New on Netflix Streaming: Downton Abbey (2010)
The DVD of the unedited British version of the series, which came out in January, is priced affordably at Amazon, but if you want to try the show out first, it was just added to Netflix Watch Instantly today. I've got it in my Instant queue!
You can also, of course, receive it on DVD from Netflix, although it's currently classed as a "very long wait."
While I'm on the subject of Netflix, Missy passed on a New York Times column indicating that Roku is looking into the possibility of providing closed captioning for its Netflix streaming content in the future. Missy adds the info that the Wii supports closed captioning when it's available.
Thursday Update: I watched the first 20 minutes while I ate lunch today, and this show will definitely make my Anglophile heart happy. :)
posted by Laura @ 2:56 PM
14 Comments:
Amazon has been bouncing the DVD price between $16.99 and $19.99. I know it's common for them to change prices on items, but this was excessive when I was watching a couple of weeks ago.
The Netflix streaming version is also the uncut, original UK version...rather a happy surprise!!!
Missy http://www.missyisms.com
Oh, Laura, I can't wait for you to dive into Downton Abbey. I believe that you will love the acting, the setting and the engaging storyline as it unfolds. I saw these on PBS and can't wait for the Second Season. It's addictive.
Hi Missy,
So far the only price I've seen is $16.99. Interesting. (Looks like it must be popular, Amazon's site says they can't ship for a few days!) I'm glad the Netflix streaming -- and also the DVD -- are uncut!
Moira, I sure haven't been up to speed on this show, I didn't even realize there would be another season! Sounds like good UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS type fun. :) I'm very glad to have your recommendation too! Hope to get started soon.
Best wishes,
Laura
Laura,
You will love Downton Abbey! I could not wait until Sunday nights to watch it!
~Jean
Thanks for the feedback, Jean! I'd love to hear from anyone else who's seen it. :)
I saw on Netflix that the Titanic is a plot point. And this article Retweeted by Missy says there's a maid named Daisy? Are you all sure it's not a remake of UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS? LOL.
Best wishes,
Laura
Yes, season 2, or series 2 as they say in the UK, begins filming in just a few weeks. Keep in mind as you watch the last episode that it aired that way in the UK before a decision was made to green light another season! Shocking. ;-)
An updated version of Upstairs Downstairs was announced a few years ago and yet ITV got Downton Abbey on the air first. There has been some gripes from the U/D producers that it was deliberate; to steal their thunder. I haven't heard many reviews of this new U/D, so it seems to be hurting in comparison...but don't really know.
Poor Daisy is the lowest tote on the pole...the kitchen scullery maid.
Missy http://www.missyisms.com
Hi, Laura -
If you loved UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS then you're in for a treat with DOWNTON ABBEY. All the usual characters are back: the loyal butler, the bossy cook, the put upon scullery maid, etc. I think Elizabeth McGovern gives a very intelligent performance as the Countess and does us proud as the only Yank in the cast. Enjoy!
Jane
Thanks for the interesting background, Missy, and for adding your review, Jane. I'm hoping to start watching by this weekend. You all are making me anxious to see it! :)
Best wishes,
Laura
That is exciting news about the close captioning! That's the thing that bothers me the most about Instant Play on the Roku. I hope it happens.
Glad I could share some possible good news, KC. :)
Laura
Hi Laura,
There is a second season of Downton Abbey in the pipeline and there was an announcement in the British press a few weeks ago confirming that there is a planned Christmas special in the works as well. Are you familiar with the other work of the industrious Julian Fellowes, the primary creative force behind this and Gosford Park (2001)? (I prefer Downton Abbey far more than the Robert Altman movie of Gosford Park).
Fellowes has written two novels, "Snobs" and "Past Imperfect" that I am currently reading and enjoying a great deal. I think that as a fellow Anglophile you would find them enjoyable too.
P.S. Naive, put-upon, ravenously-in-need-of-affection Daisy is one of my favorite characters. I am hoping that her little spirit takes wing as the story develops further. The arc in her storyline in the first series seems to indicate that her character holds promise of further growth.
DA is definitely up your alley, Laura. I loved it and and am so glad there will be another season. I'm getting the DVD through our local PBS station. Here's a link to a website with lots of information on the program (the entire website is devoted to period films - you'll have fun exploring it). Enchanted Serenity of Period Films.
Moira and Michele, I finished Part 1 last night and really loved it. (Although I fast-forwarded through the scene with the footman and the duke, it was a bit much for me...) One thing I liked is that it was an interesting story, yet most of the family members were (so far, at least) basically nice people, albeit with "real" human foibles. Looking forward very much to watching more this weekend!
Moira, thank you for those titles, I've saved them for future reference. Have never read either of them -- nor have I seen GOSFORD PARK, which I just added to my Netflix queue. (I've become the world's biggest Roku fan...!)
Michele, the website looks wonderful! I've bookmarked it for future exploration. Looking at the home page, I'm wondering if anyone can recommend WIVES AND DAUGHTERS, which has come up in my Netflix recommendations?
Another BBC production my oldest daughter highly recommended is NORTH AND SOUTH (not to be confused with the U.S. Civil War miniseries). I actually picked it up at Costco but haven't seen it yet. Would be interested in feedback on that or other recommendations, as I'm quite a bit behind in watching British productions!
Thanks to all who have offered their opinions and additional info, I've really enjoyed it and it definitely motivated me to watch the show right away!
Best wishes,
Laura
People have been recommending North and South to me too, but I haven't gotten to it yet.
I re-watched Gosford Park recently and was disappointed with how nasty most of the characters are. It's good, but I too like the nicer, but flawed, characters of Downton Abbey...however, some characters (well, one) does get nastier.
My favorite thing about Gosford Park are the songs Jeremy Northam sings. He plays real-life Ivor Norvello, who wrote the songs Northam sings. My library didn't have the soundtrack, so I dragged my dad to his library...just to get the CD and hear the songs without talking over them. LOL. You can hear previews of the songs on iTunes...using that new iPhone. ;-)
A couple of weeks ago, I checked out audiobook versions of Julian Fellowes' books, but I haven't had a chance to listen to them yet.
So much overlap! ;-)
Missy http://www.missyisms.com
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