Trying to watch Downton Abbey the film is difficult if you’re not a fan of the series. Why? Because it’s a direct continuation of the show without a significant introduction to what’s happened. We just know where it’s going and it’s exclusively for fans of the show.
Simple premise. We’re in Downton Abbey with rich people and their servants. We see their lives as the world of 1912-1926, which included the sinking of the Titanic and World War 1 among the historic events, and the lives of the rich (and their servants). Shenanigans ensue.
For the film we’re given another historical event: the visit of King George V and Queen Mary.
Most of the main cast from the TV series is back and we pick up with the where they ended the TV series with. If you haven’t watched the series (I haven’t) you can sort of pick up what’s happening and figure the rest out. If you’ve watched the show in full, you’ll know exactly what’s happening.
And that’s the film’s only problem. You have to have watched the show to know what’s happening. Otherwise it’s a small, charming dramedy about the lives of the British aristocracy back when that meant much more than it does now.
A handful of EPK pieces and a number of fan service extras are included.
Universal presents Downton Abbey. Directed by Michael Engler. Written by Julian Fellowes. Starring Hugh Bonneville, Imelda Staunton, Penelope Wilton, Sophie McShera, Robert James-Collier, Phyllis Logan, Jim Carter, Allen Leech, Laura Carmichael, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie Smith, Michelle Dockery, Tuppence Middleton. Run Time: 122 minutes Rated PG. Released on DVD: 12.17.19
