Carnivàle: Series 1

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HBO Video is delighted to announce the much-anticipated release of Carnivàle - The Complete First Series on DVD from 7th March 2005. In the last great age of magic, The Dust Bowl of America in 1934 is a place of titanic sandstorms, drought and pestilence, through which a travelling carnival is making its way across the Southern States. The final conflict between good and evil is about to begin.

Following his mother's death, Ben Hawkins (Nick Stahl: Terminator 3), an escapee from a chain gang is picked up by a travelling carnival run by a mysterious, unseen impresario known only as 'Management'. Surrounded by outcasts and freaks, Hawkins cautiously reconnects with his own supernatural powers - powers that have unpredictable and potentially lethal consequences.

Meanwhile in Mintern, California, Brother Justin Crowe (Clancy Brown: Shawshank Redemption, Highlander), a small time Methodist pastor is plagued with apocolyptic dreams and visions. He too has a long-repressed power. Driven by the overbearing desire to carry out God's will, Crowe finds himself in conflict with the rest of the church and local council, knowing he must not relent in his struggle.

Both Ben and Brother Justin find themselves wrenched from their lives to realise that the world they thought they knew is actually a chessboard, upon which is played the ancient conflict between Light and Darkness. As this terrifying reality dawns upon them, their own roles in the events that follow will become clearer.

Carnivàle boasts an impressive supporting cast that includes Michael J Anderson (Twin Peaks), Adrienne Barbeau (Escape From New York), Patrick Bauchau (The Cell), Clea Duvall (Girl, Interrupted), Amy Madigan (Field of Dreams) and John Fleck (Star Trek: Enterprise).

Carnivàle is a stimulating, provocative series that will keep you guessing to the final episode. With elements of Twin Peaks, its beautifully shot style captures the mysterious, underlying tensions of the Depression, taking you back to life in the Dust Bowl with its unusual characters and laboured way of life. This series is one you will be talking about for years to come. The first series of Carnivale is currently being broadcast on digital channel FX289, with critics hailing it 'richer, braver and better than any other series this year' (Jack).

The beautifully packaged 6-disc DVD boxset contains all twelve episodes from the first series as well as over an hour of bonus material.