Bates Motel - Season 2 [Blu-ray] [Region Free]

Just as described, Great series

Season 2 of the "contemporary prequel" delves further into the complicated Bates mother-son relationship. Convincingly evolving towards the Norman of Hitchcock's film, Freddie Highmore is excellent - a mixture of charm, vulnerability and frenzied outbursts. Vera Farmiga impresses as smother-mother Norma, determined to conceal he could be mentally ill.The Bates family here face several threats. A by-pass could destroy the Motel's livelihood. Arrival of Norma's long estranged brother signals trouble. Older son Dylan is caught in a feud between rival drug gangs, a high body count seemingly guaranteed. Meanwhile the dogged unsmiling sheriff suspects Norman may be involved in his teacher's murder....Pace too slow for some? The creators deliberately aim not to have too much happening too soon. The film means virtually everybody knows how the story ends, so there is no point in arriving there too swiftly. (By the way, a fact that may surprise, there is very little violence in Hitchcock's film - mainly the two notorious sequences. There is far more violence in this television series.)The modern setting works well, especially with the iconic Bates home on the hill faithfully recreated outside and in: still there is the Victorian feel (give or take a laptop and mobile phone). Tongue-in-cheek references will please the film's devotees: Norma glimpsed in a (the?) rocking chair; in the basement evidence of Norman's skills at taxidermy.Ten episodes. Bonuses vary. "Origins of a Psycho" is interesting. Some of the "After Hours" sessions could be better handled, the first presenter perhaps too intrusive for some tastes. Better by far is the batch following the finale (complete with a blooper reel).The series takes a risk, the film held by devotees as sacrosanct. It does a good job and shows Hitchcock's masterpiece no disrespect.

After watching and thoroughly enjoying Season 1, it was great to revisit the folks at White Pine Bay. Once again, I found myself getting totally absorbed in the eventful lives of Norma and her son Norman. With the first series under their belt, both of these actors have now really established and immersed themselves in their roles and display terrific performances. I particularly like the way the drama moved along at a cracking pace and the way the story and characters developed. As a viewer, I really didn't know what was around the corner and what was going to happen next - and this is part of the appeal of Bates Motel. Another point worth mentioning is that although this is often a chilling and shocking show, it also has its moments of dark humour - and its Vera Farmiga (as Norma) who often steals the scenes at such times. It's an absorbing drama, full of twists and turns - a must-see for all you lovers of atmospheric and creepy dramas.

Great for binging! wonderful storyline and acting

Episode 1 buffered quite a bit and enough to be irritating but the other 2 episodes were great in HD. Fantastic series though first series had more of a cutting edge to the episodes with more going on with sinister and very tense overtones. If you like this then would also recommend Hannibal which I think is even better.I cannot see episode 4 to rent but there is episode 5. I need to catch up to episode 5 as have episode 6 recorded.

Watched this on TV enjoyed it that much so I bought the whole set.

Have really enjoyed this series. Wouldn't watch it if it was true horror - it's really VERY tame, but I'm enjoying mostly trying to figure out what's what, almost like a classic 'who did it'.

DVD's in good condition for 2nd hand. Bought for my parents who missed the series on tv. Bates motel is gripping and gets better with each season.