Blu-ray Review: DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA

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Jul 03, 2022 Posted by Kyle Nolan in DVD/Blu-ray, Reviews | Comments

Having just hosted a royal visit, things have started to go back to normal at Downton Abbey. However, some surprising news from the dowager countess’s past and some new visitors to the castle are about to shake things up once again. When Violet Grantham (Maggie Smith) announces to the family that the Marquis de Montmirail—a man she had spent only a week with nearly 60 years ago—had left her a villa in the South of France in his will, the Crawley family immediately starts to question why. Violet plans to gift the property to her granddaughter Sybbie, the daughter of the newly-married Tom (Allen Leech) and Lucy Branson (Tuppence Middleton). While the widowed Marquess (Nathalie Baye) is livid at the situation and threatening to sue, her son (Jonathan Zaccaï) is happy to carry out his father’s wishes, and invites Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville) and the Bransons to visit the property. The timing works out perfectly as there are some new visitors to Downton Abbey that Lord Grantham and butler Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) would rather not be around for. However, the trip causes Lord Grantham to start to question some things about himself.

Meanwhile, film director Jack Barber (Hugh Dancy) has approached Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) about filming a silent movie at the castle, and with the building in dire need of a new roof, she can hardly say no to the funds that this would bring in. The staff are excited to have a bit of Hollywood come to Downton, especially kitchen maid Daisy (Sophie McShera) who is eager to meet stars Guy Dexter (Dominic West) and Myrna Dalgleish (Laura Haddock). However, as they always say, “never meet your heroes” as you may be disappointed. With “talkies” becoming more popular, the production is forced to suddenly shift gears. Though not everyone is happy with the change, such as Myrna, who was hired for her looks, and not her diction and acting ability. So it’s up to the residents and staff of Downton Abbey to help save the day.

Downton Abbey: A New Era is a thoroughly entertaining and delightful next chapter in the Downton Abbey franchise. The film has all of the great humor, soapy drama, and beautiful scenery we’ve come to expect from the franchise. Even in some of the sadder moments of the film, writer Julian Fellows still finds a way to add some humor and make you laugh. While the film is just 2 hours long, it feels like a whole season of TV has been packed in (but not in an overwhelming way). With a cast of nearly two dozen characters, it is a grand task to try to give everyone something to do, but Fellowes does an amazing job of providing each of these characters with their own development and story in addition to the two primary story arcs. The film picks up several of the storylines and relationships from the first film, further developing these characters, and giving their relationships some new obstacle to overcome in order to move on to the natural next stage. The writing is so witty and fun, and Maggie Smith has some of the best lines (as usual). It is so great to revisit this world and these fun characters who have really become like a family over the past 12 years.

While all of the characters do come together at several points over the course of the movie, it was smart to divide the story between two major separate storylines—the film set and the villa—as it allows the film to focus on smaller groups of characters rather then the entire ensemble. The film set storyline was inspired by the production of Hitchcock’s Blackmail, which was in a similar situation of having to suddenly switch from silent film to talkie mid-production. This storyline provides an interesting look at the film industry during this era and how it affected those involved, and leads to some really fun moments as the younger staff start to fan out over being in the midst of the stars. At the same time, the older generation like Violet, Lord Grantham and Mr. Carson find the presence of the film crew to be an annoyance and don’t understand the draw of movies. Meanwhile, the villa storyline allows some of the other characters to follow their own arcs, like Lord Grantham exploring his past, Lucy and Tom looking to their future, and Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) getting back into journalism. Plus there is a lot of humor as an exasperated Mr. Carson attempts to show the French how to be a proper British butler, and actor Jim Carter gets a fun scene with his real-life wife Imelda Staunton (“Maud Bagshaw”). One noticeable omission from the film is Lady Mary’s husband, Henry, who is quickly explained as being off racing in Istanbul. This character also hardly appeared in the first film due to the actor’s other commitments. However, his absence does benefit the story as the writers are able to make this subtle parallel between Mary’s situation and Violet’s 60 years earlier.

Universal’s Blu-ray release looks and sounds great. The picture is clean and clear, showcasing the beautiful blue skies and green grass of the castle grounds, the blue oceans of the South of France, and the stately castle and villa. The audio track provides clear dialogue and a delightful score. The stereo and surround channels also also used to provide some ambiance, whether it be the whir of the film cameras at Downton, or the sounds of the cicadas at the villa.

The Blu-ray and DVD discs come packed on either side of a standard HD keepcase with an embossed carboard slipcover. The release contains an insert with a code to redeem for an HD digital copy of the film (which is Movies Anywhere compatible). The discs contain a director commentary, and about 35 minutes of behind-the-scenes featurettes with the cast and crew. When I originally saw the film in the theater, beforehand they showed a useful lengthy recap of the first movie narrated by star Kevin Doyle, but unfortunately that is not included on the disc.

What’s Included:

Film: (2:04:32)

1080p / Widescreen 2.39:1
Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service), Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

DVD:

480i / Anamorphic Widescreen 2.39:1
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service), Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 5.1 Dolby Digital
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital (code may not be valid after 9/30/2023):

HD Digital Copy (Movies Anywhere compatible)

Extras:
The same features can be found on the Blu-ray, DVD and Digital. Play All, or select from:

Good To Be Back (3:38)
Head back to Highclere Castle as the cast discuss what it’s like the first day back on set and seeing/working with each other again. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with Michael Fox (“Andy Parker”), Hugh Bonneville (“Robert Grantham”)k Phyllis Logan (“Mrs. Hughes”), Tuppence Middleton (“Lucy Branson”), Alan Leech (“Tom Branson”), Sophie McShera (“Daisy Parker”), Robert James-Collier (“Thomas Barrow”), Laura Carmichael (“Lady Edith”), Lesley Nicol (“Mrs. Patmore”), Elizabeth McGovern (“Cora Grantham”), Kevin Doyle (“Mr. Molesley”), and Michelle Dockery (“Lady Mary”).
Return to Downton Abbey: The Making Of A New Era (11:37)
The cast and filmmakers discuss some of the storylines, filming the wedding scene, the costumes, the visual effects, finding and working with the director, keeping things authentic such as the food served at dinner and the luggage used by the Hollywood starlet, filming in the Highclere Castle and the South of France, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with director Simon Curtis, VFX supervisor Patricia Llaguno, home economist Debi Lindsay, historical advisor Alastair Bruce, producers Liz Trubridge & Gareth Neame, film historian Laraine Porter, costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robbins, hair & make-up designer Anne Nosh Oldham, production designer Donal Woods, co-producer Mark Hubbard, writer/producer Julian Fellowes, and stars Lesley Nicol, Tuppence Middleton, Allen Leech, Michelle Dockery, Charlie Watson (“Albert”), Michael Fox, Hugh Bonneville, Sophie McShera, Laura Carmichael & Elizabeth McGovern.
A Legendary Character (4:10)
The cast and crew discuss the character of the Dowager Countess of Grantham, Maggie Smith’s performance, and what it is like working with the legendary actress. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with producer Gareth Neame, writer/producer Julian Fellowes, director Simon Curtis, and stars Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Elizabeth McGovern, Michael Fox, Laura Carmichael, Penelope Wilton (“Isobel Merton”) & Allen Leech.
Creating The Film… Within The Film (9:26)
The cast and crew discuss the storyline of the film crew arriving at Downton Abbey and the clash of cultures it brings, recreating the 1920s film set using vintage vehicles, logos & film equipment, the inspiration for the storyline involving the film-within-the-film, the new challenges for filmmakers moving into the talkie period, designing the costumes for the 1875-set film and crew, and more. The actors playing the servants also talk about getting to dress up and sit at the dining table for the first time. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with producer Gareth Neame, historical advisor Alastair Bruce, action vehicles co-ordinator Michael Geary, production designer Donal Woods, specialist action props camera supervisor Lee Martin, supporting artist Doug Kirby, director Simon Curtis, film historian Laraine Porter, costume co-designer Maja Meschede, and stars Sophie McShera, Lesley Nicol, Kevin Doyle, Michael Fox, Robert James-Collier, Michelle Dockery & Alex Macqueen (“Mr. Stubbins”).
Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia (2:53)
A discussion of the history of Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, the vessel used in the film as the characters make their way to the South of France. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with supervising location manager Mark Ellis, historical advisor Alastair Bruce, and director of marketing for the Royal Yacht Britannia & Fingal Casey Rust. Plus a jokey intro from star Michael Fox.
Spill The Tea (Time) (2:23)
Stars Allen Leech & Laura Carmichael sit down to discuss their favorite castmates, the most challenging part of filming this sequel, and their favorite moments during filming.
Feature Commentary with Director Simon Curtis (2:04:32)
Director Simon Curtis provides an informative commentary for the film. He talks about being new to the Downton family, the challenges of having a huge cast, filming at Highclere Castle, filming during COVID, the various storylines and more. He shares lots of behind-the-scenes stories about the production, points out cameos, and provides other interesting factoids. While the commentary is generally entertaining, he spends a bit too much time excessively praising the writing of Julian Fellowes (even if it is well-deserved).

Final Thoughts:

My Rating

Film:

Video:

Audio:

Extras:

Highly Rcommended

Fans of Downton Abbey will certainly enjoy this latest instalment of the franchise. Downton Abbey: A New Era recaptures all of the fun, joy and drama that made the series and first film so entertaining, while also allowing each of the characters to develop, grow and follow new experiences. While the film does provide some level of closure to the franchise, I would happily welcome another film following the next chapter in these characters’ lives. This release is a must own for any fan of the franchise, and highly recommended for anyone looking for a fun period film. While there isn’t necessarily a need to have seen the previous film/series, those who have will certainly get more out of it, knowing these characters and their history. The Blu-ray release looks and sounds great and includes a solid selection of bonus material. For those still on the fence, as of the time of this review, the film is still available to stream for Peacock subscribers.