DVD Corner

Vikings: Valhalla Season 1 Blu-ray Review

“Vikings: Valhalla” is an engaging historical action-drama. 

Created by Jeb Stuart, 2022’s Netflix series “Vikings: Valhalla” is a sequel to the hit “Vikings.” The 8 episode debut season is set 100 years after “Vikings” and follows the Norse settling in England with the Saxons. This, however, does not go well as English King Aethelred II orders the annihilation of the Vikings in England. By order of Denmark King Canute, the surviving Vikings gather at Kattegat to plot an attack in London. The Vikings aren’t quite getting along though as there’s in-fighting over their religious beliefs (Pagans vs Christians).

Character wise, the central players here are Leif Erickson (Sam Corlett) and his half-sister Freydis Eriksdottir (Frida Gustavsson) from Greenland. The siblings are children of Erik the Red and have arrived in Kattegat so that Freydis can seek revenge against the man who raped and abused her. Harald Sigurdsson (Leo Suter) and his brother Jarl Olaf Haraldsson (Johannes Hakur Johannesson) and Kattegat ruler Jarl Estrid Haakon (Caroline Henderson) are the 3 other main characters.

From a story perspective, the main plots involve Leif joining Harald’s army, Freydis venturing to Uppsala, Prince Edmund becoming the King and receiving help from Mercian soldiers, Queen Emma, Leif’s romance with Liv, King Forkbeard, a battle for Kattegat and a Christian zealot (Jarl Kare) massacring Pagans. 

“Vikings: Valhalla” (which lasted 3 seasons) is a largely satisfying follow-up in that it offers up everything you are looking for from a saga like this. There’s violent battles that are epic in scope, “some” historical accuracy, revenge plots, beards galore, sword fights, deaths, a fast pace, throne ascensions, etc. If you are a fan of the franchise, it’s hard not get swept back up into this world. It’s certainly the type of show that lends itself to being binge worthy. 

On the downside, it’s easy to see why some fans don’t hold it in the same regard as the original series. The show definitely tries to coast on familiarities to the original series (not to mention “Game Of Thrones”). Sometimes it does feel as if you’re watching cosplayers (although that feeling does vanish). The characters are also not quite as developed or interesting as those that were in the OG series. It’s much more of a story driven series.

Video/Audio:

Presentation: 2.00:1 1080p. Grade: A

Audio Track: 5.1 DTS-HD MA. Grade: A

No extras have been included.

September 15, 2024 - Posted by nicklyons1 | Blu-Ray review | Historical Drama, Vikings, Vikings: Valhalla, Vikings: Valhalla Season 1 Blu-ray Review