Downton Abbey: Series 1 (2011)

The world of the Edwardian country house and the power games played above and below stairs are exquisitely evoked in the landmark new drama series, Downton Abbey: Series 1 - available on DVD from 8th November 2010 and on Blu-ray from 29th November 2010, courtesy of Universal Playback.

Written and created by Academy Award winner Julian Fellowes (Gosford Park, The Young Victoria), Downton Abbey boasts an all-star cast that includes Hugh Bonneville (TV's Lost In Austen, Bonekickers), Maggie Smith (Harry Potter, The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie), Elizabeth McGovern (Kick Ass, The Wings of the Dove), Penelope Wilton (TV's Ever Decreasing Circles, Shaun of the Dead), Jim Carter (TV's Cranford, The Golden Compass), Phyllis Logan (TV's Lovejoy, Secrets and Lies), Joanne Froggatt (TV's Robin Hood, Coronation Street), and Rob James-Collier (TV's Coronation Street). This prestigious ensemble brings the world of Downton to life with splendour and passion.

Set in the years leading up to The First World War, Downton Abbey tells the story of a complicated community. The house has been home to the Crawley family for many generations, but it is also where their servants live, and plan, and dream, and they are as fiercely jealous of their rank as anyone. The difference is that they know so many of the secrets of the family, while the family know so few of theirs. Little do the family or staff know, the clouds of conflict that will change everything are gathering. This is the moment we enter the world of Downton Abbey, the great house of a great family, where everyone, noble and humble alike, must deal with the changes that are coming.

Having taken over Sunday nights with phenomenal rating figures only matched by the critical acclaim heaped upon the series, Downton Abbey Series 1 is an absolutely essential DVD purchase, especially for those keen to make sure they're fully up to speed following the recent announcement that the series has been re-commissioned.

An essential TV series becomes an essential DVD purchase and an instant classic, with enthralling extras that take you into the heart of a lost society and the behind-the-scenes re-creation of a lost world. Don't miss your chance to revisit the glorious world of Downton Abbey Series 1 on DVD from 8th November 2010 and on Blu-ray from 29th November 2010, courtesy of Universal Pictures (UK).

Please note - Disc special features are subject to change, may differ from format to format and/or may differ from region to region.