When writing this review, I'm going to put aside ALL feelings about the series content itself, as this review is on the physical boxed set and disc setup, NOT the show itself. I'm not a television critic. Having said that... this. set. is. AWESOME! It was packed tight in it's cardboard box, which I was afraid to open and take out of it's pristine condition when I received it. The actual box holding the DVD's is a sturdy, heavy wood. The latch to fasten it shut is strong leather, the Hand of the King pin is like the icing on the cake, the sleeves holding the discs are intricately arranged. It is a top-notch, well-crafted, sturdy set that is very appealing to the eye.
Also, the setup of the discs. I haven't watched every episode yet, but it looks as though every episode has commentary if you wish to listen to it. There is also a feature that you can turn on and off that will allow you to view which characters are in the current scene, and the houses, and other supporting background information. This series is very intricate, and I know this might've been helpful had a been a first-time viewer. There is also bonus footage, and as a GoT nerd, I want to know all the things! I cannot wait to watch it all.
I am a faithful Game of Thrones fan. I've read the books, I've watched the series more than once, it is my go-to quite often. If you are contemplating, this set is 100% worth it. I was questioning whether I actually needed the collector's edition set when the boxed DVD set is cheaper, but I am glad I went with this one. It is worth it. Buy it, now!

The first thing I noticed was the weight, this case is really solid. I was worried that it was going to be cheap and made of flimsy cardstock when I ordered but that's not the case at all. It's a real show piece that is going to deserve a special display spot. I especially liked the thick leather strap with "The Hand" pin as the locking device, that's a really nice touch. Obviously this thing is expensive but it is beautiful and if you or somebody you really love is a huge game of thrones fan then this is hands down one of the best gifts you could find.

If I were to knitpick then there were two slightly disappointing but I'd like to stress neither would prevent me from making this purchase all over again. First, in front of the awesome portrait made up of all the seasons is a piece of what I guess is Plexi glass that tilts and out of place whenever you remove a season sleeve. Second, each seasons sleeve has a leather tab with the season number printed on them, half of these had been folded to different sides when it was packed for shipping. It also looks like the numbers might fade over time

This collection, beautifully encapsulated in a wooden box, is an absolute treasure to any fanatic of the HBO hit-series "Game of Thrones". This review will be strictly about the collection, not the show. I refuse to give this a negative review simply because of one poorly-handled season.

The collection itself is bigger than it appears in promo images and likely won't slide into your media library, being roughly 4-inches longer in depth than the standard media case. With some larger shelves or bookcases, you may be able to fit this dragon-sized case in with the rest. For myself and most others, it'll serve as a nice display piece. The most striking part of the set are the nine individual cutouts that house each season plus a set of bonus features. The art on each is an original creation crafted by artist Robert Ball (responsible for the Beautiful Death series). When housed in the wooden shadow box, the cutouts create a menagerie of House sigils and events from the show that serves as a striking image to gaze upon.

Each cutout holds four discs, two on the front and two on the back. On the final three cutouts, only one disc is stored on the back. For those concerned with quality, the cutouts are not cardboard like most collector sets nowadays. Instead, they are crafted from a sturdy foamboard to prevent bending and creases. The sleeves themselves holding the discs, however, are made from typical cardboard paper. In my set, I experienced some folds and even a small tear on a cutout's disc sleeve (likely from mismanaged packing). Each cutout is labeled with a faux leather tab on the spine, so you can easily find the season you're looking for while also providing an easy method of retrieval.

The discs themselves were not scratched or damaged, nor marked with glue dots like Marvel's Infinity Saga collection was. They are of course, Blu-ray only with a digital code included for all eight seasons. The shadow box, as mentioned, is made from wood with gold foil lettering and gouges carved into the box to simulate sword slashes. The cutouts inside the shadow box are bound shut with a single faux leather strap. The strap is then pinned in place with a Hand of the King pin. The pin itself is metal, which pleased me as I expected plastic. The actual opening for the pin to slide inside of the strap was very tight, likely a sign that the leather needs to conform to its shape first. After repeated uses, it should prove easier to insert. The strap itself is a little stiff and cumbersome at first to close, making it something not quite as elegant as one would expect.

The collection also includes a card from HBO, thanking you for your purchase and brief instructions to care for the set. If one wishes, there are plastic slides included to protect the shadow box window where the cutout menagerie is featured. This is likely to shield from smoke, dust and the like, but the cutouts are clearer to see if you remove them. I found the thanks pleasant, as most companies don't bother with such a formality.

Altogether, I was highly pleased with this set. I held off for nine years on being GoT on media, as I figured they'd release a grand collection at the finale. I have to say, this was definitely worth the weight and price. Aside from a few minor damages your set might face during packaging, this set is perfect and I couldn't ask for anything else; aside from some 4K discs in the future.

I'm surprised (sort of) at the number of people leaving reviews for season 8, when this is intended to review the actual PRODUCT. As in, the collector's set.

Amazing set. I'm sure you all know by now what it looks like from pictures others have posted. This thing is incredible. Beautiful. And it will not fit anywhere, however, I'm fine with that. I can find a place for it.

The cover box mine came in was previously opened and taped shut, despite buying new (see pic.) Slightly alarming, however, as of yet, I've seen no evidence of damage or anything obvious missing. We'll see if I have the disc issues some have reported, as I progress through the episodes. Everything appears to be original. The discs are all present as are the booklets (at least, I think they are) and the hand pin closure for the box.

The holders for each season are separate and have leather(ette?) pull tabs to slide them out. They are in a rack system like old records albums, for those who remember. A few do catch slightly on each other as they slide in and out which will eventually ruffle edges on the carvings (and I see a little evidence of this already now that I look closer, so perhaps this should go in the slightly damaged column after all) but, with care, they come out well enough.

All in all, a good purchase. So far. (I am waiting on a blu ray player so I can actually watch them.)

Edited to add Dec 2022: have since watched them several times. No issues at all. Beautiful set.

I opted to hold out on watching a single episode of this show until the series ended, and was released in a cumulative collection just like this, because I loathe waiting in-between seasons for a new one to start. So glad that I did, it was well worth it. With this collection I officially started watching the show for the very first time. I got hooked immediately, and effectively binge watched the entire series in one fell swoop, every episode of every season within a week's time. I cannot fathom what all of the haters are talking about regarding season 8, and I could not disagree with them more. Personally, I felt that it was most definitely NOT rushed together. I felt that it had great, sensible closure, and the episodes flowed very nicely, without cutting any corners. All in all, I LOVED the entire series, season 8 and all.

The problem? The discs themselves. While I have nothing but top praise to offer for the entire series itself, I encountered about 4 or 5 of the DVD's that would intermittently freeze up and glitch on me. I'm convinced that received a defective copy, and so had to return it. That is the only reason why I have given it 4 stars, instead of 5. The defective DVD's notwithstanding, the box set is VERY well packaged, and looks gorgeous. Makes for a beautiful display piece for any GOT fan, of which I can now call myself one. I definitely would recommend this set to anyone who hasn't seen the series, and even to those who have. Cheers...