Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete First Season
by Bill Bain, Brian Parker, Christopher Hodson, Derek Bennett, Herbert Wise
Our Price: $79.99
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $36.87 (click here)
Category: DVD
See more DVD releases
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
DVD Cover Information
Actor: Angela Baddeley, David Langton, Gordon Jackson, Patsy Smart, Raymond HuntleyDirector: Bill Bain, Brian Parker, Christopher Hodson, Derek Bennett, Herbert Wise
Brand: A and E Home Video
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Unknown), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono; English (Subtitled); English (Original Language), Dolby Digital 2.0 Mono
Format: Box set, Color, DVD, Full Screen, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 663 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2001-09-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: A&E HOME VIDEO
Movie Reviews of Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete First Season
Movie Review: A wonderful period piece, and marvelous drama.
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm sort of glad I started with the fifth season, because while I still enjoy the characters in their first season form, I have a greater appreciation for their incredible development as people over the course of the series. Having seen the beloved cook Mrs. Bridges in her final form in Season Five, it was positively shocking to see her sell some of the household's food for her own personal gain. I know that it was done at the time--it may well have been expected and accepted by employers--but I could hardly have imagined her doing so! Had I watched the series from beginning to end as most people do, I would have missed this sense of personal growth and integrity, because I would already have forgotten the passing event by the end of the series. That would have been sad.
In Season One, the viewer is introduced to all the main characters. Their edges are "raw" here, because they have yet to undergo the smoothing and sorting process that occurs among members of the same household. The era is the very early 1900's and the costumes, manners and technology produce a sense of ambiance that is almost like being there. The social inequities of the period are the central focus of this season, probably because it is the aspect of early twentieth century England most likely to come to mind to writers wanting to create a "real" experience for viewers. Certainly to anyone steeped in Dickens as most of the contributers probably were, this would be the easiest theme to begin with for a new program. This would also have been a good point to pick during the turbulant 1970s, when everything about society was (again) being questioned by the young of the time.
Most of the season deals with the realities of being a poor person dependent upon a wealthy household for his or her well being. The steep fall from the safety of a domestic position to destitution is made very clear. The sacrifice of personal dignity or even physical integrity in order to avoid the crushing poverty of urban England is made abundantly clear by the events in the life of the house maid Sarah, the scullery maid Emily, and the footman Albert. Much of the action seems to be seen from the perspective of the upper parlor maid, Rose, who throughout the seasons takes a very leading role in events both upstairs and downstairs. By using her as their foil, the writers manage to make the realities of the more unfortunate characters much more realistic. Rose sees the rise and fall of many individuals in the household and clings tenaciously to the safety of her role in the house. She is also witness to the frustrations of those above stairs, especially the younger members of the household who have a foot in both the old world of their elders and the new one that is being technologically forced on them.
Above stairs, the social mores of the upper class reveal the extent to which they are also hamstrung by expectations and demands. James Belamy is unable to find satisfaction in his role as heir. The acceptable careers open to him are limited and framed by expectations. Elizabeth, his sister, having acheived a level of education and social awareness that is not generally allowed in upper class women, struggles unsuccessfully with the social ills of her time, only to find she is not taken seriously and that she is completely unprepared for the realities of the poor or to make any effective changes in their condition. She can only give them food and clothing, a bandaid on a situation that obviously requires major surgery! Lady Marjorie--and indirectly her mother--a woman who has the mind and abilities of a man but who must work politically through her husband leads a pampered but rather boring life, waiting to host influential parties for her husband. Her husband Richard, is a man of common origins made 1st viscount Bellamy. His upbringing as a middle class person--son of a minister--puts his values and his actions often at odds, creating a marvelous dramatic dissonance. His decisions, while noble, are not always realistic or wise given the situations in which he finds himself, making him the very illustration of a man whose good intentions lead so often to disaster or at least unpleasantness. Married to an aristocrat whose money finances his political career and lifestyle, he is often unable to do what his conscience dictates but must dance to the tune played by his in-laws.
What stands out most, especially after viewing the final season, is how the sometimes tragic events of the lives of these people brings them closer and closer together. Their consideration of and feelings for one another over the course of the 5 seasons is heartwarming. Even while we realize that the social ills of the time in which the characters lived were unpleasant, we can't help but feel it is from this type of caring that individuals survived and improved their world, and it gives us hope for our own.
A wonderful period piece, and marvelous drama.
Summary of Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete First Season
UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS:SEASON 1 - DVD MovieSimilar DVD Movies
Berkeley Square - The Complete SeriesPBS; Release date: 2011-03-22; DVD
Best price: $26.45
Price in other shops:
The Jewel in the Crown (25th Anniversary Edition)A and E Home Video; Release date: 2008-09-30; DVD
Best price: $17.48
Price in other shops:
Thomas and SarahA&E; Release date: 2004-04-27; DVD
Best price: $25.85
Price in other shops:
![Upstairs Downstairs - The Second Season [VHS] Image](/images/Upstairs-Downstairs-The-Second-Season-VHS-0767005449-X.jpg){kind=small}
Upstairs Downstairs - The Second Season [VHS]A&E Home Video; Release date: 1999-03-30; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $12.99
Price in other shops:
Upstairs Downstairs: Series 4AMG; Release date: 2011-08-23; DVD
Best price: $32.59
Price in other shops:
Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete Fifth SeasonA and E Home Video; Release date: 2002-08-27; DVD
Best price: $140.71
Upstairs Downstairs - The Complete Third SeasonA&E; Release date: 2002-03-26; DVD
Best price: $50.00
Upstairs, Downstairs - The Complete Second SeasonA and E Home Video; Release date: 2002-01-02; DVD
Best price: $74.99
Masterpiece Classic: Downton AbbeyPBS; Release date: 2011-01-11; DVD
Best price: $13.99
Price in other shops:
Upstairs DownstairsWHV; Release date: 2011-04-26; DVD
Best price: $17.99
Price in other shops: