Upstairs Downstairs DVD Giveaway!!

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Upstairs Downstairs DVD Giveaway!!

April 22, 2011 by Vic

The third episode of Upstairs Downstairs will be shown this Sunday. Will you tune in? (Watch all three episodes from April 25 through May 24 at this link.) Better yet, the BBC will make the DVD available for sale Tuesday, April 26th.

BBC’s Upstairs Downstairs DVD is available for purchase!

Upstairs Downstairs has been brought back with a fresh new cast. It is 1936 and six years since parlormaid Rose (Jean Marsh) left 165 Eaton Place. Fate brings her back to the house and its new owners, Sir Hallam Holland (Ed Stoppard), his wife Lady Agnes (Keeley Hawes), and his mother, Lady Maud Holland (Eileen Atkins). Rose recruits a new “downstairs” family to help run the elegance and finery of the “upstairs” world. Set against the historical backdrop of a pre-World War II Britain with a new King on the throne, with Fascism on the rise on the continent, and with sexual, social and political tensions at 165 Eaton Place, this new series provides an evocative take on the master-servant relationship.

In honor of the U.S Premiere on PBS’s Masterpiece Classic, the BBC is giving away a free DVD just two days following the conclusion of the third episode. This DVD includes the making-of featurette Upstairs Downstairs – Behind Closed Doors. (SRP: $34.98 ($43.98 in Canada)

CONTEST is CLOSED. The winner is Felicia!!: For an opportunity to win the DVD, all you need to do is leave a comment stating what you liked best about this 2010 series! The drawing (by random number) will be held on Tuesday, April 26th at 11:59 PM, EST.

Read this blog’s reviews of UpDown in these posts:

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Posted in British Servants, jane austen, Jane Austen's World, Movie review, Popular culture, Upper Class, Working class | Tagged DVD giveaway, PBS Masterpiece Classic, PBS Movie Adaptation, Upstairs Downstairs 2010 | 52 Comments

52 Responses

on April 22, 2011 at 08:46 Anna (Diary of an Eccentric)

I’d love to be entered, but I can’t say what I liked best because I haven’t really watched them. I can say that I watched about 15 minutes of the second episode and found myself interested even though I didn’t really know who anyone was or what was going on. I’d love to watch the whole thing, though.
on April 22, 2011 at 09:08 Tram

Loved everything about it, especially the set design and the clothes. The colors jump off the screen. Cannot wait until Sunday night to see the conclusion.
on April 22, 2011 at 10:14 Jeni

I have loved the dialogue – especially in the first episode between Rose and the cook. One of my favorite scenes is when they are waiting in line to view the King, and are talking about the new appliances being installed in the house. That scene makes me smile every time I think about it.
on April 22, 2011 at 10:19 Amanda Warner

I liked the unexpected dark turn it took. Also, I’m always taken by the wardrobe in period pieces.
on April 22, 2011 at 10:21 BonBon

The new series is a delightful continuation of the saga. I enjoy the costumes, the acting is superb, and the typical 30′s feel (everyone smokes, even the pregnant Lady of the house!) makes it seem believable. Loved it all!
on April 22, 2011 at 10:30 Rosana

I liked everything about this new incarnation of Upstairs Downstairs, but what will probably stay with me will be the wonderful group of actors who made the story come alive. Jean Marsh, Eileen Atkins, and Anne Reid were magnificent –no surprise there– but Keeley Hawes and Art Malik’s performances really stood out as well. I think that Keeley has steadily grown as an actress through the years, although for me it has always been a pleasure to see her work. I enjoyed this first series very much and I can’t wait for series 2.
on April 22, 2011 at 10:38 Susan

I am enjoying this series and especially like re-visiting 165 Eaton Place. I watched every episode of the original when it was aired on PBS and was sad to see it end. Now, with this series, I get another glimpse of one of my favorites series!
on April 22, 2011 at 11:04 Felicia

I’m enjoying the series and I look forward to what will happen on Sunday. I love the costumes and the set. This time period is one of my favorites for film and novels. So I eagerly await the 2nd season.
on April 22, 2011 at 11:16 Anna

Oh so exciting! I’ve seen a little of the old series, but none of the new episodes. Would be great to see this!
on April 22, 2011 at 11:38 Q

What I like best is that I haven’t yet seen any episodes so I will be able to really sit and enjoy a few marathon days of this during our break! :)
on April 22, 2011 at 11:42 Anna Allen

well, i haven’t seen the new series yet! but i cannot wait!
on April 22, 2011 at 12:01 Ruth

I LOVE this series, but my favorite aspect of it is the way the history of the time period is tied into the lives of the characters.
on April 22, 2011 at 12:58 Mellie

I loved how well rounded the characters are. It would be so easy to fall into stereotypes or parodies, but each character really has their good points and bad points (which is perhaps the biggest issue I have with Downton Abbey – why are Thomas and O’Brien so awful?).

Eileen Atkins could give Maggie Smith a run for her money. ;-)

(Plus, Spargo, the chauffeur, is a very handsome chap.)
on April 22, 2011 at 13:18 Ruth

I enjoyed Malik’s character in The Jewel in the Crown and
I am enjoying his portrayal of a secretary in U/D and watching him open up to the Jewish maid and her daughter. The lady of the house’s character is slowly showing itself; she is scheming and a social climber, and
her apparent intolerance of keeping the maids little girl is
shocking. I always love the parts where the Lady is talking
to her mother-in-law and the thinly disguised irritation is
evident…
on April 22, 2011 at 13:29 Jillian Kent

Set deseign and costumes always fascinate me. I would love to be one of the lucky folks on the set while they film movies like this. :)
on April 22, 2011 at 13:49 Emily

I’ve always loved period pieces, and something there’s something about this time era, with its costumes and architecture, that charms away. Plus, these characters are way too intriguing to not love!
on April 22, 2011 at 13:55 Robin Colburn

I like Jean Marsh, who I think hasn’t been given enough of a role, and Eileen Atkins the best of the characters. The rest of the cast, frankly, I can do without, especially Lady Agnes and Lady Persie. Lady Agnes talks and acts about her servants in a way that Lady Majorie Bellamy, a duke’s daughter with plenty of noblesse oblige, in the previous series would never tolerate.
Lady Persie seems to have no idea what is going on in Germany, even though she has a Jew who is fleeing from political oppression waiting on her.
Perhaps this is the way of the 30′s with all the social strife going on.
I agree that Art Malik is great in his role as Lady Maud’s secretary! I also loved him in the Jewel in the Crown. Thanks, Ruth, for making the connection. I hadn’t.
on April 22, 2011 at 15:11 Katie

Costumes, jewelry, scenery, objects, setting. I love watching/noticing the little things in period shows.
on April 22, 2011 at 16:00 Julie

I love seeing the dynamics between the downstairs people – trying so desperately to change while holding onto the familiar. It must have been a wildly exciting, yet scary, time. I loved the original series, of course, and am so glad to see Rose again. But while the original ended just on the cusp of change, this one is going to take us on a headlong rush into the FUTURE! So interesting.

Julie
on April 22, 2011 at 17:23 Veronica Leigh

My favorite thing about this series was the character Rachel. Her story broke my heart. I know this is fictional, but what a strong woman she was!
on April 22, 2011 at 18:12 carol denning

What I like best is always Who….Rose (Jean Marsh)!!!
on April 22, 2011 at 19:17 Coraline

I liked Eileen Atkins the best…I’m glad she was finally able to be part of the series!
on April 22, 2011 at 20:07 Lauren

I loved seeing Jean Marsh back at the helm as Rose at 165 Eaton Place, and Eileen Atkins is terrific. I enjoy period drama anyway, and this is very good. Dialogue, costumes are excellent. I’ve read something of this period of history, and I think the series has captured some of the tension, anxiety, and frictions that the social and political changes caused very well.
on April 22, 2011 at 23:07 Karen Field

Although the series seems to be rushing headlong and not taking time to develop characters or plots, I’m still really enjoying it. I love the actors and the fact that Jean Marsh and Eileen Atkins cowrote the first series and cowrote and are starring in this series. I like the connection, it makes it seem more authentic. I love the costuming and scenery. I’m loving learning a bit more about this time period. I would love to win this series so I could go back and pick up more details. Thanks for the opportunity!
on April 22, 2011 at 23:55 Francesca Holland

I just love seeing all the types of characters and the attention to both upper and lower classes (which is the point, of course)! Also, I know that the general impression is that they’re going overboard on plotlines, but I like how much opportunity there is for intrigue! Also, who doesn’t love the great costumes and sets? [:
on April 23, 2011 at 02:16 Rachel

I liked the costumes! and the interplay between the different characters.
on April 23, 2011 at 07:43 Claudia

I just adore the intricate costumes that they have been using in the first season of Upstairs Downstairs! Its one of the things I love best about period dramas.
on April 23, 2011 at 08:09 Barbara Kidder

This “new” version of Upstairs, Downstairs, written by Heidi Thomas, who wrote the BBC’s production of Cranford, showcases one of Britain’s most celebrated actresses, Eileen Atkins.
In my humble opinion, she is stealing the show in this production, and appears likely to live through the entire production, and not to leave us, prematurely, as she did in Cranford.
Barbara
on April 23, 2011 at 13:31 lorraine

I loved the actors and the turn into a new period of time with this version. THey did a great time of making the story come alive! The costuming was spot on toO!
on April 23, 2011 at 13:51 Molly

I most liked the scene between Eileen Atkins and Jean Marsh on the park bench.
on April 23, 2011 at 14:45 Morgan

Along with the wonderful cast, I love the decorations that were chosen to furnish 165 Eaton Place.
on April 23, 2011 at 16:05 joyful idealist

What I like best about this series is the overall setting of the story, and the historical ties of the plot. The turmoil of the war always makes for a good story, but set in an English house, it is all the more interesting for a costume-drama lover. I appreciated the costuming detail, the lovely sets, and the great character play. Masterpiece Classic has done wonderful things in updating an old series! I can’t claim to have been a fan of the old series as I never had opportunity to see it, but having investigated into its past a little after the advent of this update, I can say with enthusiasm that Masterpiece Classic continues to be skillful at storytelling in a way that keeps costume drama lovers enchanted. I can’t wait to see what they dream up next. :)

~ Hannah K. ~
on April 23, 2011 at 16:51 Marybeth

I’ve liked the relationship between Rachel and Mr. Amanjit. And I absolutely adored Lady Agnes’ gold dress from episode one.
on April 23, 2011 at 17:45 Martha

I don’t have TV, so I’d love the DVD to find out what I like best!
on April 23, 2011 at 17:46 Courtney

I love how the story has such a great historical backdrop. This time in British history is extremely fascinating, and to see a story of “everyday” people, rather than the bigwigs of the historical narrative is so great! :)
on April 24, 2011 at 23:43 T'Bonz

I loved the original Upstairs, Downstairs and this new series is a worthy successor. Familiar digs, Rose and lots of drama set in an interesting time frame.

What’s not to like?
on April 24, 2011 at 23:50 Robin @ Bird In The Hand

I just finished episode 3 and I really enjoyed those program – although I am sad it was only 3 episodes. The end seemed a bit rushed. I can’t help but wonder how much deeper they could have delved into the various storylines if they were given more airtime. I hope that the interest in the 3-episode series encourages the producers to extend it into a longer series in the future.
on April 25, 2011 at 09:43 Lauren

I love the sets!!! The house and poshy rooms where parties are held…. Thanks for hosting this giveaway!
on April 25, 2011 at 10:04 Ida S

I loved the series, I think it has something different to it compared to Downton Abbey. I loved the cast, It was so well put together and you felt the chemestry between them!
on April 25, 2011 at 11:45 Debra

I enjoy the series, love the costumes, the cast, the sets. . .well I guess I love it all.
on April 25, 2011 at 11:58 Jen

I thought Keeley was great & many of the one liners were fabulous!
on April 25, 2011 at 16:22 goaltalk

My favorite part in the first episode was when the mother passed on the family jewels(especially the crown) to her new daughter in law. Even though they were just becoming acquainted with one another this passing down of belongings signified a common understanding, order and tradition! Entertaining society in one’s best attire and situation is most advantageous! especially when you’re in politics! ;)
on April 26, 2011 at 00:31 Alexandra Purvis

My favorite aspect was the casting…every character was totally believable! It felt like a real family.
on April 26, 2011 at 21:48 Kristin

I loved the costumes and decor (love that era, anyway). Also, I thought the ending was very sweet. :)
on April 26, 2011 at 22:58 Erin

Love the ability to get to know individuals, not just stereotypes as is so often the case in TV drama!
on April 26, 2011 at 23:00 Veronika

I loved the costumes…especially that red dress, and the scene when the Butler steps up to the plate to deliver Agnes’ baby. But what I enjoyed best about the series was that Lady Persie’s story didn’t end on a redemptive note. She was written as such an unsympathetic character that one enjoys seeing her get her comeuppance– very cathartic!
on April 27, 2011 at 01:01 Becca

As a history geek, there is no way for me to sit down and watch this show and not love EVERYTHING about it. Asking me to give details is hard, but I’d say the plot along with the air of the era is very enriching.
on April 27, 2011 at 08:13 Vic

The contest is closed! The winner is Felicia!
on April 27, 2011 at 19:09 Lauren

Congratulations, Felicia!
on April 27, 2011 at 19:44 Barbara Kidder

Enjoy your second viewing, Felicia!
Barbara
on April 27, 2011 at 22:05 Felicia

Thank you!! I’m very excited about winning, I’m looking forward to viewing the show again with friends!
on April 4, 2012 at 17:59 Joseph Menard

Love to see this version.