It’s 1930, and the London society season is in full swing. Robert (Hugh Bonneville) and Cora Grantham (Elizabeth McGovern) are attending a new play by Noël Coward (Arty Froushan) starring Guy Dexter (Dominic West), who had just filmed his latest feature film at Downton Abbey. Also on the social docket are Lady Petersfield’s (Joely Richardson) annual ball, the royal Ascot horse race, and the annual County Show. However, there’s a bit of a snag when the press gets word of Lady Mary’s (Michelle Dockery) divorce from her husband. She quickly becomes a bit of a social pariah, with folks not wanting her at their events, and canceling plans to attend events at Downton.

Meanwhile, Robert knows that it’s time that he hand over the reigns of Downton Abbey to Mary, but he’s reluctant to, and it’s not because of her societal woes. Running Downton has been the whole point of his life up until now&mdsh;what will his purpose be without it? There are also some financial issues that have arisen. Cora’s mother recently passed away, but a large portion of her expected inheritance was lost due to some bad investments. Cora’s brother, Harold Levinson (Paul Giamatti), has arrived from America along with his business advisor, Gus Sambrook (Alessandro Nivola), to discuss possible options and investments, but something doesn’t feel quite right.

As those in charge of the manor deal with some possible big changes, the staff downstairs are also changing with the times. Longtime Downton butler Mr. Carson (Jim Carter) has decided to retire, and Andy Parker (Michael Fox) will be taking over the duties of head butler. Newlywed Mrs. Patmore (Lesley Nicol) is also retiring, but Daisy Parker (Sophie McShera) feels confident stepping up as the head of the kitchen. Isobel Merton (Penelope Wilton) also has an idea to bring Daisy onto the board planning the County Show, which ruffles some feathers. And Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Mr. Bates (Brendan Coyle) are expecting their first child, but wonder how Lord Grantham leaving Downton would affect them.

A new era is about to come to Downton, and with it brings lots of potential changes.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale gives viewers one more trip the Abbey, allowing them to spend time with these familiar, beloved characters one final time as the franchise comes to a conclusion after 15 amazing years. The common theme of this final film is that the times are changing. A new era is upon the characters. Many of the massive stately manor homes are going away, as people can no longer afford to maintain them or a large staff. Could the same fate befall Downton Abbey, with Mary’s social standing due to her divorce, and some unexpected financial woes?

The Grand Finale does a nice job of transporting the viewer back to this era, not just at Downton Abbey, but also exploring the more lavish side of the London during this high society season. While some attitudes are changing with the times, there are still some folks holding onto their more traditional ideals. We see this explored in how Mary is treated in regards to her divorce, and how Thomas Barrow (Robert James-Collier) must pretend to be a valet for Guy Dexter. However, those at Downton Abbey—both upstairs and downstairs—can be quite clever when it comes to ushering in a change.

This third film instalment introduces some great new characters into the mix. The first is the real-life character of Noël Coward, who is a big name in theatre at this time, and fits perfectly into this story. He is a unique characters who helps to break down some of these social barriers. We also meet Cora’s brother Harold, who brings his own Yankee touch to this world, but also introduces another mysterious element in business partner Gus Sambrook. We’re not sure if this guy can be trusted, or if he could potentially unleash even more scandal upon Mary. Another new addition is Sir Hector Moreland (Simon Russell Beale), who’s in charge of the County Show, and is often clashing with Isobel and Daisy, which leads to some really fun moments.

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale finds that perfect blend of mystery, drama and humor. It’s always delightful spending time with these characters, and I’m sad that it’s all coming to an end. The film does a nice job of giving each of these beloved characters a storyline and further character development. It also provides some closure to one chapter of this world, leading Downton Abbey into it’s next phase. However, there are still so many stories that could be told in this world and with many of these characters. I would happily make another trip back to Downton Abbey in the future.

Universal has released Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale on 4K UHD, Blu-ray, DVD & Digital, as well as a Blu-rauy Ultimate Legacy Collection that includes all 3 films plus the TV series. We were sent the 4K UHD release for review. The presentation looks and sounds excellent, capturing the rich colors, beauty, and detail of the grand locations, and recreating the look and feel of the era. The audio track is also very good, making use of the stereo and surround channels to give a fully-immersive experience, while also showcasing the film’s wonderful score.

The 4K and Blu-ray discs reside on either side of a standard 4K keepcase, placed inside of a glossy, embossed cardboard slipcover. The release also includes a code for a 4K Movies Anywhere compatible digital copy of the film. Both discs offer the same selection of bonus material, which consists of a director/actress commentary track, over 30 minutes of behind-the-scenes featurettes, and a 42-minute special that originally aired on NBC/Peacock.

What’s Included:

Film: (2:03:31)

4K Ultra HD:
• 2160p / Widescreen 2.39:1
• Dolby Vision / HDR 10
• Audio: English Dolby Atmos, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Blu-ray:

• 1080p / Widescreen 2.39:1
• Audio: English Dolby Atmos, English DVS (Descriptive Video Service), Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital, French 7.1 Dolby Digital Plus
• Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French

Digital (code may not be valid after 1/31/2027):

• 4K digital copy redeemable via Movies Anywhere

Extras:
Play All, or select from:

• Changing Times (11:33)
  The cast and crew discuss the changing of the guard, characters moving on to new roles, the changing times, saying goodbye to the characters, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with screenwriter/producer Julian Fellowes, director Simon Curtis, producers Liz Trubridge & Gareth Neame, and stars Michelle Dockery (“Lady Mary”), Hugh Bonneville (“Robert Grantham”), Elizabeth McGovern (“Cora Grantham”), Raquel Cassidy (“Miss Baxter”), Jim Carter (“Mr. Carson”), Michael Fox (“Andy Parker”), Kevin Doyle (“Mr. Molesley”), Sophie McShera (“Daisy Parker”), Lesley Nicol (“Mrs. Patmore”), Phyllis Logan (“Mrs. Hughes”), Allen Leech (“Tom Branson”) & Laura Carmichael (“Lady Edith”), Joanne Froggatt (“Anna Bates”) & Brendan Coyle (“Mr. Bates”).
• Society Season (13:25)
  The cast and crew discuss the new London setting, the role the societal London season plays for the characters, the ballgowns and other period costumes, the dancing, the Ascot race, and recreating the fairground for the Yorkshire County Show. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with producer Gareth Neame, screenwriter/producer Julian Fellowes, costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robbins, choreographer Diana Scrivener, production designer Donal Woods, historical advisor Alastair Bruce, director Simon Curtis, hair and makeup designer Anne Nosh Oldham, musical director Martin Hall (Tewitt Youth Band), and stars Hugh Bonneville, Harry Hadden-Paton (“Bertie Hexham”), Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Laura Carmichael, Alessandro Nivola (“Gus Sambrook”), Simon Russell Beale (“Sir Hector Moreland”) & Allen Leech.
• Authentic to the Core (7:13)
  The cast and crew talk about introducing Noël Coward into the world of Downton, the attitudes on divorce at the time, keeping the Ascot authentic, and more. Includes behind-the-scenes footage, and interviews with producer Gareth Neame, screenwriter/producer Julian Fellowes, director Simon Curtis, historical advisor Alastair Bruce, costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robbins, production designer Donal Woods, and stars Dominic West (“Guy Dexter”), Arty Froushan (“Noël Coward”), Michelle Dockery, Hugh Bonneville, Paul Giamatti (“Harold Levinson”) & Joely Richardson (“Lady Petersfield”).
• A Farewell to Fans (2:08)
  The cast gather together to say goodbye and express their gratitude to the fans.
• Downton Abbey Celebrates The Grand Finale (42:06)
  This promotional NBC/Peacock special for the film’s theatrical release assembles the entire cast for high-tea at London’s Savoy, to celebrate the 15-year franchise, share memories and stories, make confessions, and more.
• Feature Commentary with Director Simon Curtis and Actress Elizabeth McGovern (2:03:30)
  Director Simon Curtis and star Elizabeth McGovern (“Cora Grantham”) sit down together to provide an interesting commentary throughout the film, sharing lots of behind-the-scenes stories about the production.

Final Thoughts:

Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is a delightful final trip back to Downton Abbey with the characters we’ve grown to love over the past 15 years. It is filled with the mystery, drama and humor that the franchise is known for. Universal’s 4K release looks and sounds great, and includes hours of entertaining bonus material. This is a must own for any fan of the franchise. But for those wishing to check it out before a blind buy, the film is also now streaming on Peacock as of November 7.