Sons of Anarchy - Season 1 [DVD]

As a biker I could not wait for Sons of Anarchy to begin.

Many films and documentaries have been made surrounding Outlaw Bikers and the biker scene; the list of books is ever growing. However, a television series was new territory. Was the show going to be a success or flop as a poor imitation and portrayal of outlaw bikers and the one percenter lifestyle? The answer: success, massive success! Even down to the soundtrack, this show has everything.

At the time of writing, the show has ended its second series in the US, with great reviews and attracting big audiences. The script is detailed and needs to be followed closely. Whilst cleverly constructed the script is remains true to bikers. Many incidents in the show can be traced to real-life events that have been well documented in various pieces of literature by one percenters. As for the biker critics, although everyday life of a one percenter may not be like the show it certainly makes for great viewing.

My family and friends love the show. Don't jump to conclusions and assume that as a biker I am bound to give a good review. Read the other reviews and search the internet. Sons of Anarchy has attracted a huge fan base of people who appreciate a good television series.

I enjoy Sons of Anarchy to such the extent I was kindly bought the first series on Region 1 DVD and a Region 1 DVD player. I also have the first series Region 2 on order (both great presents). The DVD extras are also enjoyable. Can't wait for more! For us in Great Britain we have to wait and see if the second series will be released on DVD in the US before it is shown here on television.

Long live SAMCRO - Sons of Anarchy Motorcycle Club Redwood Original.

This American drama is a much needed change from the plethora of current cop shows and follows the Sons Of Anarchy Motorcycle Club in their attempts to stay one step ahead of both The Law and rival gangs.
Main character Jax (Charlie Hunnam) is a troubled man. He spends his time reading his dead Father's journal which causes him to question the way the "Club" operates and he has a premature baby boy to look after. His Mother Gemma (Katey Sagal) is the puppet master here as her husband Clay (Ron Perlman) is the leader of the gang and she carefully manipulates both men round to her way of thinking throughout the series.
The Sons may be gun runners and advocates of violence but they have a strong moral code and won't let drugs or rape or a number of other things take place in their town.
The stories that dominate the series are Jax's troubles with his morals and love life which include an old flame who has returned to the town bringing hidden trouble with her. We also have the character of Opie (Ryan Hurst) who upon his release from prison has to decide between going straight to appease his wife or rejoining the gang.
Excellent performances all round, most notably from former Married With Children star Katey Sagal and Ryan Hurst along with a great script elevate this show well above the easy viewing of the likes of House and The Mentalist.
Sterling support is provided by Kim Coates and Glasgow's own Tommy Flanagan as gang members who will go the extra mile to protect their club. Maggie Siff as the respectable Doctor who was Jax's High School Sweetheart and Ally Walker as ATF Agent Stahl are also very impressive.
Series 2 is currently in production so there will be plenty more from the Sons Of Anarchy and if the standard remains this high then long may it continue.
Recommended for fans of tense drama such as Prison Break, 24 and Dexter.

Right from the opening scene 'Sons of Anarchy' grabs your attention. It instantly sets the tone for the series and makes sure that the story gets off at full throttle. This is basically the Soprano's on wheels, as we follow a a gang of gun running Hell's Angels as they wheel, deal & - well - Wheel some more.

The show focuses on the (sometimes strained) brother hood that exists within the SOA biker family, but there are many other gangs that add to the mix too. In their quest to stay on top and control the streets, the Sons of Anarchy have to deal with, and often play off against each other, various other gangs. These include the True IRA, a black street gang called the 9ers, local Chinese Yakuza, a rival Mexican biker gang called the Mayans, the white supremacists, the local cops - both straight and corrupt - and also, as one member puts it: ''The most powerful gang of all... old white money''. After all that, finally, at the end of the day they then have to go home to their 'old ladies' which as the series progresses, we find out are just as tough a gang as the men.

The story and acting are great. The characters brutal but likeable and very funny at times too. This makes it a bit of a hard watch sometimes as you struggle to come to terms with the fact that these guys are brutal murderers, but you love them.

The overall story is very good and unfolds well, keeping your attention and making you watch episode after episode - I did this 1st season in in a day and a half. The sets, scenery, wardrobe and bikes are all convincing and for me this was one of the best boxsets I've seen in a while.

If you miss the Soprano's being on TV - get this. It definatly fills the void. It has it all. The family politics. The guns, violence, women and everything else that that series provided . Buy it now.