This review is from: Downton Abbey – Series 1-3 / Christmas at Downton Abbey 2011 [DVD] (DVD)
This DVD set is a real treat as it includes all 24 episodes to date and is released just in time to give as the perfect Christmas present. There are seven episodes from the first series, eight each from the second and third, plus the 2011 Christmas special which was arguably the best single episode so far; it was certainly one of the most dramatic!
The three series so far have taken us from 1912, just after the sinking of the Titanic, up to 1920. The circumstances surrounding each series have been in contrast with each other. The first series ran up to the start of the First World War, and the one of the main thrusts of the story line was the matchmaking within the Crawley family and the various financial and social influences on the choice of a suitable partner.
The second series moves on to the war years, when Downton Abbey had been converted into a convalescent home for injured servicemen. The time setting is from the Battle of the Somme up to the end of the war. This background contributes to some very interesting scripts, and whilst some felt that it did not live up to the first series, personally I thought it was excellent, but different.
The Christmas special and the third series take place from late 1919 into 1920. The first features a very dramatic trial, and in the third series the household is far more back to the life of an aristocratic family as it was in the first series although the estate faces major challenges in the post war period and a need to embrace change if Downton is to survive. A major feature of the show is the interaction between the family and those who serve them `below stairs’ and there are many strong performances amongst both groups. However, a review of Downton would not be complete without mention of Maggie Smith who, as Violet has some very funny lines and dominates every scene she is in. Shirley Maclaine was introduced in the third series, presumably as a foil to Violet and in particular to please American viewers, and the rather frosty relationship between the two worked very well.
I am sure that there will be few viewers who have not seen Downton, which is the most successful costume drama since Brideshead Revisited some thirty years ago. However if there are any out there this will be an excellent introduction to the show for them. Even if, like me, you have seen every episode to date you will enjoy revisiting them. Although this is the definitive box set to date, purchasers should be aware that there will be another 2 hour Christmas Special in 2012. I imagine that this set was rushed out to take advantage of the Christmas trade, but it is a shame it was not delayed for a couple of months so that it could include the 2012 Christmas Special. Although no announcement has been made it will be very surprising if at least a fourth series does not follow next year.
For those of you interested in extra features, this set includes what was included in the individual DVDs for Series 1,2 and 3. This amounts to over three hours of additional material!
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
This review is from: Downton Abbey – Series 1-3 / Christmas at Downton Abbey 2011 [DVD] (DVD)
Can’t recommend this series highly enough. It has been compulsory Sunday viewing for the whole of our family.
This box set not only includes series 1-3 but also the superb Christmas special – the one that includes that fantastic put down line by the the brilliant Maggie Smith. She is a pure delight in nearly every scene she appears in be it one of her biting throwaway comments or indeed just a withering look!
There is always a number of interesting storylines on the go at the same time and so many strong characters. There is always tension downstairs with the servants, some continuously trying to get on at the expense of their colleagues, others just trying to survive.
Upstairs the sisters seem to go from one predicament to another with the father often looking on exasperated!
I’m delighted with this purchase. Ideal winter present – shut the curtains and dive in.
Help other customers find the most helpful reviews
Definitive Downton Box Set…………..So Far,
This DVD set is a real treat as it includes all 24 episodes to date and is released just in time to give as the perfect Christmas present. There are seven episodes from the first series, eight each from the second and third, plus the 2011 Christmas special which was arguably the best single episode so far; it was certainly one of the most dramatic!
The three series so far have taken us from 1912, just after the sinking of the Titanic, up to 1920. The circumstances surrounding each series have been in contrast with each other. The first series ran up to the start of the First World War, and the one of the main thrusts of the story line was the matchmaking within the Crawley family and the various financial and social influences on the choice of a suitable partner.
The second series moves on to the war years, when Downton Abbey had been converted into a convalescent home for injured servicemen. The time setting is from the Battle of the Somme up to the end of the war. This background contributes to some very interesting scripts, and whilst some felt that it did not live up to the first series, personally I thought it was excellent, but different.
The Christmas special and the third series take place from late 1919 into 1920. The first features a very dramatic trial, and in the third series the household is far more back to the life of an aristocratic family as it was in the first series although the estate faces major challenges in the post war period and a need to embrace change if Downton is to survive. A major feature of the show is the interaction between the family and those who serve them `below stairs’ and there are many strong performances amongst both groups. However, a review of Downton would not be complete without mention of Maggie Smith who, as Violet has some very funny lines and dominates every scene she is in. Shirley Maclaine was introduced in the third series, presumably as a foil to Violet and in particular to please American viewers, and the rather frosty relationship between the two worked very well.
I am sure that there will be few viewers who have not seen Downton, which is the most successful costume drama since Brideshead Revisited some thirty years ago. However if there are any out there this will be an excellent introduction to the show for them. Even if, like me, you have seen every episode to date you will enjoy revisiting them. Although this is the definitive box set to date, purchasers should be aware that there will be another 2 hour Christmas Special in 2012. I imagine that this set was rushed out to take advantage of the Christmas trade, but it is a shame it was not delayed for a couple of months so that it could include the 2012 Christmas Special. Although no announcement has been made it will be very surprising if at least a fourth series does not follow next year.
For those of you interested in extra features, this set includes what was included in the individual DVDs for Series 1,2 and 3. This amounts to over three hours of additional material!
Was this review helpful to you?
|Excellent!,
Can’t recommend this series highly enough. It has been compulsory Sunday viewing for the whole of our family.
This box set not only includes series 1-3 but also the superb Christmas special – the one that includes that fantastic put down line by the the brilliant Maggie Smith. She is a pure delight in nearly every scene she appears in be it one of her biting throwaway comments or indeed just a withering look!
There is always a number of interesting storylines on the go at the same time and so many strong characters. There is always tension downstairs with the servants, some continuously trying to get on at the expense of their colleagues, others just trying to survive.
Upstairs the sisters seem to go from one predicament to another with the father often looking on exasperated!
I’m delighted with this purchase. Ideal winter present – shut the curtains and dive in.
Was this review helpful to you?
|Superbe in every way.,
I’m still viewing this delightful series. It is even better than I expected. I hope they bring out another series !!!
Was this review helpful to you?
|