A&E, known for their dedication to classic TV, bows a 4-disc, 13-episode first season box set of that beloved BBC soaper, Upstairs Downstairs. This nine Emmy, two BAFTA, and Golden Globe and Peabody winner very quickly became one of the most popular British TV series ever, not to mention a big fave in the over 70 other countries where it was broadcast. Originally conceived by actresses Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins as a comedy about the exploits of two housemaids in a Victorian house, "UD" was then passed on to renowned BBC producers John Hawkesworth and John Whitney who reworked the genre and settings into that classic we now know, an Edwardian London dramatic saga about the aristocratic Bellamy family (upstairs) and their loyal but somewhat footloose servants (downstairs). While the first season (1971-1972) admittedly starts out a bit slow, the pace soon quickens, and by episode 13 the patient viewer will be well rewarded (and will no doubt find themselves hooked like me). Though the quality of the masterings are somewhat disappointing, I will steal a quote from the New York Times in saying this is a series "too good to miss"--better start making room in your collection for the next four seasons as well. (S. C. Sickles)
Upstairs Downstairs: The Complete First Season
A&E, 4 discs, 663 min., not rated, DVD: $79.95 Volume 16, Issue 6
Upstairs Downstairs: The Complete First Season
Star Ratings
As of March 2022, Video Librarian has changed from a four-star rating system to a five-star one. This change allows our reviewers to have a wider range of critical viewpoints, as well as to synchronize with Google’s rating structure. This change affects all reviews from March 2022 onwards. All reviews from before this period will still retain their original rating. Future film submissions will be considered our new 1-5 star criteria.
Order From Your Favorite Distributor Today: