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Saturday, May 31, 2014

Boardwalk Empire: The Complete Third Season Blu-ray Review

Reviewed by Allie Schembra
One of HBO’s signature shows, this one-hour drama chronicles the life and times of Enoch “Nucky” Thompson (Golden Globe winner Steve Buscemi), Atlantic City’s undisputed czar at a time when Prohibition proved to be a major catalyst in the rise of organized crime in America. Picking up 16 months after Season 2 ended, Season 3 begins on New Year’s Eve 1922-23. The Roaring ‘20s are about to start; though the economy is booming, alcohol has become scarce, competition is fierce, and gangster violence is heating up. Amidst this backdrop, Nucky, whose marriage to Margaret (Kelly Macdonald) has become a sham after she signed away his highway windfall to the church, faces new competition in the person of Gyp Rosetti (new cast member Bobby Cannavale), who builds a new strategic bulkhead between New York and Atlantic City in an effort to siphon off Nucky’s alcohol business. The conflict brings out the best and worst in Nucky, who proves his brutal mettle in a series of violent encounters – including a climatic facedown with Gyp in the Season 3 finale. New and familiar faces also undergo compelling metamorphoses as the 12 new episodes of "Boardwalk Empire" unfold.

Show (5 out of 5 stars)
I am a huge fan of Boardwalk Empire.  I have seen every season, multiple times and it just keeps getting better.  As a history buff, I am interested in the time and the happenings and knowing the show is based after real people, makes it that much more interesting.  Steve Buscemi is perfect as Nucky Thompson, the biggest bootlegger in the state.  Kelly MacDonald is a perfect Margaret, Nucky’s wife, who in public shows her devotion to her husband, but behind closed doors, loves another.  Throughout the season, I can’t help but root for Al Capone, who finally shows his softer side by interacting with his deaf son. Boardwalk Empire is one of the best shows on television, and second only to The Sopranos in shows about the mob.

In season three, Nucky Thompson (Steve Buscemi) takes on old and new foes, all while trying to keep his business alive during prohibition in 1923.  His wife, Margaret (Kelly MacDonald) has her own agenda after donating the coastal land to the church.  Gyp Rosetti, a newcomer from New York, by way of Sicily, wants to do business with Nucky, also tries to take over operations.  Former Prohibition agent, Nelson Van Alden, has moved to Chicago, changed his name and is trying to make a new life for himself, his wife and children.  However, he cannot escape the illegal alcohol dealings and gets caught up with Al Capone and his crew.  After the death of Jimmy Darmody, his mother Jillian does not accept his death and pretends he is alive and traveling.

Disc One
  1. Resolution – On New Year’s Eve in 1922, on a lonely coastal road, a car is broken down with a flat tire. Gyp Rosetti, a Sicilian mobster from New York is on his way to Atlantic City to meet with Nucky Thompson. At the same time, Nucky and Margaret Thompson are planning their New Year’s Eve party, which is Egyptian-themed. At the party, Gyp meets with Nucky and after hearing that Nucky will only sell alcohol to Mr. Rothstein, storms out. In Chicago, Van Alden, who has taken on a new identity, is trying to start over again. And Gillian, who is trying to convince everyone, including herself, that Jimmy is still alive, turns the house into a brothel and she and Richard raise Jimmy’s son.
  2. Spaghetti and Coffee – When Nucky’s brother, Eli, is released from prison, Nucky sends Mickey to pick him up and offers him a job. Eli reluctantly goes to work for Nucky, but is unhappy with his position in the organization. In retaliation to the news that Nucky is only going to sell the alcohol to Rothstein, Gyp takes over the small town of Tabor Heights, which is the last place for cars to get gas in New Jersey. This effectively prevents Nucky’s trucks from making it out of New Jersey into New York. Margaret visits the hospital and begins pushing for better conditions at the hospital, only to get push back from the hospital doctors and administrators. Chalky gets to know his daughter’s doctor beau and after asking him to examine him, gives his approval.
Disc Two
  1. Bone for Tuna – Nucky is having nightmares and memories of the death of Jimmy Darmody that he can’t seem to shake. Margaret pushes Nucky into accepting an award from the Bishop as a thank you for his charitable contributions. At the reception, she mentions her women’s health clinic to the Bishop who agrees it’s a good idea, with some concerns. After negotiating a peace treaty with Gyp Rosetti in Tabor Heights, Nucky invites him to Atlantic City to dine with him at the supper club. Gyp visits Jillian’s brothel and informs her that Lucky Luciano is worried about the bottom line and also tries getting information about Nucky from her. Van Alden is still trying to adjust to life in Chicago as a salesman. His coworkers invited him to visit a speakeasy with them, and he reluctantly agrees to go. Once there, the club is raided by Prohibition agents and he is almost arrested, but given a reprieve by the agent after paying him a bribe. Richard hears that Mickey is taking credit for the murder of Manny Horowitz, which he actually committed on New Year’s and does something about it.
  2. Blue Bell Boy – After the events in Tabor Heights, Nucky tells his crew to avoid the area when making deliveries. Nucky and Owen soon get trapped in the basement of a house with a kid while the Feds stake out the area and confiscate all the liquor. In Chicago, Al Capone is frustrated with the bullies beating up his son and takes it out on one of O’Banion’s men. In New York, Lucky Luciano meets with Masseria, who warns him of his partnerships. Back in Atlantic City, Mickey ignores Nucky’s orders and takes his trucks through Tabor Heights with terrible consequences. And Margaret continues her quest to being prenatal care to the hospital.
  3. You’d be Surprised – In the aftermath of the Tabor heights incident, Nucky meets with Rothstein to discuss the issue. Margaret’s prenatal care classes finally begin. Gillian meets with Leander, her lawyer, and asks for his help in obtaining a loan. Leander advises Gillian to accept that Jimmy is dead so that the house is transferred into her name. Secretary Mellon attends a hearing and answers questions about his involvement with the Attorney General. Nucky attends one of Billie’s rehearsals and ends up asking Eddie Cantor to help Billie’s career. In Tabor Heights, Gyp’s life is in danger and in Chicago, Van Alden tells his wife about his past.
Disc Three:
  1. Ging Gang Goolie – Nucky heads to Washington, D.C. to meet with the Attorney General and is detained by the police. His arrests lands him opposite Miss Randolph who tries to get him sent to prison. Richard attends a veterans’ meeting and while helping a man who loses the boxing fight, meets his daughter, Julia. At home in Atlantic City, Margaret is dealing with Teddy, who longs to his father and Gillian takes a young lover whom she names Jimmy and who looks a bit like him.
  2. Sunday Best – Nucky, Margaret and the children join Eli and his family for Easter dinner and while the children play, Eli tries to rekindle his relationship with Nucky and asks for changes in the crew. Richard takes Tommy to Julia’s, where Tommy gets into a bit of trouble with Julia’s father. Gillian spends the day with “Jimmy,” and finally comes to terms with her son’s death. Gyp meets with Masseria.
  3. The Pony – Van Alden, now owing O’Banion for his help, begins distilling whiskey in him home and working for him as part of his crew. At his day job, Van Alden has some trouble and leaves after an incident. Mr. Torrio returns from Italy and decides to give Al more responsibility in the organization. Nucky gains entrance into a private club, where he speaks with Secretary Mellon. Nucky’s jealousy comes to a head when he catches Billie flirting with an actor. Gillian kicks Lucky out of the business and then provides Gyp with important information. Gyp makes an at Nucky’s life while he’s at Babette’s Supper Club and in the process kills the wrong person.
Disc Four:
  1. The Millkmaid’s Lot – As Nucky retreats to the Ritz with Margaret and the children, he tries to get the other bosses to side with him against Rosetti. His condition ruins little Emily’s birthday party. Margaret and Owen make secret plans. Richard invites Julia to a dance at the Veterans’ Hall and while there, Tommy gets into trouble at Gillian’s. With permission from Masseria, Rosetti begins his own bootlegging operation out of Tabor Heights.
  2. A Man, A Plan… -- Nucky plans on taking over George Remus’ operation and putting Masseria in his sights. He sends Owen to New York to deal with the issue. Margaret’s women’s health clinic is canceled by the hospital. Van Alden’s new business gets in the way of Al Capone’s business. Lucky meets with Masseria and goes into business with him. Chalky approaches Nucky with a proposal.
  3. Two Imposters – Nucky goes into hiding and Margaret and the children disappear. After Eddie is injured, Nucky goes to Chalky for help. Gyp takes over Gillian’s place and takes over Atlantic City. Gyp goes to see Chalky and becomes involved in a standoff. Eli returns from Chicago with Al Capone. In New York, Lucky runs into some trouble when a heroin deal goes wrong
Disc Five:
  1. Margate Sands – It’s all out war in Atlantic City between Nucky’s crew and Rosetti’s. With Al Capone and Chalky White fighting for Nucky, a concerned Masseria visits Rosetti at Gillan’s. Lucky meets with Rothstein, who has partnered up with Masseria, and tells him Lucky’s business is now his. Nucky meets with Capone, Eli and Chalky to plan his attack on Rosetti, now that Masseria has withdrawn his support and partnered with Rothstein. Gillian meets with Rosetti and asks to leave the house, but Rosetti doesn’t allow it, so she seduces him and tries to kill him, but the plan backfires. In order to save Tommy, Richard returns to the house and begins a shooting rampage, but Rosetti escapes. Richard leaves with Tommy and takes him to Julia’s. Nucky and Eli arrive at Gillian’s looking for Rosetti and finds Gillian who tells him what happened. On the road back to New York, Rosetti stops to make a plan and as he’s relieving himself on the beach, one of his men, who has switched sides, attacks him. Nucky returns to Atlantic City and realizes he is back in power.
Video (5 out of 5 stars)
The 1080p widescreen presentation of Boardwalk Empire Season Three is as close to perfect as I think you can get.  Every scene was clear and sharp and the backgrounds blended well with everything.  Colors were good, skin tones natural and the black coloring was true.  In fact, the picture was so sharp, it was almost 3D-like.  I enjoyed watching this on Blu-ray.
Audio (4 1/2 out of 5 stars)
The audio for Boardwalk Empire Season Three is wonderful.  Many times, I thought the gunfire was a little loud, but other than that, I have no complaints about the sound.  Every word was intelligible, even the whispers and phone calls.  The English DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 is really good and the season is also available in French DTS Digital Surround Sound 5.1, Spanish DTS Digital Surround Sound 2.0 and Castilian DTS Digital Surround Sound 5.1.  Subtitles are available in English SDH, French, Spanish, Castilian, Dutch, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, and Swedish.
Extras (5 out of 5 stars)
Because it’s from HBO, Boardwalk Empire Season Three has a robust special features section.  Every episode has its own special features and discs one and five have additional features.  Every single feature on this list was really interesting and informative.  My favorite feature is “Boardwalk Chronicle,” which is an interactive look at each episode.

Disc One:

Episode One
  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle – This on screen guide replays the episode with updates throughout. “Characters” tells you which characters are in the scene, “Location” tells you where the scene takes place and “Newsreels” interjects some details of actual events and people who inspired the show. It allows the viewer to access one of many historical featurettes related to the season.
  • Play with Commentary – This replays the episode with commentary from creator/writer/producer Terence Winter, director/executive producer Tim Van Patten, Steve Buscemi and Jack Huston.
  • Season Two Recap – The “previously on” part of the episode, which recaps the entire second season.
  • Preview – The preview of the episode.
Episode Two
  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Recap
  • Preview

Distilling Season Two – This is longer 14-minute recap of season two with commentary from creator/executive producer Terence Winter.

Disc Two:

Episode Three
  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Recap
  • Preview

Episode Four
  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Recap
  • Preview

Episode Five
  • Play Boardwalk Chronicle 
  • Play with Commentary – The episode with commentary from Executive Producer/Writer Howard Korder, Michael Stuhlbarg (Arnold Rothstein, Bobby Cannavale (Gyp Rosetti) and Stephen DeRosa (Eddie Cantor)
  • Recap
  • Preview

Disc Three:

Episode Six   

  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Recap
  • Preview

Episode Seven          

  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Play with Commentary – Commentary with Executive Producer/Writer Howard Kirder, Director Allen Coulter, Shea Whighan (Eli Thompson) and Gretchen Mol (Gillian Darmody)
  • Recap
  • Preview

Episode Eight

  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Play with Commentary – Commentary with Creator/Writer/Executive Producer Terence Winter, Michael Shannon (Nelson Van Alden), Charlie Cox (Owen Slater), and Meg Chambers Steedle (Billie Kent).
  • Recap
  • Preview

Disc Four:

Episode Nine    

  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Recap
  • Preview

Episode Ten      

  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Recap
  • Preview

Episode Eleven         

  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Play with Commentary – Commentary by Executive Producer/Writer Howard Korder, Director Allen Coulter, Steve Buscemi (Nucky Thompson), and Michael Kenneth Williams (Chalky White).
  • Recap
  • Preview

Disc Five
       

Episode Twelve
  • Play with Boardwalk Chronicle
  • Play with Commentary – Commentary by Creator/Writer/Executive Producer Terence Winter, Director/Executive Producer Tim Van Patten, Bobby Cannavale (Gyp Rosetti), and Chris Caldovino (Torino).
  • Recap
  • American Empires – An interactive look at all the real people involve in the bootlegging operations mentioned on the show.  Broken down by area: New Jersey, New York, Chicago, Pennsylvania, Midwest and Distribution, each section has a sub section so the viewer can drill down deeper into the world of bootlegging.  This is super interesting and really informative.  I spent a good 30 minutes in this section reading about all the people and places represented.
  • Newsreels – Twenty four different newsreels available individually, or in a play all option.  Each episode has two newsreels with discussions by different members of the crew and consultants involved with the episodes.  Played all together, this is a really interesting documentary/behind-the-scenes look at the show.  Individually, it’s easy to skip around and only watch the ones you are interested in.  These are also available in the “Boardwalk Chronicle” feature for each episode.
  • Boardwalk Empire: Director’s Chair – A 30-minute behind-the-scenes look at the show with Directors Tim Van Patten and Allen Coulter.  Both directors talk about how the show went from page to screen.  They discuss the themes of the season and how they went from clean script to scripts with notes, changes and thoughts before filming the episodes and adding them to the season.  In it, they break down a few key scenes and talk about how they came about.
  • Scorsese on Season Three – A short chat with Martin Scorsese on the season and how he viewed the season.  He talks about Nucky and how he’s evolved in each season and why his decisions were made.  Scorsese talks about his relationship with the directors and their working relationship with the cast and crew.
  • New Characters – An introduction to the new key characters of the season: Gyp Rosetti, Billie Kent, Gaston Means, Dean O’Banion and Benny (Bugsy) Siegel.  Director Terence Winter describes each character and each actor talks about playing his or her character.
Summary (5 out of 5 stars)
HBO has come a long way with their television shows and series. Boardwalk Empire is one of the few shows I try to watch live when it’s on.  I also rewatch seasons from time to time.  It’s a wonderful show that everyone should watch.  The costumes are amazing and the sets are wonderful.  It’s hard to believe that the crew built a 1920s-era Atlantic City in warehouses.  Watching it makes me wish I lived during the time and had the ability to wear the outfits, see and experience the things they did.  Prohibition was a bump in the road for the United States, but so many people didn’t let that affect their lives.  Nucky Thompson took those laws and found ways around them, both legally and illegally… but mostly illegally.  I cannot recommend the entire series enough, and am sad to know it is ending after the fifth season.

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