Just when you thought you couldn’t get enough of Downton Abbey, you can now own the newest chapter Downton Abbey: A New Era. Not a rehash or even a sequel, the movie spins off to a side story that involves Violet Grantham of Downton and an affair that comes to light. Nicely written and produced, the opulent film is refreshing, comedic and romantic in many ways.
Following the wedding of Tom Branson to Lucy we are whisked off to Downton to meet with the Dowager and Countess Violet Grantham (played assuredly by Maggie Smith). It seems that their is something afoot and with the roof leaking and an unexpected visit by her lawyers things are brewing at Downton. Showing up at the Abbey is a silent movie maker Director Jack Barber who has chosen Downton as the location for his newest film using the palatial estate for his set. After a hesitant consideration and then final approval by Countess Grantham, it becomes evident why she could not refuse. But, that’s only one side of the story as something significant involving her past has come to the forefront.
Thus begins a drama filled with romance, excitement and some very comical moments. It may get a bit sappy, but a lot of British films fit into that category. Director Simon Curtis provides an amazing set and costuming to fit the late 1800’s so it’s easy to fall right into the storyline. As far as the acting is concerned, it’s impeccable as always in Downton.
4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAY, DVD & DIGITAL BONUS FEATURES:
“Good To Be Back” – The cast is happy to be back at the estate and making their next film. Hear what it was like for them to see one another again and learn about their character’s continuing story arcs.
“Return to DOWNTON ABBEY: The Making-of A NEW ERA” – A production as large as DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA takes incredible preparation, people, and craftsmanship. This in-depth making-of piece delves into the work that each department contributed to bring this film to life.
“A Legendary Character” – Take a look back at the legendary character that is the Dowager Countess of Grantham and see why Maggie Smith was born to play the role.
“Creating The Film Within The Film” – Take a deeper dive into the making of the film within the film, highlighting the extra research and details that were taken into consideration, from set design and vehicles to the plethora of period-accurate film equipment and props.
“Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia” – Learn the real history behind Her Majesty’s Yacht Britannia, and why it was a perfect vessel to play the cross-channel ferry in the film.
“Spill The Tea (Time)” – Sit down with Allen Leech (Tom Branson) and Laura Carmichael (Lady Edith) as they spill all the details of what life on the set of DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA was really like.
“Feature Commentary” with Director Simon Curtis
Sophie McShera stars as Daisy and Lesley Nicol stars as Mrs. Patmore in DOWNTON ABBEY: A New Era, a Focus Features release. Credit: Ben Blackall / ©2022 Focus Features LLC
Specifications and additional video information:
Cast: Elizabeth McGovern, Sophie McShera, Tuppence Middleton, Lesley Nichol, Maggie Smith, Imelda Staunton, Penelope Wilton.
Director: Simon Curtis
MPAA Rating: PG
Genre: Drama, Romance
Running Time:2 hrs. 4 min.
Video Release Date: July 5,2022
Original Theatrical Release Date:
Language: English
Reviewed Format: Blu-ray
Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1
Video: 1080p HD
Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French
Number of Discs: 2 Discs, Digital Code
Distributed by:Focus Features
Released in: Blu-ray, DVD, Digital
Writer, critic, film editor John Delia, Sr. has been on all sides of the movie business from publications to film making. He has worked as a film critic with ACED Magazine for more than 20 years and other publications for a total of 40 years. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in communications from the University of Florida. John is a member of the Southeastern Film Critics Association and Critics Association of Central Florida Send John a message at jdelia@acedmagazine.com
