Netflix, the ever-evolving DVD and streaming service, has really raised the bar on web series and online original content recently, both with the news of its resurrection of the beloved Arrested Development and its upcoming David Fincher adaptation of Michael DobbsHouse of Cards series.

In anticipation of House of Cards' release, Netflix has created character profiles that say something about each, while also revealing their true nature.  Hit the jump for the pics and the trailer.  The show stars Kevin SpaceyRobin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Michael Kelly, Sakina Jaffrey, Kristen Connolly, Sebastian Arcelus, Boris McGiver, Constance Zimmer, Jayne Atkinson, Michel Gill, and Reg E. Cathey.  All 13 episode of House of Cards premiere on February 1, 2013.

The original trilogy (with each part containing four episodes) began airing in 1990 on the BBC, and was adapted by Andrew Davies (1995's Pride and Prejudice i.e. "the definitive one") and starred the incomparable Ian Richardson, a Shakespearean actor known best for his role in this series.

The British version takes place in a staunchly Tory post-Thatcher England, where Francis Urquhart (Richardson) begins his play for power in the most Machiavellian of ways.  The series is considered one of Britain's best of all time, and rightfully so.  It also gave rise to the oft-quoted phrase, "You may very well think that, but I couldn't possibly comment," Urquhart's way of confirming-without-confirming.

The new American adaptation will star Kevin Spacey in Richardson's role, and follows his character's rise through the American political machine via his dark and nefarious machinations.  While the British version had three distinct miniseries that were based on Dobbs' different novels, it looks like the American version will combine some of the stories from the later books much sooner, creating an even more complex narrative, and layered political world.

All in all, Netflix has gathered up some great talent and experienced acting to populate its House of Cards project, and fans of the original series as well as new viewers should all be looking forward to its release.

Check out the trailer below, followed by the images that were found on Netflix (via Bleeding Cool):