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Product Description
All 12 episodes from the first season of HBO's surreal, sepia-toned drama series, which follows a travelling carnival troupe around the American Dust Bowl in the 1930s. Episodes are: 'Milfay', 'After the Ball is Over', 'Tipton', 'Black Blizzard', 'Babylon', 'Pick a Number', 'The River', 'Lonnigan, Texas', 'Insomnia', 'Hot and Bothered', 'The Day of the Dead' and 'The Day That Was the Day'.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
97 of 99 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Carnivale, part depression-era drama, part paranormal mystery and all told at a pace that will drive some mad with frustration. In these modern times of fast cut, action orientated tv where you are rarely given time to breathe or think (just as well in the cases of some modern genre shows) along came Carnivale. This is a story that will not be rushed, building up towards an epic battle between the forces of good and evil. This isn't your 2-3 apocalypses per season as in Buffy or Angel, this is one for the whole series. The look of the show is unique in terms of it's colour and stark landscapes and the DVD picture is clear and crisp. Such episodes as Black Blizzard will throw you into the storm with the cast. Some will be frustrated that the two "main" characters never meet, or that the first season closes with no real answers given but I found this to be refreshing and bold storytelling for a mainstream network to be behind. Even as the pace slows in the midsection the characters are believable and the relationships between them are as important, if not more, than the main plot arc. This is one of those plot devices almost lost in modern sci-fi television and to remind you all it is called "character development". This story is dark and disturbing too with some imagery that many will find disturbing and sickening, no bones about. Dead children and paedophilia feature in the first half alone and while not graphic it is still going to upset some viewers. But stick with it. This show deserves to be given time to tell the story properly and I am looking forward to the second season.
51 of 52 people found the following review helpful
By "xcalibrate"
Format:DVD
Very occasionally a series is developed that breaks the mold with regard to production values, acting and storytelling. Carnivale is just such a series.
It's an epic tale of Good versus Evil set against the backdrop of the 30's depression and revolves around superbly crafted characters that work and live within one of the few remaining Carnivale's of the era. The story is a tangled web of intrigue, mystery and the supernatural which doesn't pander to it's audience with 'episodes of the week' and dumbed down explainations of plot but rather weaves this web with aplomb and skill, leaving the viewer to dig within it's depths to find the subtle clues contained within.
The first season sets up the characters and plot ready for the impending battle to come. Each character has a part to play, some more than others, but each is crafted so beautifully that the viewer engages with them on a level rarely achieved in a television series before.
The transfer to DVD is quite exceptional, 6 discs each containing two episodes which are simply stunning to look at. Audio commentaries are available on three episodes and an, albeit short, featurette is found on the last disc.
I rarely post reviews but this series, this box set, deserves some attention. If you like well written, intelligent drama, which doesn't dumb itself down then I certainly would recommend Carnivale. A simply stunning piece of television. Roll on Season Two.
59 of 62 people found the following review helpful
By A Customer
Format:DVD
I cannot give enough praise to this series. In 2004 many new shows have come and gone but Carnivàle definately has the power to stick around for a good few seasons.
Carnivàle follows the travels of a roving carnival during the 1930's Dust Bowl. This group of odd characters pick up a mysterious young man who becomes the focus in a battle between good and evil.
It revolves around aa very large cast but there are two characters in particular that are the focus of this series. Ben Hawkins, a young criminal that appears to have the power to give life to things while taking it from others and Brother Justin, a priest that will do whatever it takes to see that things are done the way he believes they should be.
The first season is a battle between good and evil, I'm still not sure who is in which side, and there is also a heavy feel of the supernatural. If you liked programmes such as Twin Peaks or you just fancy trying out something new and very different from other series', this is the one for you.
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4.6 out of 5 stars
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
Another HBO classic
Brilliant - another HBO classic. Wish they would actually follow through a series to a proper conclusion though. Two seasons is not enough.
Published 1 month ago by Mr Gordon Bowie
5.0 out of 5 stars
Brilliant
Carnivale is a wonderful, dark and atmospheric series. It is beautifully shot and acted: one of my favorite series. Arrived quickly, and in perfect condition.
Published 1 month ago by JANE JOHNSON-SAMUELS
5.0 out of 5 stars
Amazing!!
I bought both series of this after reading a bit about it and I'm so glad I did - I am totally hooked! Read more
Published 2 months ago by Miss CLM
2.0 out of 5 stars
Atmospheric but ultimately tedious
Bought this because it was HBO which is usually a sign of quality, and because the storyline appeared to be interesting. But... Read more
Published 3 months ago by whytey
2.0 out of 5 stars
A dreadful let down for HBO, trite and hackneyed.
A fight between good and evil, magic and showmanship at a travelling carnival peopled by "circus freak" characters and set against the backdrop of depression America. Read more
Published 5 months ago by bertie
5.0 out of 5 stars
absolutely superb
I was introduced to this by a friend, who told me to 'stick with it' through the first episode. Good advice! Read more
Published 5 months ago by polly
4.0 out of 5 stars
"The people in these towns, they're asleep. All day, at work, at home....
Carnivale is not straightforward, and not easy to summarise.
It is packed with layers of meaning, symbolism, mythology, history and glimpses of the future. Read more
It is packed with layers of meaning, symbolism, mythology, history and glimpses of the future. Read more
Published 8 months ago by P J Benney
5.0 out of 5 stars
Love it
Why this was canned after only two I dont know...its a real shame... ok not everyones cup of tea but I loved it....loved the acting...the way it was filmed even the story.... Read more
Published 9 months ago by Grace Garvey
5.0 out of 5 stars
Just brilliant!
I stumbled across this by accident... thought it looked interesting and then read other customer reviews... Read more
Published 13 months ago by Saffronwylde
5.0 out of 5 stars
amazingly great!
great quality for money, devilvered very quickly and was in great condition when it came. Ordered the second series with it and they both came at the same time, very handy. Read more
Published 15 months ago by fiona
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