In the Downton Abbey 2014 Christmas Special its the grouse season and Rose’s father-in-law Lord Sinderby has rented Brancaster Castle in Northumberland and invited the Crawleys to a shooting party. While good sport is enjoyed, a butler with an axe to grind and a scandalous secret threaten to undermine the holiday. Surprises are in store as the families become better acquainted with each other and some new faces arrive on the scene. Meanwhile the servants hold the fort back at Downton and unlikely later-life romances abound. As Anna faces an uncertain future behind bars, Bates takes drastic measures in a bid to clear her name. The seasons change and another Christmas is enjoyed at Downton Abbey. As the family and their servants revel in the festivities, there will be romance, a heart-breaking farewell, sad memories of loved ones lost and a joyful reunion... Review: Well up to the usual high standard, with just a minor quibble concerning the series as a whole. - The difficulty about writing too detailed a review for such a recent release in a well loved series is, of course, that one doesn't want to spoil the experience and surprises for those who may not yet have seen it. However, I think I can safely say that the 2014 Christmas Special well lives up to the standards of its predecessors, and provides great entertainment as well as performing the useful function of tidying up the loose ends of series five. Without (I hope) giving too much away, it also contains a significant watershed moment for one of the central characters, Tom Branson. Highly recommended to fans of the series. This last does though prompt me to add a comment (for which I hope I may be forgiven!) concerning my only real criticism of the series as a whole, although I concede it may perhaps grate on me more that many others because I have a keen interest modern Irish history. Tom Branson is an Irishman, and Downton Abbey as a whole is set right through perhaps the most momentous period of modern Irish history, spanning as it does the period from the Easter Rising of 1916, through the war of independence, to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 and the tragic civil war which followed. Yet all of this gets very little mention at Downton Abbey: there was just one episode in an earlier series when Tom and Sybil, who had at the time moved to Dublin, had to escape very quickly after getting caught up in the margins of the war of independence; but after that (and a passing reference to the "Fenians" in this Christmas Special) it has been almost as though Ireland did not exist for those at Downton. The Russian revolution gets more attention than events much closer to home (and does admittedly provide an intriguing storyline concerning another central character). I do find this anomalous: one would expect events in Ireland during the period to have provided at least some breakfast table comment over the "Times" at Downton, particularly given Tom Branson's obviously very direct interest (he probably still has family members in Ireland too), even if it is not central to the storyline. It would be interesting to know what prompted the decision to virtually ignore this aspect of contemporary politics and national development: was it perhaps a feeling that it might all still be too sensitive, even getting on for a hundred years down the line? Anyway, it is a relatively minor quibble in the context of the whole, and need not deter anyone from enjoying this first class production. All praise to everyone involved. Review: Dowager and Mr Barrow in top form, Downton is back on track! - Just loved it when the Dowager said "we were the Edwardians", absolutely her best comment ever! Plus the nasty Mr. Barrow back on form, WOW! The special was just that, very special and you also needed the tissues at the ready. Loved how storylines were concluded but also there were hints of what is to come next. Rose and Atticus going to America too, love this young couple! Seems to me the odious Mr Green was killed more or less accidentally, ie not deliberately pushed but that is just my humble opinion. I don't wish to add more re the plot and spoil it for others, you will not go wrong buying this even if it is your first ever Downton DVD!!!!! Downton absolutely on track, I'm very much looking forward to series 6! My all time favourite Christmas special though will remain when Matthew proposed to Mary with the snow falling, so romantic and just right for every Christmas.
| ASIN | B00PK4LLLS |
| Actors | Hugh Bonneville, Laura Carmichael, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 - 1.78:1 |
| Best Sellers Rank | 6,131 in DVD & Blu-ray ( See Top 100 in DVD & Blu-ray ) 1,065 in Television (DVD & Blu-ray) 2,159 in Drama (DVD & Blu-ray) |
| Customer reviews | 4.7 4.7 out of 5 stars (1,558) |
| Is discontinued by manufacturer | No |
| Item model number | MSE1280096 |
| Language | English (Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo) |
| Media Format | PAL |
| Number of discs | 1 |
| Product Dimensions | 13.5 x 1.5 x 19 cm; 80 g |
| Release date | 17 April 2019 |
| Studio | Universal Pictures UK |
| Subtitles: | English |
I**.
Well up to the usual high standard, with just a minor quibble concerning the series as a whole.
The difficulty about writing too detailed a review for such a recent release in a well loved series is, of course, that one doesn't want to spoil the experience and surprises for those who may not yet have seen it. However, I think I can safely say that the 2014 Christmas Special well lives up to the standards of its predecessors, and provides great entertainment as well as performing the useful function of tidying up the loose ends of series five. Without (I hope) giving too much away, it also contains a significant watershed moment for one of the central characters, Tom Branson. Highly recommended to fans of the series. This last does though prompt me to add a comment (for which I hope I may be forgiven!) concerning my only real criticism of the series as a whole, although I concede it may perhaps grate on me more that many others because I have a keen interest modern Irish history. Tom Branson is an Irishman, and Downton Abbey as a whole is set right through perhaps the most momentous period of modern Irish history, spanning as it does the period from the Easter Rising of 1916, through the war of independence, to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 and the tragic civil war which followed. Yet all of this gets very little mention at Downton Abbey: there was just one episode in an earlier series when Tom and Sybil, who had at the time moved to Dublin, had to escape very quickly after getting caught up in the margins of the war of independence; but after that (and a passing reference to the "Fenians" in this Christmas Special) it has been almost as though Ireland did not exist for those at Downton. The Russian revolution gets more attention than events much closer to home (and does admittedly provide an intriguing storyline concerning another central character). I do find this anomalous: one would expect events in Ireland during the period to have provided at least some breakfast table comment over the "Times" at Downton, particularly given Tom Branson's obviously very direct interest (he probably still has family members in Ireland too), even if it is not central to the storyline. It would be interesting to know what prompted the decision to virtually ignore this aspect of contemporary politics and national development: was it perhaps a feeling that it might all still be too sensitive, even getting on for a hundred years down the line? Anyway, it is a relatively minor quibble in the context of the whole, and need not deter anyone from enjoying this first class production. All praise to everyone involved.
S**O
Dowager and Mr Barrow in top form, Downton is back on track!
Just loved it when the Dowager said "we were the Edwardians", absolutely her best comment ever! Plus the nasty Mr. Barrow back on form, WOW! The special was just that, very special and you also needed the tissues at the ready. Loved how storylines were concluded but also there were hints of what is to come next. Rose and Atticus going to America too, love this young couple! Seems to me the odious Mr Green was killed more or less accidentally, ie not deliberately pushed but that is just my humble opinion. I don't wish to add more re the plot and spoil it for others, you will not go wrong buying this even if it is your first ever Downton DVD!!!!! Downton absolutely on track, I'm very much looking forward to series 6! My all time favourite Christmas special though will remain when Matthew proposed to Mary with the snow falling, so romantic and just right for every Christmas.
B**E
So very enjoyable
Having now seen all of the Downton Abbey seasons and extras, I can only say that I love this series, it's a wonderful evocation of an era gone by, with all of its beauty and less beautiful side too; obviously there are situations that we cannot condone or agree with in our times but that is neither here nor there as the series is set in the beginning of the 20th century and is trying to be historically accurate on all levels. I adore the characters and the storylines and can't wait for season 6. Escapism with a capital E as far as I am concerned.
A**N
A wonderfully balanced and entertaining end-of-year episode
A wonderfully balanced and entertaining end-of-year episode! Those who want to nit-pick should get a life. This high quality production is so much better than most of what is on television. And it is certainly much better than much of what is shown in movie theaters! It is 2 hours long, so very much worth the price. Make some popcorn in preparation of a good evenings' entertainment!!!
R**H
Post Series 5 special. Good price/provider.
Blu Ray version. Sold by reliable third party seller, delivered with Amazon UK protections, and without any grief. New, shrink-wrapped, undamaged, at a sub-£4 price. This is the (overly) Xmas special, that takes place after the last episode of series 5, and before series 6. I bought this separately, for the discount price, and as I wanted Blu Ray, to go with the BLU RAY Complete Series 1-5, including the specials before Series 5 (See my review - especially if you are unable to activate the SUBTITLES.) As with Series 5, to activate the Subtitles, you need to select the Subtitles Icon on the Main Menu; press the left side button on the wheel of the remote control < , and "Sdh ENGLISH" text appears; Press OK on the remote control; then press PLAY. This is another interesting special, boosted with the presence of actor Rade Serbedzija, who was excellent, as ex-USSR army General Dmitri Gredenko, in Season 6 of the strong action TV series "24". However, the previous Xmas specials had only a slightly festive connection; but this one has a huge "gung-ho" xmax party ending, with "full mashings" gigantic indoor tree, and, for us, too much..er, a lot of singing. Conclusion: required viewing, before watching Series 6.
H**H
Never a dull moment
It is amazing to be able to say that I have enjoyed every episode of this stunning series- not once has it stopped being entertaining or become predictable. The luscious visuals and incredible acting are a joy to watch. I wasn't satisfied until I had watched every episode available and I look forward to returning to the series in a year of so to watch it again.
S**A
Exquisite all through!
Much has already been written about Downton Abbey. I freely admit that all the good things mentioned about the calibre of acting, the costumes and sets as well as the direction and editing are ALL TRUE. I'm lucky to have caught all 5 Seasons and the specials, else my entire family, who avidly watched with me, and I would have missed a masterpiece.
S**W
このお話しは、シーズン5のDisc3に第9話「ブランカスター城」第10話「涙のクリスマス」として収録されています。 とても充実した内容です。
J**S
La serie completa es MAGNIFICA este pack contiene tres discos y resume los 52 capítulos de que consta la serie. Como su nombre indica se centra en las bodas.
A**R
I already have the original version so having another episode is very welcome. Like visiting the family you actually like!!!
G**U
Joli bloc de papier
E**R
Great gift
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