The Vampire Diaries
Warner Brothers has once again developed a catchy new series based on the bestselling novels of L. J. Smith The Vampire Diaries. For over a century they’ve stayed away, but now the mysterious Salvatore brothers have returned to Mystic Falls. Good and evil battle each other as these vampire brothers struggle with the passions and pain of loving the same beautiful face who once lead them to their deaths.
I absolutely couldnt get enough The Vampire Diaries! It was like Smallville meets Buffy with a dash of the Twilight effect. It may have taken a few episodes for the story line to reel me in, but those Salvatore brothers caught me hook, line, and sinker! What a cast? Where did all of these gorgeous people come from? Nina Dobrev (btw does anyone else think she resembles Teri Hatcher in a crazy way?), Paul Wesley, Ian Somerhalder, Steven R. McQueen, Katherina Graham, Candice Accola, Sara Canning, Kayla Ewell, Michael Trevino, and Matt Davis were each and everyone absolutely perfect choices for casting. I loved how serious everyone was and the effort they all put into their roles. I was a bit unsure in the beginning, but as the season progressed so did the acting and compulsion of the characters. I couldn’t wait to get to the next episode when each came to an end. I was almost tempted to miss a True Blood episode for the newest vampire crushes I have acquired, chill out… I said ALMOST!
I really was caught off guard by how strongly I felt about this new vamp series. I absolutely LOVE it! The acting and film presents is eccentrically better than the ever so catchy Twilight movies. Now I’m talking strictly TV/film wise here. I have personally never read The Vampire Diaries novels, although I plan to remedy that. The series definitely draws you into the story! It was incredibly easy to make a connection with the characters. You are really drawn to the story and characters emotionally as you watch the struggle with all the difficult decisions life throws at them. The mixture of past lives and present really adds to the drama of the series. You are slowly filled in throughout the season on the past lives of Stephan and Damon which adds incredible dimension to the characters and your love of them. The writing was absolutely outstanding.
The way the series was shot really adds to the warmth and mystery of the show. The coloration alone was enough to really bring life to the undead. I love that WB stuck with the modern/classic vampire status instead of bending the rules. Their fangs are in the correct places, they drink blood to survive, they kill, maim and strike terror into the hearts of those aware of them, and finally they are raw creatures of the night with optional emotions. Im even down with the magic which allows some to walk during the day. Complete vampire perfection.
Its fantastic and absolutely gorgeous all around. The blu-ray really shows off the dramatic colorations with brilliance. The sound quality is excellent sending extra chills up your spine when the vampires decide to not play so nicely. Seriously, they werent afraid to get a little unpleasant at times. I absolutely loved the eye effects on the vampires when their darker sides came out. That was an excellent touch visually.
Season 2 is scheduled to begin Thursday, September 9th at 8p.m. on CW. So, for those of you who are already fans go buy the first season of The Vampire Diaries, because I know you already love it, and for all you future fans, get caught up and start watching! It will without doubt leave your blood running hot!
Special Features
– Into Mystic Falls Bring Vampire Lore and the high School Experience from Page to Screen
– When Vampires Dont Suck- The Popularity of Vampires and the Fans Who Love Them
– The Vampire Diaries: A New Breed of Vampires- Casting the Series
– Unaired Scenes
– The Vampire Diaries: Vampires 101- The Rules of the Vampires
– The Vampire Diaries: A Darker Truth- Webisodes
– Creator/Director Pilot Commentary
– Second Bite: Gag Reel
– The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening- Downloadable Audiobook of the Bestselling Novel by L.J. Smith