Barbarians Rising (2016/History Channel/A&E/Lionsgate Blu-ray Set)

Picture: B Sound: B- Extras: C- Episodes: B

The four-part action packed documentary/narrative mini-series Barbarians Rising (2016) lands on disc and is a must for history and film buffs alike. Featuring high production values with highly detailed costumes and characters, CGI recreations of battle sequences, and lavish scenery, the mini-series looks and just about sounds great on Blu-ray disc.

Spanning a 700-year-old war with the Roman Empire, the mini-series goes in depth from the perspective of Barbarians who dared to defy the mighty Roman Empire. Classic Historical figures such as Hannibal, Virathus, Spartacus, Arminius, Boudica, Fritigem, Alaric, Geiseric, and Attila highlight. Intersecting narrative segments and highlighting key points are wonderful interviews with historians that help tell the story as clearly as possible.

Episodes include Resistance, Rebellion, Revenge, and Ruin, all of which span two Blu-ray discs totaling over five hours of content. The miniseries stars Steve Waddington (Last of the Mohicans), Richard Brake (Batman Begins), Ben Batt (Captain America: The First Avenger), and Tom Hopper (TV's Black Sails) to name a few.

Presented in 1080p high definition with a 1.78:1 widescreen aspect ratio and a lossy English 2.0 Dolby Digital Stereo audio track, the presentation here is fantastic and leaves little to be desired. Also included is a Digital Copy of the series for your smart phone or tablet.

The only special features are trailers and if you want to make a stretch, bookmarks.

- James Lockhart

https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/