New Wine in Old Bottles

When you hear that Martin Scorcese is associated with a show you assume it will be good. Unfortunately he directs the first episode and passes the torch to others. All the clips shown in ads are from his work. So you have a show that uses his name but is largely the work of others. The show is at times slow and plodding and generally needed to be tightened up. Also it isn't an historic period piece. The characters don't speak like they are from the period. As an example the black gangster dresses like P Diddy and uses the mo fo phrase a lot. Arnold Rothstein uses a story from 1000 Ways To Die to impress a gangster. This is a reflection of poor writing and bankrupt imagination. The commentary in the first episode reveal this as the writer spends 10 minutes gushing about "Marty" then spends the rest of his time introducing family and friends he gave bit parts to. He refers to "great comedic moments" but he is the only one laughing. Also he takes liberties with historic personalities like Luciano and Capone and makes them look like half wits in order to make his hero Arnold Rothstein seem that much more intelligent and impressive. His lack of ability means that he can only build up a character is by tearing down those around him. At best Boardwalk Empire is the tv version of a comic book. All the nudity will impress the 13 year olds the writer is seemingly pandering to.
The inconguous opening theme music is your first warning that this is going to be a mere over produced reboot or reimagining of American history. Another profane and overly sexed offering fom HBO who name drop to infer a quality product but deliver immature dregs.

Crime, Sex, Violence What's Not to Like.

I bought the dvd set Boardwalk Empire, because my brother recommended it. Since my favorite movie all time is the Godfather, it was easy to fall in love with Boardwalk Empire. The setting is Atlantic City in the 1920's. Prohibition is enacted and the crime bosses are ready to exploit this opportunity. Enoch Thompson played by Steve Buscemi is the crime boss that controls Atlantic City. Thompson is a complex character. He is a womanizer, prone to violence, but at the same time he can have a heart of gold. There are many facets to this series. Thompson's relationship with a temperance volunteer Kelly McDonald. The mob from Philly trying to muscle in on Thompsons territory. The creepy performance by Michael Shannon as Fed guy trying to bring down Thompson. And lastly, Michael Pitt is the son of the original founder of Atlantic City, and he is there for Thompson when he needs help. Overall, I highly recommend the Boardwalk empire and look forward to seeing season 2.

Time of gangsters and prohibition.

Somewhat entertaining. Some scenes are dragged out. Some scenes are chopped. Overall I enjoyed the season. Good acting and a feeling of what it might be like to live at this time period of prohibition and what people did at the Speak Easy's. The sex scenes are boring, fast and thrown in for who knows why? Short and to the point.
I give this four stars because I think it could be better. I think they did a good job with the story line but some parts should of played out with more to it. I would recommend Boardwalk Empire to anyone who likes gangster shows but don't expect it to be like the Sopranos. Enjoy.

In my considered opinion I would rate this series as a full five stars.

Since I have always liked Mafia type movies I saw this on eBay
and thought it would be interesting. It is wholly about political corruption in New Jersey. The series covers a lot of interesting and sometimes unbelievable scenes. The writer has a way of making you anxious to see the next segment.

The second season is now playing on TV. I can't wait to buy the complete 2nd season.

Boardwalk Empire was definitely worth the money!

We heard a lot about Boardwalk Empire, so we decided to buy the DVD of Season 1.
We have generally enjoyed it so far, having watched the first 6 episodes.
We are not prudes, but there is a lot of fairly graphic sex scenes throughout, including a lesbian scene. perhaps a little less of this type of content would not have hurt the story.
The other aspect is the amount of gory violence shown. Of course, this is to be expected from a story about gangsters. Just make sure you are O.K. with these kind of scenes before you invest in the DVD.
As far as picture and sound are concerned, both are excellent, at least on our home theater system. Also, the costumes are really fantastic as well as the music. Steve Buscemi does a fantastic job of playing the main character!!
So, if you're O.K. with sex and gore, then go for it!