Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey Season 1 (Original U.K. Edition) [Blu-ray]

If you are of a romantic nature, and have friends who think you are somewhat out of sync with the 20th century, (not to mention the 21st), do let them watch MASTERPIECE CLASSIC, DOWNTON ABBEY, (ORIGINAL U.K. UNEDITED EDITION). This series has an early 20th-century setting, (starting in 1912, to be specific), but truly early 21st-century sensibilties, which, however, mesh in quite beautifully with the era, characters and situations presented. DOWNTON ABBEY has 1) a more than half-way human, (and humanistic!), Master of the House, 2) his handicapped valet -- who walks with a limp, and carries a cane, 3)Three spirited, beautiful daughters, (one of whom is very much "into" rights for women 4) A housemaid who wants to "rise above herself", andsecretly is learning typing and dictation 5) The distinguished and august butler, who has a secret, 6) A very capable, seemingly content housekeeper who is sorely tempted by, and very well may decide on, a very different career, 7) A murder case involving a guest who as "come on" a bit too strongly to one if the Daughters of the House.And all this goes on during the first six episodes of the first season!The cook also tells one of the housemaids that a certain gentleman may not be quite normal, (or words to that effect). But the maid does not understand. The concept of homosexuality is not within her experience, conceptualization, or knowledge. So it was with many people in that era. Not everyone was filled with knowledge of the "different" side of life, now so freely discussed, and seen on TV and in the movies. It reminded me, in fact, of the time when I, as a child, was told by my parents that babies came from department stores -- Macy's (me), and Gimbels', (my sister), in our case. (No wonder, though we have so much in common, my sister and I still argue a lot!)The innocence, cruelty, inequity, attitudes, and basic human feelings that sometimes were for that era only -- but also often transcend all time and all generations -- are here to see, in this magnificently-written, beautifully costumed, so-well acted, and very suspenseful period piece, which begins with the 1912 sinking of the Titanic -- and its consquences on this one particular family and their servants.This series was shot at an actual English manor house, and the scenery -- inside the mansion and on its grounds -- itself is breath-taking.Watching this series is much like eating peanuts is for most people -- and like eating potato chips is for me. Once viewed, one simply cannot get enough of this mesmerizing, enthralling, truly exciting and visually stunning series.,.................................................................................I finally decided to join AMAZON PRIME, because of the totally irresistable offer to view, for free, the thousands of TV and Movie programs in the Amazon Prime Library. I am really glad I did finally make the decision to join Amazon Prime -- because, as a North American -- and having missed DOWNTON ABBEY on PBS, this MAY be the only way I can ever see this program.For, as I write this, it seems that the only version available is the "Uneditited UK Version". This means, I take it, that scenes attesting to homosexuality and other "outre" subjects are left in. To me, this is OK -- because this subject, and perhaps other "R" and "X" rated subjects are simply included as part of the story-line, and do are not presented in a sensationalized fashion for shock value.Also included, as mentioned above, is the scene wherein the cook tries, unsuccessfully, to explain what "being different" in a sexual way is all about, to the confused kitchen-maid, who cannot understand any of it. Many people of that era -- no matter what their social status -- simply did not KNOW anything about these "abberations". And the way innocence in some people, and knowledge in others, is portrayed, makes this presentation all the more an early-20th-century true-to-life event....So, this "PG", (oe is it "R"?), rated verrsion of the story is OK by me. (Strange, isn't it, that the so-called "straight-laced, class-concious" English can take this sort of "PG" or "R" rated storyline -- still only one of many storylines in this series -- without reservation, whist we North Americans -- reputed to be of "freer mind" and with no "class-consciousness", still are a bit squeamish about putting these things on OUR TV screens?) Yet, though I DO like this series a lot, I still will not buy it, but must continue to watch it on Amazon Prime, only.Why?Well, several other reviewers mention that this "Origial, Unedited UK Version", isreproduced on REGION 2 DVDs ONLY! That means that they probably will NOT play inNorth American DVD players. Is this a subtle form of censorship? It certainly IS decreasing sales -- because, though SOME other reviewers living in North America report no problems, others living in North America report that these discs will NOT play in their DVD players, taking Amazon to task for not mentioning this.All I know is that I'd, (very much!) LIKE to purchase this DVD, so that I can watch it at all and any times, with Amazon Prime or without it. But I dare not, because I don't want to take a chance at wasting any of my money!Lost sales. Disappointed viewers. This is NOT what this wonderful series should be in the midst of. Amazon sells such controversial books as "The Protocols of The Elders of Zion", and Jesse Ventura's "Don't Start The Revolution Without Me."It sells funny false teeth, memoirs of pre-revolutionary Russian Grand Duchesses, videos of UFOs, poltergeists, and rumoured no-goodnick dooings of the rich and powerful, fresh whole rabbit, canned unicorn "meat" -- and Tuscan Whole Milk, (at prices ranging up to $25,000 a gallon -- and more, (and also much less), -- all from third-party sellers) -- to name but a few interesting and fabulous products. Surely an engrossing, highly-intelligent, beautifully presented and wonderfully acted program such as "DOWNTON ABBEY" should be available to North Americans in all it's unexpurgated, and many complex story-lines? Perhaps a rating of "R", or "PG", or even "R" -- and "X" in some limited segments" -- should be added. For "DOWNTON ABBEY" is certainly NOT a "sex-fest"! It is a highly intelligent and engrossing drama, with a few mentions of (sometimes)-"unmentionable" topics, as just ONE of the many intertwining plotlines!I myself have been called a "prude" more than once. I disapprove of ladie's skirts being more than three-inches below the knees, (even Kate Middleton's otherwise totally wonderful engagement-announcement dress sorely disappointed me, because I just don't think it was quite long enough, sigh!), do not like rock or hip-hop music, disapprove absolutely the use of any "foul" four-letter words, fervently wish that the novels of Horatio Alger, the McGuffy Readersm and even the Royal Crown Readers, were (again) commonplace in American schools, love the dresses, coats, suits, and evening wear of Balanciaga, Hartnell, Amies, and similar designers, take my dress-cues from the wardrobes of Queen Elizabeth II, (and to a smaller extent, Jacqueline Kennedy), happily subscribe to "Royalty" Magazine, absolutely, positively do NOT like to see jeans on anyone over the age of 18, and proudly do not, myself, own a single pair of jeans. But a good story is a Good Story is a GOOD STORY! (How wonderful -- just to mention one highlight of this all-encompassing series -- to have a storyline wherein the master of the house is NOT a mini Simon Legree, as most left-wingers seem to think ALL English aristocrats are....forgetting, it seems, that lumping ALL members of ANY group together is called "stereotyping"....and prejudice!) If only this wonderfulseries, (with ALL SORTS of storylines...not just controversial ones!), were just labeled "PG", "R", or "X -", buyers and viewers -- even in North America -- will get some idea of what they will see. (Unlike another DVD which I got -- thankfully out of the library -- "THE OTHER BOLEYN GIRL", (the version N O T starrring Natalie Portman),which came with NO rating whatsoever....and, in conseqence, the truly "single-X" rated sex scenes within, shocked me immensely, as I had NO preparation whatsoever that such scenes would appear in this 16th century costume drama!) There are -- at least in the first 6 episodes which I have seen -- NO overt sex scenes such as this in DOWNTON ABBEY. Only the merest hinting of, and mention of...h-----------y.) Not seen. Just, to repeat, hinted at, described ever so slightly, and mentioned.Lost sales, disappointed and forced-to-become-far-too-cautious would-be buyers. This is NOT the way to make money on a DVD set. PLEASE make a Region 1 compatible set of this truly masterfully-done, MASTERPIECE CLASSIC series, reproducing ALL the scenes in the original UK version. People today -- with tabloid informatioo of all kinds, literally screamed at us from TV, magazines and the internet -- can surely judge wether this series is good for their own families at the present time, or -- if they have younger children right now -- whether they would prefer to wait a few years to have this series in their homes.BUT, PLEASE, D_O MAKE IT AVAILABLE FOR NORTH AMERICANS, AS SOON AS IS POSSIBLE!Thanks!P.S.: There are some interesting parodies of DOWNTON ABBEY on YouTube.com. Funnier if you've seen the series, of course. The parodies are funny -- but somehowl I feel they could have been funnier. Yet they are definitely worth one viewing -- more if you like them! Enjoy!

This excellent Masterpiece Classic series, "Downton Abby," follows an aristocratic British family and its servants in a drama set in the early 20th century. I love PBS' Masterpiece Theater and I think, along with "Pride and Prejudice," and other series based on Jane Austen's novels, this show is at the top of my list favorites.I also enjoyed the 1971 PBS series "Upstairs Downstairs," which has a similar theme. However, this new production features a glorious country estate of which the camera takes gorgeous advantage, star power (it's difficult to beat Maggie Smith as a dowager anything), and a tricky and absorbing storyline. The show was created by Julian Fellowes and co-produced by Carnival Films and Masterpiece Theater. "Downton Abby" first aired on ITV in the United Kingdom and Ireland on 26 September 2010 and on PBS in the United States on 9 January 2011 as part of the Masterpiece Classic anthology. Four series have been made so far; a fifth is planned for 2014...and I cannot wait for it to begin. I think i have been lucky in that I didn't see this theatrical piece until recently and watched all 4 seasons at once on Amazon streaming video.The series is set in the fictional Downton Abbey, a Yorkshire country great house, the seat of the Earl and Countess of Grantham, (surname the Crawleys), and follows the lives of this aristocratic family and their servants during the reign of King George V. The first series opens at the end of the Edwardian era in 1912 with news of the family heir's tragic death aboard the Titanic, spanning the two years before the Great War. Events depicted throughout the first series include news of the sinking of the RMS Titanic, the outbreak of the First World War, and the deadly outbreak of the Spanish influenza.This influenza pandemic of 1918-1919 killed more people than the Great War, known today as World War I (WWI), at somewhere between 20 and 40 million people. It has been cited as the most devastating epidemic in recorded world history. More people died of influenza in a single year than in four-years of the Black Death Bubonic Plague from 1347 to 1351. Known as "Spanish Flu" or "La Grippe" the influenza was a global disaster.However, Downton Abby remains an idyllic and bustling home for the Crawley family, aided by their cadre of servants. Robert, Earl of Grantham, (Hugh onneville), his American heiress wife Cora, (Elizabeth McGovern), their three daughters, along with Robert's mother Violet, (the superb Maggie Smith), have lived largely uncomplicated lives. But the sinking of the Titanic hits home in an unexpected and dramatic way -- Lord Grantham's heir, James Crawley, and his son Patrick have perishedThough their way of life has existed for generations, this news arrives and threatens the future of the title and estate. Downton Abby is entailed. Since Robert and Cora have no sons and Robert has no younger brothers, nephews or surviving male first cousins, and James and Patrick are dead, a distant third cousin becomes the new heir. An "entail," is a legal limitation on the current tenant's (in our case, Robert, the 6th Earl of Grantham), ownership interest in the estate. If he owned Downton Abbey outright, he would have a fee simple. Instead, he has a fee tail, which gives him a life interest so he can't be evicted in his lifetime, but not the right to say who gets Downton Abbey after he dies.While the two men who drowned were known to the family, and the indifferent Lady Mary, (Michelle Dockery), was conveniently engaged to Patrick, the family is in an uproar at the thought that the estate will be lost to their line. The new heir is Matthew Crawley, (Dan Stevens), a middle-class lawyer. (Horrors! He is not a nobleman)! Over the gentle pleadings of Cora, (Elizabeth McGovern), an American whose fortune saved Downton and is now part of the estate, or the less gentle insistence of his mother (Maggie Smith), Grantham refuses to fight the entail. Instead he invites Matthew and his mother, (Penelope Wilton), to come live on the estate, to learn his duties and, perhaps, for an attachment to Lady Mary.The earl's daughters contribute plenty of juicy drama to "Downton,'' particularly the oldest, Mary. Ideally, Mary would have married Matthew and keep the property in the immediate family However, Mary is independent and drawn to flashier men. She is also engaged in a vicious battle with her seemingly genteel sister Edith, (Laura Carmichael), who is less picky when it comes to finding a husband. I found Ms. Dockery compelling, as Mary's plotline takes her in unexpected directions. Her face, with sharp features and cold, close eyes, seems to change shape across the miniseries. The third sister, fifteen year-old Sybil, (Jessica Rose Brown-Findlay), is the most beautiful and kindest of the sisters. She eventually becomes involved in politics women's rights.As the drama unfolds among the aristocrats of Downton Abbey, changes are happening amidst the servants as well. Meanwhile, Lord Grantham hires his former batman, the lame John Bates, to be his valet, to the consternation of the butler, Mr. Carson, and the other servants. However, a housemaid, Anna, takes a liking to him. Thomas, an ambitious footman, who also wanted the job, repeatedly tries to undermine Bates, with the help of Cora's maid, the vindictive Miss O'Brien.The final episode in the first season ends with a glimpse of the new heir, Matthew Crawley, as he learns of his good fortune."Downton Abby" won a Golden Globe Award for Best Miniseries or Television Film and a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Miniseries or Movie. It was recognised by Guinness World Records as the most critically acclaimed English-language television series of 2011. It also earned the most nominations of any international television series in the history of the Primetime Emmy Awards, with twenty-seven in total, (after two series). It was the most watched television series on both ITV and PBS, and subsequently became the most successful British costume drama series since the 1981 television serial of Brideshead Revisited By the third series, it had become one of the most widely watched television drama shows in the world.I cannot recommend all 4 seasons highly enough! Downton Abbey Season 1 and 2 Recap Masterpiece: Downton Abbey Seasons 1, 2 & 3 Deluxe Limited Edition (Amazon Exclusive Season 4 Bonus Features) JANA

It's good

beautiful tv series, definitely recommended

If you are one of the millions of followers of Downton Abbey, buy this and watch it.It is a reminder of how good it was. Beautifully photographed and staged, well written and well acted (with some stellar performances) it oozed high production values.And then, I guess, the makers realised that it was such a runaway success that they could reduce it to a ludicrous soap opera in period costume and still get the same money. So they did.But do remind yourself of how good it was, and how good it could have stayed.

With all the reviews that’s already here I though I would add some little Tid-Bits to this outstanding show, seeinghow all has rendered it the latter, I would like to mention some of the people I like the most, people likeDaisy (Sophie McShear) an Mary (Michelle Dockery) I wish I could just Hug Daisy she is such a loveably characterthat will give you her most endearing attention an loyalty but don’t push her to the brink..she could snap back at you,I just love her, an then there's Mary, a girl that’s strait-forward as an arrow an smart as a tubular blowing his horn,an Dame Maggie Smith who can forget that loveably woman that I’ve seen so many times in countless movies anTV. shows, these are some of the character I love, an how can I forget the ever presence of Penelope Wilton Mrs.(Crawley) another woman that would fight tooth-an-nail with you, an win most of the time,this is acting that’s way beyond the borders of just our lives, it’s the dignity of people in a time of desperate measure,I’m on to season two 3/21/2016 now and I’m so looking forward to the rest which I think I will binge-watch,Loveably Characters To Love..

Here we have a magnificent period drama as only the English can produce it. Wonderfully written and directed with a superb cast of actors. There are seven episodes totalling more than six hours of entertainment, plus two documentary/interview sessions. The visuals are all excellent, from the opulent Highclere Castle, the kitchen and servants' quarters, to the lush green surroundings. Camera angles of the actors often add dramatic poignancy. The sound and music perfectly complement the dialogue and action.The only complaint viewers are likely to have is that the end of the last episode leaves a number of loose ends which are left in tantalizing limbo. In fact we can look forward to at least two more seasons (and a Christmas Special) which will be broadcast on PBS and Vision TV and later be available on DVD as well. This series has received many awards and high accolades. A full write-up and list of cast is available on Wikipedia.

At first i would have given it 4 stars. But it was because of errors on my part. I had to remember exactly what scene I finished viewing so that I would not AGAIN unknowingly skipped a part of the movie. I now write down what part i finished viewing and what season. No mistakes anymore. And now the movie flows beautifully.My husband and I decided we would choose a character from the upstairs rich, and one character from the downstairs staff that we believe we would like to be.It has been fun watching our characters unravel.Many people in our neighbourhood have suggested we do this. It makes it more personal.We get to decide what we would do in the same circumstances, remembering of course, the era we are in and what isand is not allowed.Very interesting.They have the authentic cars, clothes, and the scenery is breath-taking.