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Upstairs Downstairs Collector's Edition (DVD, 2005)
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Rating: Not Rated
Release Date: Oct 2005
Format: DVD
UPC: 733961740813
Product ID: EPID48060594
Description: One of the most popular shows on British television in the 1970s, UPSTAIRS DOWNSTAIRS offered an amusing juxtaposition on the lives of a rich family, who live upstairs, and their servants and staff, who all live downstairs. Although come...
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Top Reviews
The best of times, the worst of times....
) 
10 of 10 people found this review helpful.
We watched this series every Sunday of the television season back in the early 70's. It was positively addicting. The era it portrays, Edwardian England, was a turning point in English history and the characters represent nearly the full range of class and occupations of the times. The stories, so personal and compelling, are well-told and the acting is superb.
The upper class was in decline due to a life-style that led to spoiled children who did not know how to become effective adults. Adults spent hours in useless activities that did little to advance England or prepare their country for a changing future. All of this is clearly seen in this drama as the warp and weft of the tale. However, it is history easily absorbed because it is drama and not dryly cited history. It is an excellent tale and an excellent history lesson. Loveable characters such a Rose and Mrs. Bridges will capture your heart. Hudson, the "butler", will make you cluck your tongue as he tries to freeze time with old morays and values. James and Miss Elizabeth, the Bellamy's grown children, will make you shake your head at the waste of money and human life they represent. And Sarah... And Ruby... And Sir Geoffry Dillen... And, of course, Marjorie and Richard Bellamy, the owners of 165 Eaton, will show you how Victorians and Edwardians created their own demise while, at the same time, being fine people. The characters will entrance you...and infuriate you.
There are some shortcomings. This is British television of the 70's and there is some lack of broadcast sophistication. Beyond that, what is truly missing is what the American viewers of the PBS version benefitted from: the introduction of each episode by Alistar Cooke. His style and knowledge helped set the historical stage for each episode. The producers of these CDs would do well to determine if his introductions are still available from WGBH and to include them in the American version.
For both new viewers and those experiencing Upstairs Downstairs as re-runs, this complete series is a gem, a very valuable gem...
The upper class was in decline due to a life-style that led to spoiled children who did not know how to become effective adults. Adults spent hours in useless activities that did little to advance England or prepare their country for a changing future. All of this is clearly seen in this drama as the warp and weft of the tale. However, it is history easily absorbed because it is drama and not dryly cited history. It is an excellent tale and an excellent history lesson. Loveable characters such a Rose and Mrs. Bridges will capture your heart. Hudson, the "butler", will make you cluck your tongue as he tries to freeze time with old morays and values. James and Miss Elizabeth, the Bellamy's grown children, will make you shake your head at the waste of money and human life they represent. And Sarah... And Ruby... And Sir Geoffry Dillen... And, of course, Marjorie and Richard Bellamy, the owners of 165 Eaton, will show you how Victorians and Edwardians created their own demise while, at the same time, being fine people. The characters will entrance you...and infuriate you.
There are some shortcomings. This is British television of the 70's and there is some lack of broadcast sophistication. Beyond that, what is truly missing is what the American viewers of the PBS version benefitted from: the introduction of each episode by Alistar Cooke. His style and knowledge helped set the historical stage for each episode. The producers of these CDs would do well to determine if his introductions are still available from WGBH and to include them in the American version.
For both new viewers and those experiencing Upstairs Downstairs as re-runs, this complete series is a gem, a very valuable gem...
Review ID: 10000000003315578
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Reviews
DisgracefulReview created: 12/07/06
by:
) 4 of 5 people found this review helpful.
While the e-bay transaction that saw me get this series was flawless and the series is one of the best dramas ever shown on TV, the product quality is disgraceful.
Allegedly "digitially remastered," it offers the worst picture quality I have ever seen on a DVD, bar none. The images are so blurred that it looks like a bloke with a digital video camera taped it off his big screen TV. The sound quality is, if anything, even worse. There are shadow tracks of music playing on some episodes (the bloke with the camcorder's radio playing in the background, maybe?), while others have high-pitched electronic whines throughout. I literally couldn't believe how poor this DVD set was.
It is a gross insult to the high quality of this fabulous series to put it out as a piece of garbage like this.
That A&E should put out a product this poor and have the gall to call it "digitally remastered" speaks volumes about their quality assurance and customer service.
Allegedly "digitially remastered," it offers the worst picture quality I have ever seen on a DVD, bar none. The images are so blurred that it looks like a bloke with a digital video camera taped it off his big screen TV. The sound quality is, if anything, even worse. There are shadow tracks of music playing on some episodes (the bloke with the camcorder's radio playing in the background, maybe?), while others have high-pitched electronic whines throughout. I literally couldn't believe how poor this DVD set was.
It is a gross insult to the high quality of this fabulous series to put it out as a piece of garbage like this.
That A&E should put out a product this poor and have the gall to call it "digitally remastered" speaks volumes about their quality assurance and customer service.
Review ID: 10000000002480010
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Upstairs Downstairs is supremeReview created: 08/19/07
by:
) 
3 of 6 people found this review helpful.
We bought the 24 volume collection and donated it to the Toronto Library system for on demand viewing at the "reference branch". This earned us a thank you letter form the town mayor personally.
As to the content, it is my considered opinion that Upstairs Downstairs is the very best programming material ever produced in the English language and has an immensity of edification potential for mankind in this respect.
A look at people who possess faculties for the very best ways of thinking and being in the areas of courtesy, maintenance of idealism for the community generally and certainly in maintaining high standards for thinking through superior, in fact supreme levels of articulation prowess.
If the British have been a beacon to mankind, a view held by many in this world, it is through the example I put it to you, of Upstairs Downstairs thinking.
In this respect the British have well earned their place as purveyors of culture which has something to offer in the way of improvement with regards to rational engagement on facts while maintaining humane ideals uppermost. This in the end is perhaps the great appeal of the English language abroad as its use does challenge the user to engage with the values and idealism of its proponents often with an added richness and improvement of a local inflection of french passion perhaps or Germanic emphasis on the quality of output that would ultimately be the ruit of any prolonged discussion on any subject at hand.
It is Britains contribution to the process and while there are others on the stage giving us a great deal equally, there never will in my own mind be adequate recognition or acknowledgement for what it has meant to the world to perfect the standards offered by and maintained by the Bellamy household from their perch in Britain going back some time to the now Edwardian era.
As to the content, it is my considered opinion that Upstairs Downstairs is the very best programming material ever produced in the English language and has an immensity of edification potential for mankind in this respect.
A look at people who possess faculties for the very best ways of thinking and being in the areas of courtesy, maintenance of idealism for the community generally and certainly in maintaining high standards for thinking through superior, in fact supreme levels of articulation prowess.
If the British have been a beacon to mankind, a view held by many in this world, it is through the example I put it to you, of Upstairs Downstairs thinking.
In this respect the British have well earned their place as purveyors of culture which has something to offer in the way of improvement with regards to rational engagement on facts while maintaining humane ideals uppermost. This in the end is perhaps the great appeal of the English language abroad as its use does challenge the user to engage with the values and idealism of its proponents often with an added richness and improvement of a local inflection of french passion perhaps or Germanic emphasis on the quality of output that would ultimately be the ruit of any prolonged discussion on any subject at hand.
It is Britains contribution to the process and while there are others on the stage giving us a great deal equally, there never will in my own mind be adequate recognition or acknowledgement for what it has meant to the world to perfect the standards offered by and maintained by the Bellamy household from their perch in Britain going back some time to the now Edwardian era.
Review ID: 10000000004225380
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An excellent study of social class differences.Review created: 02/05/08
by:
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I purchased this set for my wife because she has wanted it since it first aired. It is a soap opera, but a soap opera set in the early 20th century. That is what made me curious about the series; I am not in any way a soap watcher. I put off watching it with my wife until we had revisited all of the Hercule Poirot (sp?) series and movies, and all the Jeremy Brett Holmes series and movies. Finally, when I could not dance around the bush any longer, I relented and started watching the Upstairs Downstairs series with my wife.
I was pleasantly surprised by the series. Having an interest in history I found the series to be educational. Set in the early century the series portray England society and the wide differences between classes. As much as this aspect intrigued me, I soon became caught up in the realistic characters who were aptly portrayed by gifted actors.
It was not long until I became an Upstairs Downstairs fan. I heartily recommend this saga not only as a history lesson, or a social study, but for it's believable actors and the effects life doled out to them during a period we only know as history.
The quality of the DVD's are quite good. We are about halfway through the series and have not had any problems with the disks.
I was pleasantly surprised by the series. Having an interest in history I found the series to be educational. Set in the early century the series portray England society and the wide differences between classes. As much as this aspect intrigued me, I soon became caught up in the realistic characters who were aptly portrayed by gifted actors.
It was not long until I became an Upstairs Downstairs fan. I heartily recommend this saga not only as a history lesson, or a social study, but for it's believable actors and the effects life doled out to them during a period we only know as history.
The quality of the DVD's are quite good. We are about halfway through the series and have not had any problems with the disks.
Review ID: 10000000005453044
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Upstairs Downstairs Collector's Edition (2005, DVD)
) 2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I bought this series because I saw it when it was originally aired in the UK. My wife had not seen it before. This series is one of the best costume drama's made by the BBC. Coming from the BBC one expects quality both in acting and storyline.
The concept of following two sides of the same household, from both sides of the 'green baize door' is made truly rivetting. It is difficult not to identify with the characters and feel their happiness, sadness, grief etc.
If you have the time it is well worth the effort to see this. Not only is it good but it also shows a bygone era in all it's different facets.
As an aside I have had to ration my wife to just two episodes per week, or we would have been watching nothing but for weeks.
The concept of following two sides of the same household, from both sides of the 'green baize door' is made truly rivetting. It is difficult not to identify with the characters and feel their happiness, sadness, grief etc.
If you have the time it is well worth the effort to see this. Not only is it good but it also shows a bygone era in all it's different facets.
As an aside I have had to ration my wife to just two episodes per week, or we would have been watching nothing but for weeks.
Review ID: 10000000003221493
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Upstairs Downstairs Collector's EditionReview created: 01/28/07
by:
) 2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Outstanding example of British TV programming. The only thing I regret is it had to come to an end.
Review ID: 10000000002808907
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Upstairs Downstairs Collector's EditionReview created: 04/03/08
by:
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I wanted to own the DVD. What I disliked was slow shipping. Satisfied with product, but wanted to receive it more quickly
Review ID: 10000000006480465
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Upstairs Downstairs Collector's Edition1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
It's wonderful! I have been wanting this for years. I finally broke down, bought it, and I couldn't be happier. I think my parents are even more excited about it than I am. I made sure they got to see the extras, and the black & white episodes we had never seen before. The extras are not extensive, just the anniversary special (it's good but I would have loved some commentaries) and the Thomas & Sarah series which I had never seen before. Either way, it's like reconnecting with old friends. I plan on spending a lot of time with them in the future. For anyone who remembers the show very well, or who would like to know it better; this is the collection for you.
Review ID: 10000000006171251
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Slow boatReview created: 01/08/07
by:
chrisv7374 ( 7 )
1 of 4 people found this review helpful.
The item that I ordered was as advertised and was received in excellent condition BUT even though I used Paypal, the item took 2 weeks to arrive. Seller did not respond to emails until I filed a complaint.
Review ID: 10000000002706374
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Complete edition ; well conceived,edited &packaged1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
All of this landmark series is now in one place, easily accessible. Contents of each DVD are enumerated on each box for easy reference and clearly programmed on each disc. The quality of the recording is excellent and the early black and white episodes are included. I bought this product for a gift so convinced am I that it is a must for enthusiasts of Upstairs Downstairs. The recipient, who had been searching for such a product for some time, was overjoyed to receive it.
Review ID: 10000000002704073
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Upstairs Downstairs Collectors EditionReview created: 01/07/07
by:
) 1 of 2 people found this review helpful.
I absolutely loved this series when it was on television. The quality of BBC programs is unsurpassed. Prior to World War 11, European society was very hierarchical. People had a strong sense of duty. They deferred to their betters, they knew their place, and this was accepted by the majority of the population. The culture of the period is very clearly defined in this production. The costuming and the sets are very authentic. It is well-casted, and the acting is very good. This set is well worth purchasing.
Review ID: 10000000002687227
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Great Classic Series!Review created: 12/08/06
by:
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Upstairs Downstairs is an entertaining picture of early 20th C. English society. Very interesting and informative. I had borrowed seasons one and two from my local library and was hooked!
Review ID: 10000000002491463
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Very nice DVD set1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
If you like family sagas, then you will like this. UPSTAIRS, DOWNSTAIRS was THE 'Masterpiece Theatre' presentation during the 1970's; the one we all couldn't wait to see again (12 episodes were shown per season on public television). It lasted five seasons and was filled with great performances. It commences in King Edward VII's reign and ends in 1930 after the Wall Street crash. Gordon Jackson as Angus Hudson; Angela Baddeley as Mrs. Bridges, Meg Wynn Owen as Hazel Bellamy...these were stellar actors who gave very moving performances. Some of the episodes have better story lines than others, of course, but on a whole, the series was consistently interesting. I rate the quality of the DVDs as GOOD, because sometimes the lighting is dark, and on a couple of the older episodes, I note a little bit of what I call 'video crinkling' -- that few seconds or so of a zippy line across the screen. Comparing this series with some others that have come along since the 1970's, this one remains a solid 'very good' in terms of its watch-ability. The performances are uniformly excellent.
Review ID: 10000000001784663
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Upstair,Downstair Collector's Edition [2005, DVD]Review created: 09/05/06
by:
lynnkohlhaas ( 1 )
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
I have recently retired and I have enjoyed the few episodes Ive seen on PBS, so I decided to look at the whole series. My sister and I are currently about half w ay thru. I think it's a classic.
Review ID: 10000000001750818
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Upstairs Downstairs Collector's Edition (2005, DVD)1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
It's difficult to be anything other than complimentary after viewing the boxed-set of this former PBS series.
This series offers the viewer a glimpse of Edwardian society (Circa 1900-1914), complete with the ironies, and class-consciousness of the time. An excellent cast, providing continuity, and character development,
illuminates the lives of the Upstairs priveleged,and Downstairs working classes. A polarity that was eventually to see its demise in the trauma of World War I. Anyone interested in the complexities of twentieth century society, from a social, historical, and geopolitical standpoint will find involvement, and enjoyment in this series. The DVDs are well recorded, with very good picture and sound track fidelity.
In comparison to other "Historical", and societal offerings of the time, Upstairs Downstairs stands above its
peers. Thank God we no longer have to wear celluloid collars.
This series offers the viewer a glimpse of Edwardian society (Circa 1900-1914), complete with the ironies, and class-consciousness of the time. An excellent cast, providing continuity, and character development,
illuminates the lives of the Upstairs priveleged,and Downstairs working classes. A polarity that was eventually to see its demise in the trauma of World War I. Anyone interested in the complexities of twentieth century society, from a social, historical, and geopolitical standpoint will find involvement, and enjoyment in this series. The DVDs are well recorded, with very good picture and sound track fidelity.
In comparison to other "Historical", and societal offerings of the time, Upstairs Downstairs stands above its
peers. Thank God we no longer have to wear celluloid collars.
Review ID: 10000000001540496
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UPSTAIRS DOENSTAIRS1 of 3 people found this review helpful.
To show to my wife as I had personally seen it and loved it. Bought this item No 9135352256 from Smilindvd who shipped it as requested to Houston, Texas but forgot to include apartment number. Later they claimed that they did include it as 1613 which is wrong, correct numver being 1413. Then they said item retrieved, that they will check it and re-ship. They haven't done so yet. All along seller was prevaricating and when I tried to post a "not received" complaint today, I was told that the 60 day period has elapsed (from 15th May). This is a most unsatisfactory way of dealing as I am relatively new to eBAY and was not really aware of this 60-day deadline. But deadline to what? For buyers to lose their money due to improper behavior of some sellers? You at eBAY should not accept this despite the lapse of the 60 day period.
Review ID: 10000000001401146
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Upstairs DownstairsReview created: 12/16/09
by:
Great show. I was hooked on it when it was first shown and I can't wait to watch it again. Wonderful look at the class structure in Edwardian England. I'm pretty sure that some of that structure remains today.
Review ID: 10000000014693080
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left hangingi originally purchased the upstairs downstairs complete dvd set for a good price and complimentary shipping. i was supposed to receive my package 11/13-11/20 which was pressing as it was a birthday gift, but instead i received a refund for my purchase on 11/16 without even so much as a message. i was left hanging and having to scramble last minute to find the gift elsewhere.
Review ID: 10000000014256330
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Upstairs DownstairsI fell in love with this series in the 70's and was thrilled to find it on DVD and now I'm enjoying it even more. An excellent series with excellent British actors.
Review ID: 10000000007633678
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British history made easyThe complete British drama series "Upstairs, Downstairs" is beautifully boxed and accessible via the compact DVD format. Each case contains 2 DVDs with 4 stories each. The color is lovely and the viewer learns so much about history, not only British with its social classes, but also intersecting with our own nation's history. I have seen this entire series 2ce on PBS but owning it, with the ability to start, stop, rewind or see a specific episode is great. I look forward to many interesting hours viewing.
Review ID: 10000000005139962
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Upstairs Down StairsReview created: 01/04/08
by:
This was a Christmas gift for my wife. She has been watching it from episode one since she received it. Great value for item. Have seen listed for much much more than what I purchased it for.
Review ID: 10000000004985189
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Be upstanding for Mr. BellamyAside from the blips in the re-recording transfer to DVD, I am in skullery maid HEAVEN.
I had not realized just how 'racy' this series was. I missed the beginning year. Hudson and Bridges are so dear and all of the actors are spot-on in terms of hitting the mark.
I wish it would reappear so that sll of the kids of today could see it.
I had not realized just how 'racy' this series was. I missed the beginning year. Hudson and Bridges are so dear and all of the actors are spot-on in terms of hitting the mark.
I wish it would reappear so that sll of the kids of today could see it.
Review ID: 10000000004839978
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Upstairs Downstairs Collectors EditionReview created: 12/06/07
by:
I am English so I watched this original series and I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to watch it again in it's entirety whenever I please. This a fantastic period drama which gives you an insite of how life used to be, it makes you realize how life has changed. I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoy's period drama.
Review ID: 10000000004763137
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Upstairs Downstairs Collector's Edition(2005,DVD)I brought the upstairs downstairs collection edition about three weeks ago and I just love it. I have always been a viewer of the British comedy series and like this program show. I couldn't find this for a while and when I did it was extremly expensive.Then I thought about e-bay!! I am fairly new to e-bay but I found this product very easily. The price was half of what others wanted!!! The videos where brand new and sealed and they arived quickly and I am really happy being able to watch them when ever I want to.
Review ID: 10000000004169786
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A Treat viewing the entire series at our pace.Review created: 02/03/07
by:
My husband and I are so enjoying watching this series, we start up a fire in the fireplace and sit back for an episode or two every night we can. The anniversary piece included was interesting and we will watch that again when we complete the series. The wonderful thing is to be able to see every episode from beginning to end. Great actors, writing and directing. We LOVE it.
Review ID: 10000000002846366
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