Carnivale - The Complete Seasons 1-2 (DVD, 2006)

At about 200.00 you need to consider this purchase as an investment for hours and hours of quality viewing. This package includes all the bells and whistes including documentaries and commentaries not available anywhere else.

HBO says this is the basic plot, "CARNIVALE follows a traveling carnival as it wends its way across the Dust Bowl, focusing on Ben Hawkins, a mysterious 18-year-old fugitive with hidden talents who is taken in by the carnival, and Brother Justin, the charismatic, shadowy evangelist who will ultimately cross his path. The series takes place at a time of worldwide unrest, with evil on the rise around the globe and the Great Depression wreaking economic and social havoc here at home."

I tell you, if that's all this show was, I wouldn't plunk down 200.00 bucks for two seasons.

It is twisted and edgy and it makes you think. Ok, so basically it is a good vs evil plot but who is good and who is evil? I've watched both seasons 3 times and I'm still not sure.

I found myslef really caring about these characters and my disbelief was truly suspunded. I got lost in this show when it was on and looked forward to it every Sunday night.

Brother Justin is so deliciously evil! Is he the left hand of God or a demon in disguise? Is Ben Hawkins the second coming or ?

With each season on DVD running 65.00-70.00, why not get both seasons in one beautifully designed slipcase?

Take the time to view the documetaries. Season One extras include a
Behind the Scenes featurette detailing how set and costume designers collaborated to acheive the look of the Dustbowl in the 1930s and
three audio commentaries with creator Dan Knauf, executive producer Howard Klein, and directors Rodrigo Garcia and Jeremy Podeswa

Season Two Extras includes 3 Audio Commentaries. One with Creator Daniel Knauf,one with Executive Producer Howard Klein and Director Rodrigo Garcia and the best with the cast members Clancy Brown and Clea Duvall

Also included is "Magic and Myth: The Meaning of Carnivale" a half-hour documentary exploring the apocalyptic writing and mythology behind the show. There are interviews with the creator, executive producer, and writers and directors of the show to get their take on the mythology, as well as independent contributors who have examined the show's characters and the archetypal roles they represent.

"Creating the Scene Featurettes" Find out how Carnivale's creators brought the Daily Brothers show -- and its Scorpion Lady, He/She and Praying Mantis-to vibrant life!

There is also a Museum of Television and Radio panel discussion with cast and crew.

When I watched it on TV origianlly, there were so many times, I blinked and missed something. Now I can press the magic button and see it again and again!

Carnivale is sure to become a huge cult classic!