THE PLOT THUS FAR
Chronicles the life and times of Nucky Thompson, the undisputed ruler of Atlantic City, who was equal parts politician and gangster.
WHAT WE THOUGHT
Inspired by real events, HBO’s robust drama chronicles the advent of Atlantic City and the Prohibition-era kingpins who made it a haven for drinking and gambling, including corrupt politician Nucky Thompson and mobsters Arnold Rothstein and Al Capone.
There is a subtle complexity to the character of Nucky. He is not just a “bad” villain; a simple,one-dimensional caricature. Instead, he shows loving emotions, such as his desire to have children and his attraction to the good-hearted, honest immigrant girl. He doesn’t just commit crimes or violence for enjoyment of evil, but its often part of a Machiavellian purpose. He doesn’t just take from the community, but he gives back as well. Perhaps he is the benevolent dictator or Philosopher King that Plato imagined. In many cases he redistributes wealth to those who need it most. Even if he is primarily doing it to serve his own interests, he is providing a critical function and service to the community and time in which he lives.
The series also makes stinging criticisms of how the road to hell is paved with good intentions, and how powerful political and economic interests often manipulate naive, well-intentioned fools. Even today, soft drugs like marijuana are illegal, while far more addictive and socially harmful products are legal. Marijuanna has been kept illegal because the powerful alcohol and tobacco lobby groups don’t want competition to cut into their profits.
The DVD comes with commentaries, featurettes and a well-developed character guide. The A/V Quality is pretty solid for standard definition, but it pales in comparison to the HBO HD broadcast. The Dolby 5.1 track makes excellent use of the 1920s Federal Agent vs. the Mob action. It’s just that if you have the option, choose the Blu-Ray over the DVD. In the end, I’d still recommend a purchase.
RELEASE DATE: 01/10/2012
