Product Description: No Description Available. Genre: Feature Film-Drama Rating: NR Release Date: 25-OCT-2005 Media Type: DVD
Amazon.com: This seminal British television series is just as enjoyable now as when it first aired in the early 1970s. Richard (David Langton), Lady Marjorie (Rachel Gurney), and their son James (Simon Williams) comprise the aristocratic Bellamy family that reside upstairs while their loyal servants--including butler Hudson (Gordon Jackson), cook Mrs. Bridges (Angela Baddeley), and housemaid Rose (Jean Marsh)--maintain the household from downstairs. The series follows the upper-class family's troubles as times change and the ongoing lives of their resilient staff.
Upstairs Downstairs: The Complete Series contains 68 episodes on 20 DVDs, as well as the series retrospective Upstairs Downstairs Remembered: the 25th Anniversary Special. Initially set in 1904, the first season comprises 13 episodes, 5 of which are 5 black-and-white episodes not aired during the first season of the original U.S. broadcast. The second season's 13 episodes cover various relationship problems and an appearance of King Edward VII. The third season's 13 episodes follow the London household through the prewar years (1912-1914). Outstanding cast performances and the dramatic backdrop of the Great War give the fourth season, set in 1914 to 1918, its reputation as the best of the five. Due to limited filming budgets, the war is largely seen through home-front activities. The 16 episodes of the fifth and final season cover the swinging '20s to the stock market crash (1919-30). The episodes of the fifth season are more self-contained than other seasons' and every bit as entertaining. The series ends with Rose locking up the empty house, closing the door on one of TV's most popular and acclaimed shows. Whether you first met the Bellamys and their delightfully enjoyable downstairs entourage in the 1970s or are just getting to know them now, the superb acting and compelling character development will always be the real reason to watch Upstairs Downstairs. --Tara Chace
Also included in the Collector's Edition Megaset is the spinoff series Thomas and Sarah, in which two of Upstairs Downstairs' most colorful characters were given a series of their own: Thomas the chauffer (John Alderton, Calendar Girls) and Sarah the parlor maid (Pauline Collins, Shirley Valentine). The series charted the social and financial escapades of this dubious pair, who lived together without getting married and were as comfortable with con artistry as lawful employment. The tone and quality of these 13 episodes varies from social commentary to light adventure, but at its best Thomas and Sarah could match its illustrious forebear. The first episode starts things off on a smart, satirical note: Thomas disturbs Sarah's carefully fabricated new identity when, to woo her back into his arms, he concocts a new persona of his own. But it's a handful of later episodes that are truly remarkable. In one, Sarah tells Thomas that she's pregnant to forestall his dream of emigrating to America. When he learns that she's lied to him, he enacts a vicious revenge; Alderton's performance is both convincing and frightening. In another, success in the stock market leads Thomas and Sarah to hire servants of their own--with decidedly uncomfortable results (Nigel Hawthorne, The Madness of King George, appears as a stern and rigid butler). The exploration of class is clever, subtle, and insightful. A second season was never produced due to a strike, but this single season remains a fascinating portrait of the Edwardian era, sparkling with superb acting and writing. Collins and Alderton create two engaging, contradictory, and utterly vivid characters, worthy of your time. --Bret Fetzer
Very pleased I love Upstairs Downstairs and am extremely glad that I purchased the complete set. Thanks
The Ultimate British TV Series During the 1970's I was serving my country in Europe, Panama and Vietnam. When I came home in 1972 I knew nothing of this British TV Series shown on Masterpiece Theater on Public TV. Well over 37 years later, I learned of this Series quite by accident. I purchased the complete series along with the season of Thomas & Sarah. This is an extraordinary compilation of the Edwardian period of English history. The escapades of over 27 years of English history is indeed grand. Upstairs resides the family Bellamy with all their aristocratic problems. Below, downstairs resides the people of service led by the steadfast Angus Hudson who resided as the Butler. The complete series covers the intrigues from 1903 to 1930. We see Edwardian England, World War I and the roaring 20's. This is a classic series. One of the best series I have seen. It is historically correct. The content and acting is first rate. Technically the sound is sometimes difficult to follow. This series deserves a five star rating. It is indeed a classic. The addition of Thomas & Sarah is indeed a great bonus. Please don't miss it!!!!!!!
First Rate British TV Drama Although there are problems with the transfer of this series to DVD, I would nonetheless recommend the purchase of it. Because of previous reviews respecting image quality, I just about did not buy this series, which would have been a big mistake. I have an HD TV, and picture quality is acceptable, given the era when it was filmed. Any technical shortcomings are minimized by great story lines and exceptional performances. Upstairs Downstairs has stood the test of time, and is as superb when it was originally broadcast. This is classic British television drama at its best and an essential addition to any one's DVD collection.
Marvelous Wonderful stories, each episode a delight. We are savoring them.
The image quality, while not 2008 standard, is more than sufficient. We are so immersed in the stories and the characters, that we don't even notice the '70's image quality. The only thing we're concerned about is that we might, at some point, reach the end.
the content outshines the problems As you have probably read there are indeed quality problems with this set. Sadly the criticisms are true and for some people will be a distraction. I found I could live with the technical difficulties and if you don't need a technically perfect digital transfer you will be rewarded with one of the most outstanding television series ever broadcast. Superbly produced, finely written and splendidly acted by a magnificent cast of British actors who give the characters a life that will remain in your memory long after a first viewing and going back to this set will be like visiting old friends.
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