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DVD Description
Julian Fellowes' hit drama Downton Abbey returns with all the regular cast including Dame Maggie Smith, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Brendan Coyle, Joanne Froggatt and Dan Stevens. Returning to Downton Abbey in 1916, we see the effects of The First World War on the lives of the Crawley family and the servants who work for them. The new series sees the return of all the much loved characters whose intertwined lives are rendered more complicated by wartime and its impact on the great house itself. And when the storms of war have finally cleared, will the way of life known by all the inhabitants of Downton have changed forever?
Bonus Features:
- Episode One Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- House to Hospital
- Fashion and Uniforms
- Romance in a Time of Warfare
Bonus Features:
- Episode One Commentary
- Deleted Scenes
- House to Hospital
- Fashion and Uniforms
- Romance in a Time of Warfare
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
68 of 75 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
Critics have plunged in the knives and given a good twist, Downton Abbey's plight during the Great War and Spanish Fever provoking sneers.
Admittedly some plot contrivances did not really convince and Mrs. Bates exuded so much venom she seemed to have strayed in from "The Wizard of Oz". Much drama of quality, though, remained as tragedy struck both upstairs and down, all concerned having forever to improvise. Conditions depicted were the result of extensive research. It is easy to mock Lady Sybil's wish to play her part, which meant first learning how to fill a kettle. That is how things were - so many of the pampered classes at a loss how to do even the most basic things for themselves.
The romances rather left me cold, except for Bates and Anna (Joanne Froggatt excellent). Unexpectedly the most moving moments were not the big set pieces but almost incidental: Thomas (of all people) weeping after a sudden death; his crony sourface O'Brien surprisingly sympathetic towards the shellshocked replacement valet Lang.
Maggie Smith's Dowager, as ever, reigned supreme. When Matthew was reported missing, she observed, "The next heir will probably be a chimney sweep from Solihull." Magnificently she championed the cause of badly injured footman William - casting aside pompous officialdom, cutting down to size that odious vicar. In every way a performance to treasure. Others, less showy, also impressed - not least Phyllis Logan as the housekeeper.
The television showing suffered from clutter. DVD spares viewers the adverts, promotions of forthcoming shows (one segment insensitively timed about five minutes from the climax of each episode), the pre-credit spoilers. Interesting bonuses include deleted scenes (several worth a look), features on costumes, romances, the challenge of converting the Abbey into a convalescent home.
Despite disappointments, there is much to admire - full worth perhaps more greatly to be appreciated when a little time has passed.
Admittedly some plot contrivances did not really convince and Mrs. Bates exuded so much venom she seemed to have strayed in from "The Wizard of Oz". Much drama of quality, though, remained as tragedy struck both upstairs and down, all concerned having forever to improvise. Conditions depicted were the result of extensive research. It is easy to mock Lady Sybil's wish to play her part, which meant first learning how to fill a kettle. That is how things were - so many of the pampered classes at a loss how to do even the most basic things for themselves.
The romances rather left me cold, except for Bates and Anna (Joanne Froggatt excellent). Unexpectedly the most moving moments were not the big set pieces but almost incidental: Thomas (of all people) weeping after a sudden death; his crony sourface O'Brien surprisingly sympathetic towards the shellshocked replacement valet Lang.
Maggie Smith's Dowager, as ever, reigned supreme. When Matthew was reported missing, she observed, "The next heir will probably be a chimney sweep from Solihull." Magnificently she championed the cause of badly injured footman William - casting aside pompous officialdom, cutting down to size that odious vicar. In every way a performance to treasure. Others, less showy, also impressed - not least Phyllis Logan as the housekeeper.
The television showing suffered from clutter. DVD spares viewers the adverts, promotions of forthcoming shows (one segment insensitively timed about five minutes from the climax of each episode), the pre-credit spoilers. Interesting bonuses include deleted scenes (several worth a look), features on costumes, romances, the challenge of converting the Abbey into a convalescent home.
Despite disappointments, there is much to admire - full worth perhaps more greatly to be appreciated when a little time has passed.
113 of 136 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
There was life before Downton, but it did not amount to much.
(To those who say series two is not as good:- The Edwardian aristocratic pampered life disappeared with the Great War. The world changed, attitudes altered radically, lifestyles were never the same again. To be disappointed because the series reflected these changes is somewhat unfair. The old life was gone with wind!)
The new series was eagerly anticipated all over the world. From the opening seconds it was clear that we were back with the same high production values.
Downton Abbey is already knee-deep in awards, so what does it matter what I think? My opinion would be like adding a teaspoonful of water to the Atlantic. Still, here is that teaspoon in the ocean of praise. Brilliant characters, casting, acting, directing.....need I go on?
However, I would advise anyone who did not see series one that it is necessary to catch up with it in order to appreciate the second series fully. Besides, you are missing a great treat!
(To those who say series two is not as good:- The Edwardian aristocratic pampered life disappeared with the Great War. The world changed, attitudes altered radically, lifestyles were never the same again. To be disappointed because the series reflected these changes is somewhat unfair. The old life was gone with wind!)
The new series was eagerly anticipated all over the world. From the opening seconds it was clear that we were back with the same high production values.
Downton Abbey is already knee-deep in awards, so what does it matter what I think? My opinion would be like adding a teaspoonful of water to the Atlantic. Still, here is that teaspoon in the ocean of praise. Brilliant characters, casting, acting, directing.....need I go on?
However, I would advise anyone who did not see series one that it is necessary to catch up with it in order to appreciate the second series fully. Besides, you are missing a great treat!
9 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD|Amazon Verified Purchase
I like Downton Abbey, both series 1 and 2. Yes, they are not high drama, they are soaps dressed up with lavish sets, costumes and accessories. But that's not bad, it's entertainment. Unfortunately my copy of series 2 came with a faulty disk, but Amazon was great at replacing it. I am not usually one for the bonus material that is included with DVD's, but I found the deleted scenes from series 2 very helpful and I really wish many of them had been included in the final cut. Some bits of the story now make more sense. Well done, great set, looking forward to more.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
No Disc One
This item was packaged with three discs, ie two Disc 2's and one Disc 3. No Disc 1!! How can this happen? Read more
Published 5 hours ago by dianacur
Downton Abbey Session 2
Excellent quality production. Great story line,acting is top notch, although officer that goes to war could be better. Good value too.
Published 3 days ago by Berkie
Continues where it left off
Following on from series 1, which showed Downton Abbey during the last hurrah of the landed classes from 1912-1914, series 2 focuses on the impact of the Great War on Downton and... Read more
Published 5 days ago by History Geek
Good entertainment
A nice way to spend a sunday afternoon, with a glass of wine and some peace and quiet watching a well made entertaining series.
Published 8 days ago by B
Dumbed Down Upstairs Downstairs for Commercial Television
I have watched series 1 and 2 on DVD as I could not bear the commercials when the first series was shown on commercial television in Australia. Read more
Published 14 days ago by R. Germov
Great British series
It was great to be able to watch this series before it was released in Australia. It makes me want to visit England again to see the heritage buildings and the country side.
Published 17 days ago by kattykat
Downton Crabby
Congratulations are in order. Never have I seen a show that was so good the first season turn into such utter garbage the second. That must've taken real effort. Read more
Published 25 days ago by K. Donovan
Great to get this DVD
Really enjoyed catching up on the Downton series. Look forward to the next series becoming available. Annoying to have to write so many words - enough said!
Published 25 days ago by Island Girl
Downtown Abbey series 2
Really enjoying the series. The settings are just perfect. Maggie Smith is excellent and adds a touch of humour, as for the servants, what a great mixed bunch they are, from the... Read more
Published 26 days ago by nags 'n' cats
Downton Abbey
Great series and a superb season 2 in Blu Ray. We cannot wait for the next and Dame Maggie Smith is just the best!!
Published 1 month ago by TJ
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