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This is a cherished and beloved (?) British series that I have never seen before, but probably should have. I loved the recent 'Downton Abbey' which has been compared to 'Upstairs Downstairs', and am pretty sure I'll like this old series, sight unseen. Amazon lists it for about $135.00 which is way beyond my means at present, so I will rent the discs from Netflix which should take me into the next century when I'm finished. The series started in 1971 (?) and ran for many, many years. Comments on Amazon say this anniversary edition isn't a re-mastered version, so I'm asking if the audio/video quality (on the old existing dvd's) is adaquite or fine or, miserable? Any comments or thoughts on this series from those who've seen it? Recommend it?
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Posted: |
Mar 23, 2011 - 5:54 PM
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By: |
Ebab
(Member)
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This series was a gigantic hit back then here in Germany and gathered a loyal following through all five seasons. I even dare to say that this series has considerably coined the image that many Germans of my own and older generations have of the British (not sure how much they’d like that, but I guess they could do worse). I think almost four out of five Germans over forty will instantly remember who “Mr Hudson” (Gordon Jackson's character, the butler) is.
This very substantial and charming Web site will answer many questions regarding the series: http://www.updown.org.uk; and they have a review of the U.S. box, too: http://www.updown.org.uk/dvds/dvdusacorn.htm.
If you’ve loved “Downton Abbey”, there’s a good chance that you will like this show. Of course it’s rather a classic studio TV drama with a multi-camera setup for videotape (plus occasionally inserted 16 mm sequences with exterior shots). The budget was much smaller in comparison, although they managed to create an intense atmosphere from interior and costume design, lighting too (within the constraints of lighting for multi-camera). I really liked the writing, which was sometimes lighter, sometimes rather intense and even edgy, but kept a nice consistent tone with really interesting stories and character developments. Much of the acting is very good, great cast, great memorable types that one cares for, great interaction and chemistry.
Incidentally, there is an incredibly thoroughly researched book on the making of the series by Richard Marson (details on the Web site too), which is really a worthwhile read for fans of the series, but also for anybody interested in how television drama worked at the time in the U.K.
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Amazon lists it for about $135.00 which is way beyond my means at present, so I will rent the discs from Netflix which should take me into the next century when I'm finished.
Did you ever rent those discs, Montie? I found a set (complete, I think) between the sidewalk and the curb. I'll be watching it for a while!
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