Masterpiece Classic: Downton Abbey: Seasons One & Two (Limited Edition) [Blu-ray]

Downton Abbey is already close to an institution as the most popular costume drama for about 30 years coming out of the UK which makes something of a speciality of this sort of thing. So far we have two series, with a third yet to arrive on DVD which will take us up to the 1920s with doubtless more to come. This DVD set covers the first two series, with 16 episodes, 7 from the first series and 8 from the second and the Christmas special.

The first series covered the period from 1912, just after the sinking of the Titanic, up to the start of the first world war in 1914 and much of the story line is about the matchmaking within the Crawley family where financial and social influences have a major bearing. Of course the interaction between the family and those who serve them `below stairs' is a continual contributor to the excellent story lines. The second series picks up two years on from the first series in 1916, in the middle of World War 1. Downton Abbey has been converted into a convalescent home for injured servicemen and the action covers the period from the Battle of the Somme up to the end of the war. The Christmas Special is post the first world war and includes a dramatic trial. In both series topical events of the period, political, economic and military are covered.

There are many superb individual performances but mention must be made of Maggie Smith. What a stroke of genius to cast her as Violet. She dominates every scene she appears in and often has some very funny lines.

This box set will appeal to viewers who may have missed out first time round and also to the many who enjoyed this superb production and will want to revisit it. Roll on Series 3!

Incidentally, in answer to the question raised by the other review I can confirm that this is the original UK version.

The 'very best' Series in a long time ... The Acting by the cast; 'Upstairs' and 'Downstairs, every character is superb!!!!

The costumes are magnificent in the beautiful setting of the Abbey, congratulations to Jullian Fellows for writing such a beautiful piece and to all those who had a hand in the production!.

Maggie Smith steals almost every scene she is in and the interaction between her and 'Mrs. Crowley' is brilliantly done! I have no favourites; I love them all! I cannot wait for the 3rd Season; so hurry ...!

I have not purchased this yet because I am confused. Friends have warned me that there are two versions of Downton Abbey - the original UK full length edition, and a shortened edition which PBS broadcast in the US. Critics say that inevitably much is lost in the shortened edition. This offering is a "Limited Edition". Which is it?