What to Watch: Oct. 20-26, 2013

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Average: 5 (1 vote)

Untold History of the United States
Untold History of the United States
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“Untold History of the United States”

Oliver Stone brings his controversial view of the history of the world to Showtime in this 12-part series, one that earned what we’ve come to expect from the director of “Platoon” and “JFK” — raves and pans in equal measure. Some historians were so offended by “History” that they tied to get it pulled from Showtime, while others were impressed with the new insight into well-told stories, along with a hefty companion book. I find Stone’s viewpoint is always interesting even if one should never take it as 100% accurate. At least he’s making the effort to further investigate stories we think we know.

Synopsis:
This 12-chapter documentary series, created and executive produced by Academy Award-winning writer/director Oliver Stone.

As Americans, do we really know and understand our shared and complicated history? How do we recall the small details and forgotten players that influenced some of the biggest events from America’s past? Will our children actually get the whole story from reading history books? And how will it affect the future of our country?

Special Features:
o None

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

Nikita: The Complete Third Season
Nikita: The Complete Third Season
Photo credit: Warner Bros.

“Nikita: The Complete Third Season”

There’s always a show or two on the air that defy typical ratings expectations in that they’re not really hits but they don’t do poorly enough to get canceled. One such show is The CW’s “Nikita,” which stood on the bubble every year and will finally come to a close this season, its fourth, which will be half-a-year. Want to see how we got here? Or perhaps you’re a big fan of “Nikita” and wonder how WB treated it on Blu-ray? As usual, their transfers are spectacular and I love how they include Ultraviolet versions of their shows. You can now have “Nikita” in the cloud.

Synopsis:
In a game-changing turnaround, Division is now run by Nikita, Michael and former CIA analyst Ryan Fletcher, who has been tasked by the U.S. President to clean up after the previous regime… or else. With punk rock hacker Seymour Birkhoff hardwired to the cause, Nikita’s protégée Alex and ex-Navy SEAL Sean Pierce in the fold, and Owen back from a Russian prison, the new team has all the tech, muscle and spy power they need to round up the Dirty Thirty - rogue assassins who remain at large around the globe. But Amanda has Division in her crosshairs, the Oval Office wants the job done yesterday, and the operation suffers devastating physical hits. Nikita must use every asset in her power to hunt down those agents before they wreak havoc in our world, making for 22 high-octane, unpredictable episodes of this smart, sexy suspense series.

Special Features:
o Unaired Scenes
o Gag Reel

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, Netflix Streaming, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

Vikings: The Complete First Season
Vikings: The Complete First Season
Photo credit: Fox

“Vikings: The Complete First Season”

“Vikings” was a massive hit for The History Channel, proving they could play with the other cable nets when it comes to original programming. Personally, I didn’t quite connect, finding it perfectly serviceable but nothing to engage week in and week out. Maybe I’m just not interested in the period. If you are, this is an excellent Blu-ray set, well-packaged and accompanied by great special features. The producers know that “Vikings” has some incredibly loyal fans (they often call in to WGN when I’m on the air talking TV) and treat them well.

Synopsis:
Journey to a thrilling ancient world in this epic new series about history’s bravest and most brutally fearsome warriors…Vikings. Ragnar, a would-be Viking chieftain, longs to fulfill his destiny as an explorer and conqueror, alongside his ambitious brother Rollo and loyal wife Lagertha. But as Ragnar leads daring raids in distant realms across the ocean, treacherous forces in his Norse homeland conspire against him. Faced with shocking betrayals and the temptations of a mysterious seductress, Ragnar must wage war on the battlefield - and within himself - to protect his freedom, family and life.

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Audio Commentary On Select Episodes
o A Warrior Society: Viking Culture and Justice
o Birth Of The Vikings
o Forging The Viking Army: Warfare and Tactics
o The Armory Of The Vikings
o Conquest And Discovery: Journeys of The Vikings

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Amazon Instant Streaming, iTunes

Defiance: Season One
Defiance: Season One
Photo credit: Universal

“Defiance: Season One”

Speaking of cable cult hits, SyFy’s “Defiance” has developed enough of a following that it will be back for season two even though it’s not quite getting the buzz that the network has needed ever since “Battlestar Galactica” folded up shop. My problem with what I’ve seen of the show is that it feels too familiar. We need a new sci-fi hit to break the mold. Maybe “Defiance” will do so in season two. Get on the bandwagon now.

Synopsis:
From the producers of Battlestar Galactica, Caprica and Farscape comes Defiance, the critically-acclaimed action-packed tale of courage and survival. It’s 2046 and over 30 years have passed since aliens arrived, changing life on Earth forever. In the frontier town of Defiance, a drifter-turned-lawkeeper (Grant Bowler, True Blood) and the newly-appointed mayor (Julie Benz, Dexter) attempt to lead the human and alien residents through the prejudices and politics that threaten the fragile peace they’ve fought for. Combining epic scope with the intrigue of a small-town drama, Defiance is science fiction at its best. Watch every riveting episode back-to-back and uninterrupted, with exclusive bonus content including deleted scenes and featurettes that go inside this incredible new world.

Special Features:
o Deleted Scenes
o Gag Reel
o Defiance: A Transmedia Revolution
o Making Defiance
o Behind The Scenes With Jesse Rath

Where to Watch: Blu-ray, DVD, Vudu, iTunes

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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