Mar. 26, 2013 DVD and Blu-ray: 'The Borgias: The Second Season' (Photos)

From Showtime and the creative mind of Academy Award winner Neil Jordan come the Golden Globe-nominated and Emmy-winning original television series The Borgias: The Second Season starring the Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons as Pope Alexander VI. Set in 15th century Italy, the saga exposes the original crime family. Full of sex, power and murder, every sin in the book is committed to amass and retain power, influence and enormous wealth for the Borgia family.

In the second season, Pope Alexander solidifies his power and influence with the help of two loyal allies. While his son Cesare secures the family fortunes and defends the papacy and Rome itself from its enemies, his mistress Giulia Farnese helps Alexander achieve the good works that will ensure his legacy. Meanwhile, his scandalously beautiful daughter Lucrezia strives to establish control over her own destiny and his reckless and arrogant younger son Juan drives a permanent wedge between the Borgia siblings that leads Cesare to commit the ultimate crime. Still devoted to deposing the Pope, Della Rovere continues his schemes to bring down the Alexander by any means necessary.

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Special features include “Sho Original: Interviews and Behind the Scenes” and “World of Borgias” featurettes. In addition, there is a preview of Californication: Season 5, Dexter: Season 7, Episodes 1 & 2 and House of Lies: Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2.

The Borgias: Season 3 premieres on Showtime on April 14, 2013 at 10 p.m. ET/PT.

View video: The Borgias: The Second Season Trailer

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Episodes:

“The Borgia Bull” - Pope Alexander VI takes a new lover and throws a grand, pagan fete for the citizens of Rome when a cache of ancient artifacts is discovered; the rivalry between brothers Cesare and Juan spills into the streets; Lucrezia tends to her newborn child; now a pastoral priest once again, Della Rovere narrowly escapes an assassination attempt.
“Paolo” - The stable boy who fathered Lucrezia's child travels to Rome to rendezvous with her but suffers an unfortunate fate at the hands of Juan; the Pope's lovers Giulia and Vittoria take him in disguise on a revelatory tour of Rome's indigent.
“The Beautiful Deception” - Alexander VI refuses to allow a Catholic burial for Paolo, despite his doubts about the stable boy's suicide, causing Lucrezia to embark on a hunger strike that threatens the life of her infant son; the French army heads back to Rome, allied with Sforza; Della Rovere slips back into the city unnoticed to launch a plot against the Pope's life.
“Stray Dogs” - Cesare recruits a band of mercenaries with the help of Micheletto to seek revenge on the retreating French troops for burning the nunnery where his beloved Ursula lived; the Pope forges more strategic alliances and enriches himself in the bargain; Lucrezia joins Giulia's quest to aid Rome's poor.
“The Choice” - Cesare deals with the cunning Sforzas decisively; Alexander disguises himself and travels to Florence to hear the fiery preacher Savonarola, not realizing that Della Rovere is trying to recruit the rebellious holy man to his cause.
“Day of Ashes” - Alexander is convinced that a lightning strike on St. Peter's Basilica during mass was a sign of God's disapproval; Cesare tries to prove his worth as a military commander; the Pope pressures the reluctant Lucrezia to enter another political marriage.
“The Siege at Forli” - Juan's triumphant return from Spain is marred by his unsuccessful siege of the Sforza castle; Lucrezia purposely scuttles a scheme to marry her off to a rich Genovese merchant; Savonarola's forces conduct the infamous "Bonfire of the Vanities."
“Truth and Lies” - Upon his return to Rome, Juan spins an elaborate yarn about how he received his "battle wounds," but Cesare is unconvinced and determined to learn the truth. Meanwhile, Lucrezia takes a lover, the younger brother of her intended; and Della Rovere recruits an accomplice for his assassination plot.
“World of Wonders” - Alexander marks the Easter holiday with a glorious celebration and an end to his pious fast, while Della Rovere's assassin gets even closer to the pope. Meanwhile, Lucrezia's lover asks her father for her hand in marriage; and Juan's increasingly erratic behavior endangers his sister's child.
“The Confession” - In the Season 2 finale, a tragic revelation leaves the family in shock; Cesare tortures Savonarola to no avail; and a new suitor works his charms on a flirtatious Lucrezia. Meanwhile, Della Rovere's assassin makes a move.

Cast:

Jeremy Irons as Rodrigo Borgia/Pope Alexander VI
François Arnaud as Cesare Borgia
Holliday Grainger as Lucrezia Borgia
Joanne Whalley as Vannozza dei Cattanei
Lotte Verbeek as Giulia Farnese
David Oakes as Juan Borgia
Sean Harris as Michelotto Corella
Aidan Alexander as Joffre Borgia
Colm Feore as Giuliano della Rovere

Special Features:

World of Borgias
Sho Original: Interviews and Behind the Scenes
Californication: Season 5 preview
Dexter: Season 7, Episodes 1 & 2
House of Lies: Season 1, Episodes 1 & 2

Exclusives:

Target - The Borgias: The Second Season with bonus content, available on DVD and Blu-ray.

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