Performance by an Actor in a Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (William Hurt)
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Paul Giamatti)

2 nominations for Enlightened including:
Best Television Series – Comedy or Musical
Best Performance by an Actress in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical (Laura Dern).

2 nominations for Game of Thrones including:
Best Television Series – Drama
Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Series, Mini-Series or Motion Picture Made for Television (Peter Dinklage)

1 nomination for Hung:
Best Performance by an Actor in a Television Series – Comedy or Musical (Thomas Jane).

Technorati Tags: HBO, Golden Globes, Hung, Game of Thrones, Cinema Verite, Mildred Pierce, Boardwalk Empire, Enlightened, Too Big to Fail, Nominations, Television

Episode #38: “You Smell Like Dinner”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 3 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)

Other HBO playdates: July 3 (11:30 p.m.), 5 (11:30 p.m.), 6 (10:00 p.m.), 9 (12:15 a.m.) and 14 (9:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 4 (9:00 p.m.), 7 (10:00 p.m.), 8 (12:30 a.m.) and 10 (2:00 p.m.)

Sookie (Anna Paquin) adjusts to Bon Temps’ new realities; Bill (Stephen Moyer) reveals pieces of his past; Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) crashes a witches’ meeting; Jason (Ryan Kwanten) gets his wounds licked; Andy (Chris Bauer) struggles with his addiction; Sam (Sam Trammell) learns of Luna’s (Janina Gavankar) special talents; Jessica (Deborah Ann Woll) satisfies her blood cravings; and Arlene (Carrie Preston) witnesses strange behavior from her family.

Written by Brian Buckner; directed by Scott Winant.

Episode #39: “If You Love Me, Why Am I Dyin’?”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 10 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: July 10 (11:05 p.m.), 12 (11:00 p.m.), 13 (10:30 p.m.), 14 (10:00 p.m.) and 16 (10:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 11 (9:00 p.m.), 15 (10:00 p.m.) and 17 (4:00 p.m.)

Sookie makes a deal with Eric, and reconnects with Alcide (Joe Manganiello); Bill punishes an errant vampire and counsels a guilt-ridden Jessica; Jason is cast as a reluctant savior; Tommy (Marshall Allman) eyes a scam and alienates Sam; Marnie (Fiona Shaw) flexes her newfound powers; Pam (Kristin Bauer van Straten) delivers an ultimatum to Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis), Tara (Rutina Wesley) and Jesus (Kevin Alejandro); Eric spoils Sookie’s faerie reunion.

Written by Alan Ball; directed by David Petrarca.

Episode #40: “I’m Alive and on Fire”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 17 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: July 17 (11:05 p.m.), 19 (11:00 p.m.), 20 (10:00 p.m.) and 23 (11:30 p.m. ET/10:30 p.m. PT), and Aug. 3 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 18 (9:00 p.m.), 21 (10:00 p.m.), 22 (11:00 p.m.), and 24 (4:00 p.m.)

Alcide helps Sookie hunt for Eric; Marnie searches for guidance to break a spell; Bill discovers a common bond with the Bellefleurs; Jason begs for liberation from Hotshot; Sam penetrates Luna’s inner circle; Arlene sees the writing on the wall; Tommy returns to his roots.

Written by Nancy Oliver; directed by Michael Lehmann.

Episode #41: “I Hate You, I Love You”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 24 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

HBO playdates: July 24 (11:05 p.m.), 26 (11:35 p.m.), 27 (10:00 p.m.) and 30 (10:15 p.m.), and Aug. 3 (9:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 25 (9:00 p.m.), 28 (10:00 p.m.), 29 (11:00 p.m.) and 31 (4:00 p.m.)

Sookie nurtures Eric; Bill gets involved personally in the necromancy crisis; Pam takes the veil; Sam becomes Tommy’s accomplice; Arlene and Terry look to religion to solve their problem; Jesus and Lafayette head to Mexico to harness a shaman’s power; Jason convalesces.

Written by Mark Hudis; directed by Daniel Minahan.

Episode #42: “I Wish I Was the Moon”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 31 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)

Other HBO playdates: July 31 (11:00 p.m.) and Aug. 2 (11:30 p.m.), 3 (10:00 p.m.) and 6 (12:15 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: Aug. 1 (9:00 p.m.), 4 (10:00 p.m.), 5 (12:05 a.m.) and 7 (6:00 p.m.)

Sookie searches for Jason under a full moon; Marnie connects with spirits of the past; Arlene and Terry cope with a suspicious inferno; Debbie (Brit Morgan) urges Alcide to join a new werewolf community; Tommy trades places with Sam; Lafayette feels the spirit in Mexico; Eric surrenders to his King’s will.

Written by Raelle Tucker; directed by Jeremy Podeswa.

TRUE BLOOD was created by Alan Ball; based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris; executive producers, Alan Ball and Gregg Fienberg; co-executive producers, Brian Buckner, Mark Hudis, Nancy Oliver, Raelle Tucker and Alexander Woo; co-producer, Christina Jokanovich.

Technorati Tags: HBO, True Blood, Vampire, Television, Anna Paquin, Charlaine Harris, Sookie Stackhouse, Alan Ball, July, Episodes, TV, Teaser, Episode, Stephen Moyer

——–

Presentations Include Bobby Fischer Against The World, Sex Crimes Unit, Citizen U.S.A.: A 50-State Road Trip, Gloria: In Her Own Words And Koran By Heart

——–

NEW YORK, April 20, 2011 – HBO Documentary Films heats up the summer with provocative and compelling films every Monday night, kicking off a new 11-week series MONDAY, JUNE 6 at 9:00 pm. (ET/PT). From a portrait of maverick chess genius Bobby Fischer to a gripping undercover visit to a Manhattan sex crimes unit, from the story of feminist icon Gloria Steinem to a road trip to meet newly naturalized U.S. citizens, HBO documentaries take subscribers to worlds others rarely see. This year’s summer series features the work of a wide a range of directors, from award winners such as Greg Barker, Liz Garbus, Lisa F. Jackson, Peter Kunhardt and Alexandra Pelosi, to exciting emerging filmmakers.

Upcoming documentaries include (in chronological order):

BOBBY FISCHER AGAINST THE WORLD (debuting June 6), directed by Oscar® nominee and Emmy® winner Liz Garbus (HBO’s “Shouting Fire: Stories from the Edge of Free Speech”), explores the complex life of the troubled genius whose charisma and talent spurred a worldwide fascination with chess. Fischer’s evolution from isolated child to chess prodigy, global superstar, angry recluse and, finally, fugitive from the law is a spellbinding story of the making and unmaking of an American icon. A selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

A MATTER OF TASTE: SERVING UP PAUL LIEBRANDT (June 13) documents the career of the acclaimed chef – and the cutthroat world of haute cuisine – over eight years. The film follows Liebrandt as he matures from young renegade to one of New York City’s most celebrated chefs with the opening of his renowned Michelin two-star restaurant Corton in Tribeca. Directed by Sally Rowe in her documentary directorial debut. A selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

SEX CRIMES UNIT (June 20) takes an unprecedented look inside the Manhattan District Attorney’s famed Sex Crimes Unit, the first unit dedicated to the prosecution of sexual assault to be established in the U.S. The film follows the day-to-day work of prosecutors as they deal with investigations, trials and plea bargains. Among other cases, it tracks The People v. Kevin Rios, in which a prostitute makes an accusation of rape, and follows one woman’s experience with the Cold Case Unit when her accused assailant, originally indicted on the basis of his DNA profile, is finally identified and brought to justice 16 years after the crime. Directed by Emmy® winner Lisa F. Jackson (HBO’s “The Greatest Silence: Rape in the Congo”).

HOT COFFEE (June 27) examines the dangers of so-called tort reform and its threat to the civil justice system. Using the now-infamous legal battle over a spilled cup of McDonald’s coffee as a springboard, the film follows four people, including McDonald’s plaintiff Stella Liebeck, whose lives have been affected by their inability to access the courts, as well as caps on punitive damages, and examines the role of corporations and a complicit media in promoting tort reform. Directed by former trial lawyer and first-time filmmaker Susan Saladoff. A selection of the 2011 Sundance Film Festival.

CITIZEN U.S.A.: A 50-STATE ROAD TRIP (July 4) follows director Alexandra Pelosi (HBO’s Emmy®-winning “Journeys with George”) as she travels across the U.S. to attend naturalization ceremonies in all 50 states and meets brand-new citizens to find out why they chose America as their home. Commemorating the Fourth of July, the documentary intersperses stories of newly naturalized citizens and interviews with notable first-generation Americans, including Madeleine Albright, Arianna Huffington, Henry Kissinger and Gene Simmons.

THE PIRATE TAPES (July 11) tells the story of Canadian-Somali college student Mohammed Asherah, who returns to Somalia under the guise of a wealthy entrepreneur, hires a pirate cell and lives undercover with it for three months. Using a hidden camera to capture the pirates’ lives, he learns the jarring truth about piracy’s causes and effects on the world, and finds himself duped by the very people he thinks he’s deceiving. Directed by first-time documentary filmmakers Mohammed Asherah, Rock Baijnauth, Andrew Moniz, Roger Singh and Matvei Zhivov.

MANN V. FORD (July 18) follows members of the Ramapo Indian tribe in Upper Ringwood, NJ in their eight-year search for justice through a major class-action lawsuit. From the middle ‘50s through the late ‘70s, the Ford Motor Company operated an assembly plant in Mahwah, NJ that produced millions of cars each year, dumping what has been described as “thousands of tons of paint sludge and other waste” into abandoned mine shafts and residential land. Working-class residents of the area have been suffering from a range of ailments, including skin problems, bleeding disorders and increased rates of cancer and miscarriage, ever since. The film charts their uphill battle to secure a healthy future for their children. Directed by Maro Chermayeff (HBO’s “The Kindness of Strangers”) and Micah Fink (“Frontline”).

THERE’S SOMETHING WRONG WITH AUNT DIANE (July 25) revisits the mysterious tragedy of Diane Schuler, who, on July 26, 2009, drove the wrong way on the Taconic Parkway in New York for nearly two miles and then smashed into an oncoming SUV, killing herself, her daughter, her three nieces and all three people in the other car. Her autopsy revealed that Schuler had consumed the equivalent of ten shots of vodka and smoked marijuana shortly before the accident. The film investigates the circumstances behind the enduring mysteries of the incident in an effort to understand what went wrong. Directed by Liz Garbus (the Oscar®-nominated “The Farm: Angola, USA”; HBO’s “The Execution of Wanda Jean”).

KORAN BY HEART (Aug. 1) visits the world’s oldest Koran memorization contest, which takes place each year in Cairo, drawing Muslim children from as far as the Maldives and Tajikistan to perform before a panel of prominent judges. This inspirational film follows these talented youngsters from intense preparation through the rigorous rounds of the tournament, offering an engaging look at the unique experiences and aspirations of Muslim children throughout the world. Directed by Greg Barker (HBO’s “Sergio”). A selection of the 2011 Tribeca Film Festival.

SUPERHEROES (Aug. goes inside the world of real-life caped crusaders. From all over America, these everyday citizens don masks, homemade costumes and elaborate utility belts in an attempt to bring justice to evildoers everywhere. Directed by first-time filmmaker Michael Barnett. A 2011 Slamdance Film Festival award winner.

GLORIA: IN HER OWN WORDS (Aug. 15) recounts how Gloria Steinem became one of the driving forces of feminism. Beginning as a reporter writing an exposé on the working conditions of Playboy Bunnies, she was transformed by learning about women’s horrifying experiences while covering a New York abortion hearing in 1969. The film includes archival footage and interviews showcasing Steinem’s sharp sense of humor, love of life and compassion for humankind. Today, she remains a feminist icon, ever-present on the frontlines of social and political activism. Filmmakers, Peter Kunhardt and Dyllan McGee (HBO’s Emmy®-winning “Teddy: In His Own Words”).

Technorati Tags: HBO, Documentary, Summer Series, June 6, Bobby Fischer, Gloria Steinem, Superheroes, Diane Schuler, Koran, Mann vs. Ford

HUNG AUGUST EPISODES

Episode #15: “A Man, A Plan” or “Thank You, Jimmy Carter”
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 1 (10:00-10:30 p.m. ET/PT)

Tanya (Jane Adams) lands Ray (Thomas Jane) the “white whale” of clients, but an emergency involving Damon (Charlie Saxton), which began with his debut at a poetry slam, threatens to derail the date. With Mike (Gregg Henry) at the end of his teaching rope, Ray decides to promote him to co-manager of the baseball team. Jessica (Anne Heche) is peeved with Ronnie (Eddie Jemison) for being overly suspicious.

Written by Eileen Myers; directed by Adam Davidson.

Episode #16: “Beaverland”
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 8 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

Jessica turns to Ray for help with a rodent problem that may be imaginary. Rebuffed by Ray in her attempts to add Mike to her stable, Tanya gets guilt-management advice from Charlie (Lennie James), then goes to extremes to prove her success. Ray has difficulty thawing a client who is cold as ice.

Written by Angela Robinson; directed by Lisa Cholodenko.

Episode #17: “The Middle East Is Complicated”
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 15 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

A container of hummus puts Ray in the unenviable position of choosing cultural sides between Yael (Alanna Ubach) and new client Samara (Mozhan Marno). Already upset after squandering her recent windfall, Tanya catches Ray in a cover-up – and turns to Charlie for stress relief. Lenore (Rebecca Creskoff) seethes after learning of Tanya’s duplicity. Liz (Merrin Dungey) surprises Ray with a revelation about her personal life.

Written by Brett C. Leonard & Kyle Peck; directed by Gloria Muzio.

Episode #18: “Third Base” or “The Rash”
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 22 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

With his team’s future wracked by vandals, Ray agrees to participate in a student-alumni baseball game, but an unexpected warm-up session with Claire (Kathryn Hahn) threatens to put him on the disabled list. Fed up with Tanya’s greed and confused by Mike’s request for a donation, Frances (Roxanne Hart) doubts their affair. Jessica’s old itch resurfaces, prompting Ronnie to deliver a sideline ultimatum to her ex.

Written by Julia Brownell & Eileen Myers; directed by Bronwen Hughes.

Episode #19: “Fat Off My Love” or “I’m the Allergen”
Debut: SUNDAY, AUG. 29 (10:00-10:30 p.m.)

A bad day at school gets worse when Mike accuses Ray of betrayal. Ronnie vents his frustrations with Jessica at a dermatology banquet, sending his wife running for the exit. Empowered by confession, Tanya lashes out at Ray, Lenore and Horny Patty (Lauren Weedman).

Written by Angela Robinson; directed by Colette Burson.

HUNG was created by Colette Burson & Dmitry Lipkin; executive producers, Colette Burson, Dmitry Lipkin, Alexander Payne, Michael Rosenberg, Scott Stephens, Noreen Halpern and John Morayniss; co-executive producer, Angela Robinson; producer, Hilton H. Smith; supervising producer, Eileen Myers.

Technorati Tags: Hung, Thomas Jane, Prostitute, HBO Original Series, Comedy, Spoilers

Spoilers start after Bill!

TRUE BLOOD JULY EPISODES

Episode #28: “9 Crimes”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 11 (9:00-10:00 p.m. ET/PT)
Other HBO playdates: July 11 (11:30 p.m.), 13 (11:30 p.m.), 14 (10:00 p.m.), 17 (11:45 p.m.) and 28 (8:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 12 (8:00 p.m.), 15 (10:00 p.m.), 16 (11:00 p.m.) and 18 (11:30 a.m.)

Sookie (Anna Paquin) joins Alcide (Joe Manganiello) at a raucous engagement party for Debbie Pelt (Brit Morgan), his former fiancée; Eric (Alexander Skarsgård) is given a deadline to locate Bill (Stephen Moyer); Andy (Chris Bauer) gets a promotion and draws Jason’s (Ryan Kwanten) attention; Franklin (James Frain) takes Tara (Rutina Wesley) on a road trip; Arlene (Carrie Preston) is irked by Jessica’s (Deborah Ann Woll) arrival at Merlotte’s; Sam (Sam Trammell) brokers a deal with Tommy (Marshall Allman) and his parents, Melinda (J. Smith Cameron) and Joe Lee (Cooper Huckabee); Bill “procures” dinner for Russell (Denis O’Hare) and Lorena (Mariana Klaveno).
Written by Kate Barnow & Elisabeth R. Finch; directed by David Petrarca.

Episode #29: “Trouble”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 18 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: July 18 (11:30 p.m.), 20 (11:30 p.m.), 21 (10:00 p.m.), 24 (10:00 p.m.) and 28 (9:00 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 19 (8:00 p.m.), 22 (10:00 p.m.), 23 (12:45 a.m.) and 25 (2:00 p.m.)

Alcide and Sookie turn to an alpha-wolf “packmaster” for advice on dealing with Russell’s minions; Tara considers a proposal from Franklin, who’s completed his mission for Russell; Joe Lee breaks his promise to Sam and Tommy; Lafayette (Nelsan Ellis) learns the meaning of patience from Jesus (Kevin Alejandro), his mother’s (Alfre Woodard) orderly; Jason meets his match in the mysterious girl Crystal (Lindsay Pulsipher); an heirloom reminds Eric of his past and his ongoing thirst for vengeance.

Written by Nancy Oliver; directed by Scott Winant.

Episode #30: “I Got a Right to Sing the Blues”
Debut: SUNDAY, JULY 25 (9:00-10:00 p.m.)
Other HBO playdates: July 25 (11:30 p.m.), 27 (11:30 p.m.), 28 (10:00 p.m.), 30 (10:30 p.m.) and 31 (9:30 p.m.)
HBO2 playdates: July 26 (8:00 p.m.), 29 (10:00 p.m.) and 30 (11:55 p.m.)

Spurned by Eric, Sookie fears the worst for Bill, whose fate now lies in Lorena’s hands; fueled by a night of bloody passion, Tara executes a desperate plan to stave off Franklin’s advances; in Bon Temps, Tommy finds it difficult to leave the family nest; Jessica puts Pam’s teachings into practice; Jason’s romance with Crystal hits a snag, as does Lafayette’s with Jesus; after revealing his master plan to Eric, Russell visits Louisiana to put it into action.

Written by Alan Ball; directed by Michael Lehmann.

TRUE BLOOD was created by Alan Ball; based on the Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris; executive producers, Alan Ball and Gregg Fienberg; co-executive producers, Brian Buckner, Nancy Oliver and Alexander Woo; supervising producer, Raelle Tucker; producer, Mark McNair; associate producer, Christina Jokanovich.

Photo Credit: HBO

Technorati Tags: True Blood, Sookie Stackhouse, HBO, Spoilers, Television, Original Series, Sunday Nights, Episode Synopsis

A mix of biographical vignettes and experiments in curiosity, THE NEISTAT BROTHERS includes such segments as: a nautical challenge of varying proportions; smuggling authentic maple syrup into Amsterdam; a disappointing and revelatory trip to Mexico; studio renovations; and the search for Van’s biological father.

THE NEISTAT BROTHERS is executive produced by Tom Scott (founder of Nantucket Nectars beverage company and the Plum TV network) with Christine Vachon (Killer Films) serving as consulting producer.

Casey and Van Neistat have produced over two hundred short films, most notably iPod’s Dirty Secret, focusing on Apple’s policy on replacing iPod batteries, and Bike Thief, chronicling the ease with which they steal their own bicycle. Their films have been shown in film festivals, art museums and various institutions around the world. Casey Neistat has also produced the critically acclaimed feature films THE PLEASURE OF BEING ROBBED and DADDY LONGLEGS.

Technorati Tags: HBO, Television, The Neistat Brothers, Episode Two, Preview, Video

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Documentary Features Previously Unseen Footage Of Her Life And Death
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On June 20, 2009, Neda Agha-Soltan was shot and killed on the streets of Tehran during the turmoil that followed the Iranian presidential contest. Within hours, images of her dying moments, captured on cell phones, appeared on computer screens across the world, focusing the world’s attention on mass protests against the rigged election in Iran. Featuring previously unseen footage of Neda with friends and family, as well as exclusive video of her recorded the day she died, FOR NEDA debuts MONDAY, JUNE 14 (9:00-10:15 p.m. ET/PT), just before the anniversary of her death, exclusively on HBO, and will also be presented on HBO2 on Sunday, June 20, the anniversary of her death. The documentary features intimate interviews with those who knew her best – her father Ali, mother Hajar Rostami, sister Hoda and brother Mohammed – as they speak publicly for the first time on camera, and is narrated by Shohreh Aghdashloo (Emmy® winner for HBO’s “House of Saddam”; Oscar® nominee for “House of Sand and Fog”).

Other HBO playdates: June 14 (5:30 a.m.), 17 (4:00 p.m., 12:30 a.m.), 19 (3:00 p.m.), 22 (5:15 a.m.), 23 (noon) and 27 (8:15 a.m.)
HBO2 playdates: June 16 (9:15 p.m.) and 20 (5:00 p.m.)

HBO Documentary Films presents another weekly series this summer, debuting a provocative new special every Monday from June 7 through Aug. 9. Other June films include “Smash His Camera” (June 7), “Gasland” (June 21) and “Kevorkian” (June 28).

Written, directed and produced by award-winning filmmaker Antony Thomas (HBO’s “Celibacy” and “Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She”), FOR NEDA is the story of the woman whose tragic death came to symbolize for many the struggle in Iran. Filming without official approval and at great risk, Iranian journalist Saeed Kamali Dehghan worked secretly inside Iran to locate and interview her family, while Thomas interviewed current exiles, including a friend of Neda’s from her university days and Arash Hejazi, the doctor who was at Neda’s side when she was shot and held her as she died. FOR NEDA also includes videos, photos, private diaries and letters supplied by the family.

Even as a young girl, Neda strove to lead her life in opposition to the regime’s restrictive treatment of women. As her mother explains, she rebelled from the start, refusing to wear a chador, the traditional Iranian head covering, when she went to school. Her father Ali proudly says their daughter’s defiant nature was innate, calling her “a fearless child.” Later in life, Neda worked as a tour guide in Turkey, read “subversive” books and pursued her passion for singing and Arab dancing in the only places she could, in private and behind closed doors.

What emerges is a portrait of a young woman whose ordinary desire for personal freedom and self-expression were confined by living in the Islamic Republic of Iran, but showed tremendous courage in standing up for those freedoms. When President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad blatantly rigged the 2009 election, she marched with her compatriots in the street, even though she knew she was risking her life as the regime began a violent crackdown.

FOR NEDA interweaves the story of Neda Agha-Soltan’s life and death with a look at the larger Iranian struggle, especially for women, that led her to march in the Tehran streets on June 20. Azar Nafisi (author of “Reading Lolita in Tehran” and “Things I’ve Been Silent About”) notes that women were the first and most severely treated targets of the reactionary laws imposed after the Iranian Revolution. Women were required to be covered in public, while the Basij, men and women charged with maintaining public order and decency, patrolled the streets harassing those they considered in violation.

In addition to those who knew Neda, others interviewed include: Newsweek correspondent Maziar Bahari; Iranian photographer Reza Deghati; human rights lawyer Andreas Moser; computer expert Austin Heap; Victoria Grand, head of communications and policy for YouTube; Iranian human rights activists Roya and Ladan Boroumand; U.S. State Department official Jared Cohen; and professor Ali Ansari, who headed the inquiry by the UK-based think tank Chatham House into the 2009 elections.

When authorities in Iran scrambled to stop the flow of information in the days after the election, 24-year old American computer expert Austin Heap found a way around the restrictions, creating proxy servers and hiding encrypted data inside official Iranian government internet traffic. Soon, news agencies were relying on him to get information out of the country.

The Iranian government initially denied Neda’s death and then fabricated stories about who was responsible. No one was ever charged with the killing. Her father says, “If the murderer was not from this government, you would have found him.”

Neda was buried the next day in accordance with Muslim custom, but authorities would not permit a religious ceremony. While the dead are honored after 40 days in Muslim tradition, Neda’s family was forbidden to do so publicly. Still, thousands went to her grave that day to pay their respects, as seen in poignant, previously unseen images from personal cameras, including cell phones.

Concludes human rights advocate Rudi Bakhtiar, “Neda didn’t die in vain…Not her, not every other life that’s been lost. They will change Iran…It’s a long battle ahead, but it is the beginning of the end.”

FOR NEDA director Antony Thomas’ previous HBO credits include: “Middle Sexes: Redefining He and She,” “Celibacy,” “A Question of Miracles,” “Body Doubles: The Twin Experience,” “To Love or Kill: Man vs. Animal,” “By Satan Possessed: The Search for the Devil” and “Never Say Die: The Pursuit of Eternal Youth.”

FOR NEDA was written, produced and directed by Antony Thomas; narrated by Shohreh Aghdashloo; editor, McDonald Brown; head of production, Annie Dinner; co-producers, Saeed Kamali Dehghan and Carleen Ling-An Hsu; production manager, Barbara Browne; director of photography, Jonathan Partridge. For Mentorn: executive producer, Neil Grant. For HBO: senior producer, Nancy Abraham; executive producer, Sheila Nevins.

Technorati Tags: HBO, Documentary, For Neda, Iran, Politics, Antony Thomas, Shohreh Aghdashloo, Movie

Release Info:
Episodes Original Air Date: June 14, 2009-September 13, 2009
DVD Release Date: May 25, 2010
Online Availability: Amazon for $39.99

One of my favorite shows in its first season, True Blood returned in Summer of 2009 for it’s second season. I was pumped to see what the citizens of Bon Temps held in store for its audience. There was bound to be more drama now that Bill had been forced to make a vampire to repent for his crimes against his race. Jason was bound to have a big storyline, as well, considering how things ended for him last season. I was all geared up to watch the show, and welcome Michelle Forbes (MaryAnn) to Bon Temps, who I loved in Kalifornia.

After watching all twelve episodes when they originally aired, I can honestly say that the second season was not quite as good as season one. It wasn’t bad enough to make me stop watching, but I felt like the show lost some of its edge. Some of the storylines were fantastic, while others dragged on for way too long, making them annoyingly trite. I like secondary characters more than I do Sookie and Bill, this season. Their constant, I love you – I’m mad at you – I love you again got kind of bothersome. However, the season finale did prove to be interesting for the couple, so I look forward to finding out how their latest dilemma is resolved in Season Three.

First, let’s get the bad out of the way. Oh my gosh, Michelle Forbes! She is a great actress, and initially, her storyline as MaryAnn was awesome….BUTTTTT it dragged on for so long, I remember throwing crap at my TV as I shouted, “Why don’t they kill you already!” There are only so many sex-crazed, black-eyed orgies a guy can take! By the time MaryAnn’s storyline ended, it was way past time to see her go. The entire MaryAnn creates an orgy with everybody in town was just plain weird, too. There are some people you don’t want to imagine getting nasty and most of them live in Bon Temps! Also, Bill’s maker/ex-woman returns to stir up trouble for him. Lorena has to be the most annoying vampire character on television (well, excluding the entire cast of The Vampire Diaries). I was ready for her to leave the second she showed up!

Now, on to the good. Eric was in top form this season. The addition of his maker, Godric, and the back story of his creation as a vampire was awesome. Muy interesting!!! The entire God Hates Fangs movement made me want to beat someone up, but it paralleled other, crazy religious movements going on right now, so I felt it was well executed and right on the money, as far as storylines go. The audience is meant to hate the Fellowship of the Sun, so the writers succeeded with this storyline. The Eric-Lafayette storyline also caught my attention. It makes me wonder what’s going to happen with those two in the future. The Jessica/Hoyt romance was worthy of watching. Jessica is a fun character and after she got over her brattier ways, she became one of the most intriguing characters on the show. Finally, Evan Rachel Wood as Sophie Anne, the Queen of Louisiana, was just plain hot. She could be my vampire, anytime!

Overall, there was far more good to this season than bad, which means I simply cannot wait until Season Three begins on June 13!

True Blood: The Complete Second Season Episode Synopsis’
There are twelve episodes in Season Two. Here they are in all their glory.

#2.1 – “Nothing But the Blood”
Original Air Date: June 14, 2009
A few weeks after the town is recovering from the events on Season One, Andy and Bud find a dead body, a woman with her heart ripped out. It turns out to be the body of Miss Jeanette, who performed the fake exorcism on Tara. The body is found at Merlotte’s in a parked car, in the parking lot, so Sam becomes a prime suspect. Bill has Jessica living with him, because it is his duty to teach her how to be a vampire. Of course, Sookie isn’t too fond about the arrangements or that Jessica has become hog wild now that she’s no longer human. Tara is living with the weirdo, MaryAnn, who bailed her out of jail. Eggs is also living with MaryAnn and Tara likes him. Sam and MaryAnn have met before. Jason finds God while in jail, and he decides to go to a seminar in Texas, by the Fellowship of the Sun. Lafayette is kidnapped by Eric who finds out he’s selling V. Sookie, who has found out Bill played a role in her uncle’s death, is hired by the Dallas coven to try and find, Godric, a powerful and very old vampire who has gone missing.

#2.2 – “Keep This Party Going”
Original Air Date: June 21, 2009
Sookie and Bill make up, but Sookie is left to handle Jessica when Bill has other obligations. Their relationship hits another snag when Jessica convinces Sookie to take her back to her home to see her family one last time. Things go awry when Jessica makes her presence known to her family, and Bill must intervene. Eric wants to use Sookie for his benefit. Jason is proving to be quite popular at the Fellowship of the Sun conference. He impresses the leaders of the movement Steve Newlin and his wife, Sarah. MaryAnn hypnotizes the mortals at Merlotte’s, making them hedonists. Lafayette attempts to escape, but doesn’t get far.

#2.3 – “Scratches”
Original Air Date: June 28, 2009
Sookie and Bill have a fight about the Jessica situation. Sookie ends up walking home, but she is attacked by a messed up creature (half-Bull/half-man, like the Minotaur). This leaves long gashes on her back. When she is poisoned by it’s claws, Bill takes her to Eric to have her healed and save her life. Sookie trades her services for the release of Lafayette. As Jason questions his faith, he is showered with praise from the Newlins. Jessica and Hoyt meet at Merlotte’s and hit it off with one another, even though Hoyt’s Mama hates vampires. MaryAnn throws a party that gets out of hand, and Eggs and Tara fall victim to her craziness. Daphne and Sam go for a swim where Daphne reveals a secret.

#2.4 – “Shake and Fingerpop”
Original Air Date: July 12, 2009
Sookie upholds her part of the deal with Eric by heading to Dallas to try and help find Godric. Bill and Jessica go with her. When they arrive Sookie is attacked. MaryAnn, having convinced Tara to take over Sookie’s house, throws an orgy/birthday party for Tara. She does something funky to make all of the people at the party lustful and their eyeballs turn black and freaky. Daphne knows about Sam’s shapeshifting abilities. In fact, she has some abilities of her own. Lafayette gets a visit and an offer from Eric. Steve and Sarah make Jason an offer he can’t refuse, especially since he’s told he has a higher calling.

#2.5 – “Never Let Me Go”
Original Air Date: July 19, 2009
Sookie tries to find Godric, and discovers a bellhop at the hotel in Dallas has the same kind of gifts she does. Unfortunately, he does not want those gifts and is freaked out when he realizes she can read minds. Eric reveals his true interest in Godric. He and Bill share a vampire moment. The people of Bon Temps are confused about what happened the night before. Sam learns something interesting about Daphne. MaryAnn moves in to Sookie’s house despite Tara’s initial protestations, which she silences. Jason shows all he’s got to the crazy Christians at the Light of Day Institute. He also spends some alone time with Sarah Newlin.

#2.6 – “Hard-Hearted Hannah”
Original Air Date: July 26, 2009
Sookie and Hugo pose as an engaged couple to investigate the disappearance of Godric at the Light of Day Institute. Steve is alerted of their true intentions and he locks them in the basement. Eric sets Bill up, not realizing his actions keep Sookie in danger, when he brings Lorena, the vampire who made Bill, to Dallas. Lorena holds Bill prisoner, as a result. Tara and Eggs stop in a wooded area off the highway, because Eggs finds the place familiar. He realizes he has been there before and that it is a place of unspeakable horror. Jason is expected to build a place where a vampire will be murdered before the Light of Day congregation, and he begins to doubt his place in the group. Daphne upsets Sam.

#2.7 – “Release Me”
Original Air Date: August 2, 2009
Sam is held captive by MaryAnn and the people of Bon Temps who are possessed. Andy helps him escape. Sookie cannot get ahold of Bill, so she attempts to telepathically connect with Barry, the Bell Hop from the Dallas Hotel. She is being held captive in the basement of the Fellowship, and realizes a spy leaked information about their visit to Steve. Lorena is still holding Bill as a prisoner, which is torture since he knows Sookie is in trouble. Steve and Gabe refuse to let Jason go, especially when they learn Sookie is his sister. Sookie is saved by a surprising source. Jessica has sex for the first time with Hoyt. MaryAnn takes care of Daphne.

#2.8 – “Timebomb”
Original Air Date: August 9, 2009
Eric arrives and we meet Godric. Some of the Dallas vampires arrive as do the members of the Fellowship, who plan to be locked in and watch Godric burn at dawn. Godric asks Eric and the other vampires to leave in peace. Godric tries to make peace with Steve Newlin. When he refuses Godric, the vampires show how powerful they are. Jason and Sookie are reunited. Eggs and Tara try to figure out their black outs. MaryAnn gives them something special to eat. Merlotte’s is the site of another dead body and Sam is the prime suspect. Jessica learns a terrifying truth about sex with Hoyt. The vampires are attacked by a Fellowship member.

#2.9 – “I Will Rise Up”
Original Air Date: August 16, 2009
The vampires of Dallas must clean up the mess created by the Fellowship. Jason is glad to be away from the crazies. Lafayette and Lettie Mae go to Sookie’s to get Tara away from MaryAnn. Sam escapes from prison again and must avoid MaryAnn and her minions. Godric takes the blame for what happened in Dallas. He decides it’s time to move on from his life as a vampire. Eric is distraught by Godric’s decision. MaryAnn goes on a witch hunt for Sam since he has plans for him. Hoyt decides to introduce Jessica to his mom, but she hates vampires so this makes her very upset.

#2.10 – “New World in My View”
Original Air Date: August 23, 2009
Sookie, Bill and Jason return from Dallas, but Bon Temps looks more like hell than home. The possessed town is searching madly for Sam. He tries to hide, but does not succeed until Jason shows up. Sookie attempts to reach a very possessed Tara. A possessed Maxine (Hoyt’s mom) is at Bill’s house attempting to torture Jessica. Bill is hurt by MaryAnn, but Sookie holds a strange power that excites MaryAnn and makes her immune to the crazed woman. Bill heads out of town to seek assistance.

#2.11 – “Frenzy”
Original Air Date: August 30, 2009
Bill goes to the mansion of the vampire Queen of Louisiana. He wants to ask Sophie-Anne what can be done about MaryAnn. Bill has to wait on Sophie-Anne, which is hard with Sophie stuck in Bon Temps due to all the crazy going-ons there. After Sookie un-possesses her, Tara runs off to save Eggs. Sookie and Lafayette go to Sookie’s desecrated house, where Tara is already possessed again. Lafayette is unable to remain immune to it. Sam looks for help by going to see Eric. Jessica and Hoyt face more difficulties when it comes to his meddling Mama. He returns home to learn the truth about how his dad died.

#2.12 – “Beyond Here Lies Nothin’”
Original Air Date: September 13, 2009
MaryAnn finally gets her claws on Sam, who she plans to sacrifice. She forces Sookie to be a part of the ceremony. Sophie-Anne and Eric have a discussion about Bill. Bill returns and asks Sam to trust him, as MaryAnn gets ready to sacrifice him to her God. Hoyt has trouble dealing with his possessed mom. Everything comes to a head as MaryAnn is taken on once and for all. When everything fades from Bon Temps and Sookie thinks all will be well, she shares a moment with Bill, whose question goes unanswered when things turn out badly for the couple.

Storyline/Plot: 4 out of 5 stars
Replayability: 5 out of 5 stars
Acting: 5 out of 5 stars
Directing: 4 out of 5 stars

Audio/Visual:
A 1080p AVC MPEG-4 transfer with an aspect ratio of 1.78:1 sets the stage for one of the best looking shows on television. The second season may have faltered some in terms of content, but it’s never looked better than this. Vampires only come out at night, so with the video I knew the black levels were going to make or break this transfer. I am happy to report that the black levels are strong and deep throughout, which makes for a beautiful looking picture. Flesh tones vary (obviously), but manage to look realistic in various color palettes. The other colors end up being lavish and vibrant. The cinematography is stunning. You can get a good sense of the area and the Southern feel. The detail is stunning in most shots and everything is quite impressive. Fans will enjoy this near-flawless transfer.

The audio is as capable as the video appears to be, as it utilizes a DTS-HD MA 5.1 sound track. Things start out with strength from Jace Everett’s “Bad Things,” the fabulous opening theme song, all the way through the dialogue, special effects, and musical moments. This soundtrack really gets it right. The dialogue always plays center stage. The sound effects offer moments of realism. The music makes you want to get up and dance. While all three elements often pair up at times, nothing ever overpowers one of the other elements. Sound may be layered but it’s never pushed to the background by another element. I didn’t notice any problems and volume toggling was not necessary. In addition to English, there are audio tracks in French (DTS 5.1) and Spanish (DTS 2.0). Subtitles are available in a host of languages including Dutch, English, French, Portuguese, and Spanish.

Visual: 5 out of 5 stars
Audio: 5 out of 5 stars

Bonus Features:
True Blood has a number of bonus features available for fans of the show. While the second season was not as exciting as the first and the final episode seemed to fizzle more than sizzle, it’s still nice to see a fair amount of features that fans can sink their teeth into. Fans will be able to enjoy commentaries, featurettes, and some Blu-ray exclusives. The featurettes and commentaries are accessible when you watch the episodes. You can pick which episode you want to watch and any associated features can be watched before/after. This is nice because it doesn’t lump everything together.

Here is the breakdown of everything that is included:

Audio Commentaries: Discs 1, 3, 4, and 5 all have episodes with commentaries on them. There are seven audio commentaries in all. Most importantly, each of them give you a pretty good reason to want to listen to them. Most of the tracks offer you a duo to listen to and the conversation type atmosphere works out generally well. In the case of “Beyond Here Lies Nothing” you can choose from two commentaries. You can go light-hearted and not so technical with Anna Paquin and Michelle Forbes or you can go with the creative types Michael Cuesta (director) and Alexander Woo (writer). My personal favorite was probably “Timebomb” though as it includes Stephen Moyer and Alexander Skarsgard. John Dahl, the director of the episode is also included in that one. It’s a lively track and both Moyer and Skarsgard are engaging enough to listen to the entire time. That being said, each of the commentaries are worth listening to at least once.

The Vampire Report: Special Edition – This is an in-character spoof of a news program that focuses on vampires. The funniest part of this is probably the Twilight spoof that is done. The rest of it will provide some laughs, but I don’t think it needed to be 23 minutes long. This would have been better suited as a smaller piece. It would have made it funnier because there wouldn’t be so much of the same old thing.

Fellowship of the Sun: Reflections of Light – This is similar to The Vampire Report, except that it’s only twelve minutes in length and it focuses on the Fellowship of the Sun church. As you might have guessed, this one is handled by Reverend Newlin and his not-so-lovely wife. While the Vampire Report managed to get old kind of quick, this remains funny and worth watching the entire time.

The rest of the features revolve around BD Live. You can hook up your BD set to Twitter and Facebook accounts if you are so inclined. The Enhanced Viewing Option allows you to watch pop-up videos of the characters. In each video they either offer you some information about the scene you’re watching or they comment on what’s going on. It’s pretty cool. The other option allows text pop-ups which give you behind the scenes information about the scene/episode you’re watching. There are also Flash Backs and Flash Forwards, which give you a look back and some information about what to expect in the rest of the season/episodes. Pro and/or Anti-Vampire News Feeds are also included, but this is more of the same from the above featurette. I didn’t pay them much attention, but you might like them.

There is also a section on Character Perspectives. The only problem here is that this is the stuff from the character pop-ups. For that reason, I don’t recommend this particular feature as it’s much more entertaining to watch the videos as the episodes occur.

Bonus Features: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Bottom Line:
While not quite as good as the first season, True Blood: The Complete Second Season holds its own. I recommend fans of the series pick up a copy of the show, so they have one to watch whenever they want. The quality for this Blu-Ray is excellent and there are plenty of bonus features for fans to sink their “fangs” into. Essentially, this is the perfect way for fans of the show to gear up before the new season starts in a few weeks!

Overall Rating: 4.64 out of 5 stars

Technorati Tags: True Blood, The Complete Second Season, TV on Blu-Ray, Blu-Ray Review, HBO, Television, Vampires, Anna Paquin, Stephen Moyer