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Upstairs Downstairs takes place in 165 Eaton Place from the turn of the century through the Great War and into the Roaring Twenties. It concerns the Bellamy family: politician Richard Bellamy his wives Marjorie and Virginia, wastrel son James, wayward daughter Elizabeth and his flighty ward, Georgina Worsley. The house domestics are led by Hudson the Butler, a conservative Scot who must contend with the 'below stairs' behaviour of the household staff, including cook Mrs Bridges and maids Rose and Sarah. A spectacular critical and ratings success when first transmitted on ITV, Upstairs Downstairs still maintains its position as one of the major success stories of British television worldwide. Multi award-winning (including ones from BAFTA, the Writers Guild, the Royal Television Society, Emmies and Golden Globes) the series stars Jean Marsh, Gordon Jackson, Angela Baddeley, Pauline Collins and Lesley-Anne Down. This boxset contains all 68 episodes from the five series of Upstairs Downstairs, originally transmitted between 1971 and 1975. PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS BOX SET DOES NOT INCLUDE ANY SPECIAL FEATURES.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
27 of 28 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
This is season one, which includes the five black and white episodes that are 'interspersed' with the colour ones. This was because filming had been interrupted by the infamous Strike which had resulted in the said episodes not being done in colour. As a consequence, they have become much sought after and rarely seen. They were only ever aired the once by ITV - their original showing, despite any subsequent re-runs of the series there may have been. As Jean Marsh (Rose) once told me; these black and white episodes were among some of the best that were ever done! They will also help to fill in gaps for those who never saw them, and as to what happened during those missing years: 1903 - 1907, and also will reveal the destiny of some of the characters that appeared to 'vanish' for no apparent reason; some of whom later returned, and others who were never seen again...
This first season is what certainly resulted in 'Upstairs, Downstairs' taking off in the way that it did, and becoming such a massive success. It was an immediate 'hit' with the viewers, and the closing episode which left the son of the household involved in a scandalous affair with one of the housemaids, and the daughter, his sister, marrying a homosexual poet, was certainly guaranteed to bring viewers back for the second season!
This set also included two award-winning episodes in: 'I Dies From Love' and 'Why Is Her Door Locked', which involved the suicide of the Irish Kitchen Maid. Ironically, this first set would also include what was to become the 'weakest' and least understood episode: 'The Swedish Tiger'!
Highlights from this Season are marked with an * below. You will see that there is indeed only one that is unmarked, since the quality of this introductory set was so high!
On trial*
The Mistress And The Maids*
Board Wages*
The Path Of Duty*
A Suitable Marriage*
Magic Casements*
A Cry For Help*
I Dies From Love*
Why Is Her Door Locked*
A Voice From The Past*
The Swedish Tiger
The Key Of The Door*
For Love Of Love*
This first season is what certainly resulted in 'Upstairs, Downstairs' taking off in the way that it did, and becoming such a massive success. It was an immediate 'hit' with the viewers, and the closing episode which left the son of the household involved in a scandalous affair with one of the housemaids, and the daughter, his sister, marrying a homosexual poet, was certainly guaranteed to bring viewers back for the second season!
This set also included two award-winning episodes in: 'I Dies From Love' and 'Why Is Her Door Locked', which involved the suicide of the Irish Kitchen Maid. Ironically, this first set would also include what was to become the 'weakest' and least understood episode: 'The Swedish Tiger'!
Highlights from this Season are marked with an * below. You will see that there is indeed only one that is unmarked, since the quality of this introductory set was so high!
On trial*
The Mistress And The Maids*
Board Wages*
The Path Of Duty*
A Suitable Marriage*
Magic Casements*
A Cry For Help*
I Dies From Love*
Why Is Her Door Locked*
A Voice From The Past*
The Swedish Tiger
The Key Of The Door*
For Love Of Love*
27 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
I have always loved this series and feel it is a true classic that cannot be equalled. My grandmother was a "Rose" and it was enjoyable to watch the series as a child in the 1970s with her tales of what went on between stairs and see it all come to life on screen. The banter between staid, sensible Rose and the more adventurous, risk taker Sarah are a delight. However, I do not remember the first series as I was too young to experience it first time round. The first few episodes never seem to have been repeated on mainstream TV, other than "On Trial" (probably because it was the first). This was the first time I got to understand more about the characters of Emily (a tragic little Cinderella type waif played by Evin Crowley) and first footman Alfred (frighteningly dark and intensely played with a true taste of the macabre by George Innes). Indeed, I found them far more interesting characters than their successors, Ruby and Edward, in that respect. I enjoyed the discussion about the episodes by actors and writers of the series, but felt that this could have been presented better by an on screen interview rather than just babbling through an episode. This was a little disappointing, as the contributors to the discussions had some interesting points to make (e.g. how being a servant was a comfortable, secure safety net as opposed to life in factories, workhouses or on the streets), but it was hard to focus on what they had to say by playing an episode from start to finish at the same time. The fading out and slightly wonky stage management could be heavily critiqued, but I found this slightly amusing if anything. A truly enjoyable series, albeit with a few minor flaws. A good introduction to the rest of the series if, like myself, you missed out first time.
57 of 62 people found the following review helpful
Format:DVD
Although I already own the VCI DVD releases of Upstairs Downstairs I bought this straight away and wasn't dissapointed. The picture quality hasn't greatly improved but having all the title cards even for the advert breaks means we are seeing it just how it was. The extras were the reason I bought this because I know so little about the show except for what I've seen. The commentries are fun and don't have any long pauses that ruin some. Its great to hear the people we never see (the writer) and the actors really give a feel for what the series was like. The newly made documentary produced just for these new releases was fantastic and very well made. Overall if you are simply happy with the episodes and have the VCI collection then stay with it but if you want the full Upstairs Downstairs experience then buy this.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
very pleased
I purchased this for my mother in law as she wanted the complete series but couldnt find it. I was extremley happy with the speedy delivery and exceptionally happy with the product... Read more
Published 1 month ago by marie
great viewing a must buy
These dvd's are great value . If like me the period drama's interest you they are a must for your collection. One of the reviews I read before purchase was spot on . Read more
Published 1 month ago by star
Matchless period drama
The difference between this and the new 'Upstairs Downstairs' is roughly the difference between brass and gold. Read more
Published 1 month ago by christopher grant
Great Show, Problematic Transfers...
After watching the entirety of the Acorn (US) set and episode one of the Network (UK) set it is clear that neither of these box sets are perfect. Read more
Published 1 month ago by Ronald G. Helfrich Jnr
The Best
There are many marvellous things about this, the pace, the acting, the storylines but there are a few things in particular which kept me spellbound and watching far too much... Read more
Published 2 months ago by JeremiahObadiahJackanoryJones
Careful with the volume.
Now that we have mastered the art of keeping the volume turned down during the appearance of the London Weekend Television logo at the start of each episode (the sound behind the... Read more
Published 3 months ago by Older but craftier.
Excellent TV Drama
One of the best TV drama series ever made, with wonderful long scenes not 'spoilt' by over the top music! If you love Downtown, you'll love this even better! Read more
Published 3 months ago by R. Burrows
Upstairs Downstairs!
Received in fabulous condition, delivered on time! the enjoyment of such a wonderful
example of great writing and acting is a testament to British Drama!
example of great writing and acting is a testament to British Drama!
Published 4 months ago by J. Hussey
Retro but great
Excellent product. Very good reproduction of the old series and presented very nicely. The acting is corny but exactly as it was for the period. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Wally
Forget Downton Abbey - this is the real deal!
Got the box set for the wife for Christmas, and having watched the first few episodes, we're reminded of what a pale, bland imitation Downton Abbey is of this excellent Edwardian... Read more
Published 4 months ago by ptipper
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