Upstairs Downstairs Complete Series: 40th Annivers [DVD] [1971] [Region 1] [US Import] [NTSC]

I suspect that many people shopping this new release of "Upstairs, Downstairs" for its fortieth anniversary commemoration (which happens to coincide with a new version coming to PBS later in 2011) will already be familiar with the series. Many, like I do, might already own the previous version of the complete series on DVD. It's been out of print for several years, so I'm thrilled to see this magnificent and ground breaking series back on the marketplace. If you have never seen or do not own "Upstairs, Downstairs"--then my recommendation is a no-brainer. Get it! However, what I wanted to know and any previous owners might be itching to know--is it an upgrade worthy of reinvestment?

While I love my current DVD collection, it's not a particularly high quality transfer. After researching this new set through PBS directly, I am reporting that there are NO promises on the reworking of visual or audio components. The same proclamation that was on the last DVD issue is on this one--"digitally remastered for presentation on DVD." So it appears to be a strict reissue, not new re-mastering. It does, however, seem to be drawn from a clearer source material with a cleaner picture quality thankfully. The features of the 68 episodes on 21 DVDs include a 5-part documentary "The Making of Upstairs, Downstairs," 24 episode commentaries, 25th anniversary retrospective "Upstairs, Downstairs Remembered," Interviews with the stars, composer, and editor, Alternate pilot episode, and an essay by star and co-creator Jean Marsh. Obviously the 25th anniversary retrospective was included on the prior release--so that leaves the documentary, some interviews, and commentary and as much as I love "Upstairs, Downstairs"--I can't justify repurchasing the set for this reissue.

In no way, however, would I discourage anyone from enjoying the goings-on at 165 Eaton Place. Smart and sophisticated, this saga told through five seasons (1971-1975) is the epitome of quality television. What many may not realize however, is how truly progressive it was--how "of the time." It covered several controversial issues that were considered taboo for traditional network fare in the seventies. Impressive for its huge and talented cast, stellar scripts, and exquisite use of period details (Titanic, Wall Street), this Edwardian soap opera set the standard for British drama and was embraced by American audiences as well. Set initially in the years preceding World War 1, "Upstairs, Downstairs" really engaged the viewer and adopted to the historical significance in each season culminating in some strong war period episodes in Season 4. But by embracing the inhabitants--both masters and servants--at Eaton Place, "Upstairs, Downstairs" undeniably succeeds at human drama with fully realized portrayals. The winner of 9 Emmys, "Upstairs, Downstairs" has earned its place in TV history. If you don't own it, why not? KGHarris, 1/11.

One of the most successful British television dramas, "Upstairs, Downstairs" became one of the few english programs to attain global recognition, garnering an impressive seven american Emmy awards when it originally aired between 1971-1975. Most Americans saw the series when it ran on local PBS stations and later cable's A&E channel, while Canadians viewed it via the CBC.

The series dealt with the rich and the poor and as any lover of soap opera knows when you pit these two types of people together fireworks will ignite. Indeed a soap, "Upstairs, Downstairs" dealt with the rich Bellamy family living in the high class Belgravia neighborhood in London. Their lives were intertwined by their servants who lived "downstairs" and who wanted to attain the richness and social standing of their employers. World War 1 was the backdrop for the serial which only added extra drama to the show.

"Upstairs, Downstairs" is known as the series where many Hollywood leading ladies received their start, most notably Jean Marsh (who had a hand in the creation of the show) and Lesley-Ann Down, most famous for her role in "North and South" and currently starring in "The Bold and the Beautiful".

This beautiful box set contains 21 DVD's featuring all the show's 68 episodes and has a plethora of extras that include over 25 hours of never-before-seen footage! The bonus features include a 5 part documentary called "The Making of "Upstairs, Downstairs", 24 episode commentaries, interviews with cast members, and more. Sadly, when the producers went into the ITV archives to clean the show's original prints it was discovered the pilot had been "wiped" which was the custom for many British shows in the early seventies.

The first two seasons of "Upstairs, Downstairs" (known as "series" in Britain) will be available individually with the release of the entire series box set. The remaining three seasons will be on store shelves before the end of 2011.

The series has been revived on the BBC as of late 2010.

Yes! The episodes are restored, and they look gorgeous! At last America can say goodbye to the previous shoddy looking dvd release, and enjoy this series as it was meant to be seen.

The extras have all been ported over from a UK release, and they are thoroughly entertaining...25 hours worth! We get cast/writer/director commentaries, a documentary with wonderful interviews for each of the 5 seasons, the 25th Anniversary documentary, "Upstairs Downstairs Remembered", interviews from the 70's with British interviewer Russell Harty, and most exciting of all is an alternate version of the first episode, with an alternate ending.

My only carp was that there is not an episode guide included, but there is a written essay by star Jean Marsh.

This release was worth every penny to me.