7.2 | / 10 |
Users | 0.0 | |
Reviewer | 4.0 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
Welcome back to Downton. With stunning revelations, glamorous journeys, and the arrival of the Jazz Age, DOWNTON ABBEY: A NEW ERA will be the Crawleys' biggest adventure yet as they grapple with their future and new intrigue about the past.
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Jim Carter, Michelle Dockery, Elizabeth McGovern, Maggie SmithPeriod | Insignificant |
Drama | Insignificant |
Video codec: HEVC / H.265
Video resolution: 4K (2160p)
Aspect ratio: 2.39:1
Original aspect ratio: 2.39:1
English: Dolby Atmos
English: Dolby TrueHD 7.1 (48kHz, 24-bit)
Spanish: Dolby Digital 5.1
French (Canada): Dolby Digital 5.1
English SDH, French, Spanish
Blu-ray Disc
Two-disc set (2 BDs)
Digital copy
4K Ultra HD
Slipcover in original pressing
Region A (B, C untested)
Movie | 3.5 | |
Video | 5.0 | |
Audio | 4.5 | |
Extras | 2.5 | |
Overall | 4.0 |
The cultural phenomenon that is Downton Abbey needs to introduction. Fans have been devouring what has become a de facto banner for the period drama for years now, exploring the upstairs and downstairs world of aristocratic life in early 1900s Yorkshire. Newcomers will be pleased to discover that the entire TV series and the first feature film are available to own physically. Longtime fans have well-loved these releases already, and it is to them that this film is primarily aimed. While relative newcomers can enjoy the externalities well enough, it is for the fans who have brought the franchise this far that this film will prove most rewarding.
The included screenshots are sourced from a 1080p Blu-ray disc.
Universal brings Downton Abbey: A New Era to the UHD format with a resplendent 2160p/Doby Vision UHD presentation which offers the usual
flurry of video upgrades over the companion 1080p/SDR Blu-ray. The resolution gains are tangible and obvious, delivering a hearty gain to
clarity and fine object intricacy. The picture is notably cleaner, crisper, sharper, and more abundantly clear and lifelike. While not a monumental gain,
the improvements are obvious and necessary, allowing for what is hands-down the superior of the two formats. Viewers will note plainly obvious adds
to complexity of faces and location elements, both of which have a multitude of ultra high definition goodness to offer. But it is perhaps that general
sense of boosted clarity that is this image's greatest asset in bringing life to the gorgeous scenery. The Dolby Vision color upgrades add vibrance and
depth alike, boosting natural greens, interior decoration colors and clothing with newfound pop and substantial improvements to accuracy and nuance.
Whites are far crisper here, blacks far deeper and more realistic without crushing interior detailing. Skin tones are beautiful. Noise management is
improved here and well, and like the Blu-ray there are no other source or encode maladies to report. Striking!
The Dolby Atmos soundtrack is sophisticated and satisfying. This is Downton Abbey, so there are no significant action-type audio elements, no dominant bass or frenzied surround content or frequently discrete overhead support to report. However, the Atmos configuration offers a gently, and realistically, immersive audio posture, folding in light atmosphere to every inch of the stage for a completely satisfying dose of location realism. Musical elements are wonderful for clarity and spacing alike, yielding naturally enveloping surround content in support of the dominant front ends and just the right amount of subwoofer usage to bring accurate depth to the proceedings. Dialogue is the main sonic element here, and it is presents with natural front center placement, lifelike clarity, and faultless prioritization.
This UHD release of Downton Abbey: A New Era contains an audio commentary track and a handful of featurettes. A Blu-ray copy of the film
and a Movies Anywhere digital copy code are included with purchase. This release ships with an embossed slipcover.
This Downton Abbey film may be labeled as "a new era," but it is also a very comfortable fit into the preestablished old guard routine that has made the franchise so successful. All of the character qualities, set decorations, dramatic currents, and all of the other agreeable characteristics are all here, as expected, while the film forges its own story and world advancement elements to make it work as both standalone entry (albeit one that will reward fans much more than newcomers) and as part of the larger arcing Downton franchise. Universal's UHD is, unsurprisingly a delight, offering top quality video and audio presentations along with a good selection of bonus content. Recommended, and be sure to note that there is also a Blu-ray limited edition gift set available as well.
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