Downton Abbey: Season 5 Blu-ray Movie

Rating summary

Movie		4.5
Video		3.5
Audio		4.0
Extras		3.5
Overall		3.5

Downton Abbey: Season 5 Blu-ray Movie Review

Reviewed by Brian Orndorf January 21, 2015

“Downton Abbey: Season 4” was met with enormous hostility by fans and critics. Spending three seasons tracking the emotionally chilled antics of the Crawley Family, emphasizing decorum, hushed rumor, and the occasional dramatic flare-up, the show suddenly downshifted into more manipulative scripting from creator Julian Fellowes, with a subplot featuring sexual assault identified as particularly irksome to those already deep into the English fantasy. “Season 5” sets out to rebuild what was lost, largely eschewing dire events and horrifying violence to restore a bit of the old energy that’s been lost to practice and time. In fact, “Season 5” is determined to poke sunshine through the clouds, even opening the first episode with a joke. Gasp! While I wasn’t offended by Fellowes’s visit to the dark side, it’s clear many were, making this new round of tea, gossip, and internalized torment easy to recommend to those feeling burned out after last year. The production doesn’t abandon every bad habit, but there’s a distinct atmosphere of course-correction helping to make the brand name comfy again.

The soap opera antics haven’t been abandoned by Fellowes, who uses the changing times to pull “Downton Abbey” into the “modern” era, finding the 1920s working to introduce doubt in the minds of the characters as they contemplate a future that has little use for them. For Lord Grantham (Hugh Bonneville), time for Downton’s expanse is ending, with a new building project proposed for the property by Branson (Allen Leech) and Mary (Michelle Dockery); Edith (Laura Carmichael) struggles with her dream of motherhood, working out a plan to care for her illegitimate daughter; Daisy (Sophie McShera) receives an education, opening her eyes to employment that doesn’t involving being stuck inside a kitchen all day; Violet (Maggie Smith) fears for the loss of her unlikely friend, Isobel (Penelope Winton), contemplating the reality of her solitude; and Anna (Joanne Froggatt) and Bates (Brendan Coyle) remain embroiled in the curious case of a dead butler known as Green. Time with religious prejudice, the emergence of radio entertainment, birth control, and post-war guilt are also included to shake up aristocratic routine.

As with previous seasons, hysterics are avoided, with stiff-upper-lip interactions the name of the game, allowing this exceptionally gifted ensemble a chance to flex their dramatic muscles, developing characters while strumming known idiosyncrasies. Standing out in “Season 5” is Lesley Nicol as Patmore, the eternally flustered cook who’s handed some emotional complexity, struggling with Daisy’s possible departure and her own family shame. Rob James-Collier continues to make Barrow the most endearingly loathsome character on television, with the under-butler’s sexuality triggering torturous medical experimentation. And Bonneville is quick to remind viewers just why he’s been cast as the head of the household, retaining Lord Grantham’s dignity and sense of honor, but also bringing out his humanity, showcased in scenes where the family loses a loyal friend. The actor also receives the rare opportunity to play drunk as Lord Grantham enjoys a bit too much sherry during the holidays, highlighting sly comedic gifts.

Episodes:

Disc One

“Episode One” (69:32)

The year is 1924, and Edith struggles to maintain a relationship with her child, finding the toddler’s caretakers planning for a way for the depressed woman to reclaim what she’s lost. Mary still faces an uphill battle with equality as she takes a larger role in Downton Abbey’s financial health, facing renewed pursuit from Gillingham, who won’t take no for an answer. Lord Grantham is hit with humiliation when those seeking to build a World War I memorial on Downton soil look to Carson for leadership. Baxter, possessing a dire secret about Bates, is confronted and threatened by Barrow, who continues his quest to ruin the valet. Violet is disturbed when friend Isobel is targeted for courtship by a gentleman, using her powers of persuasion to thwart a union she doesn’t approve of. Daisy seeks to expand her limited education to prevent a future of servitude, charged up by a visit from teacher Sarah, who once again rankles Lord Grantham with her progressive attitude.

“Episode Two” (49:47)

Molesley, looking for a proper position as first footman, receives more than he bargains for when the chores begin to pile up. Urging Lord Grantham to bring a wireless radio into Downton, Rose aggressively pushes the household into a new era of information, wowing the group. Arriving for an art history visit, Bricker (Richard E. Grant) shows more interest in Lady Cora. As decision time arrives for the placement of the war memorial, Lord Grantham and Carson disagree on the location, creating tension in the house. Mary, embarking on a sexual adventure with Gillingham, asks Anna to purchase birth control in town, embarrassing the lady’s maid. And farmer Drewe works out a plan that allows Edith to see her daughter without shaming herself in front of her family.

“Episode Three” (49:46)

Returning time and again, Sergeant Willis interviews the Downton staff to best understand what happened to Green, zeroing in Bates and his whereabouts on the night the deceased’s fatal accident. Patmore comes to Lord Grantham with a request for leniency, hoping he’ll include the name of her disgraced nephew on the war memorial. Word of Mary and Gillingham’s tryst in London reaches Violet, who hopes to talk some sense into her thoroughly modern grandchild. Baxter comes clean about her past sins to Cora, awaiting judgment. And a group of Russian refugees arrives at Downton for a celebration, presenting an opportunity for Prince Kuragin (Rade Serbedzija) to reunite with his lost love, Violet.

Disc Two

“Episode Four” (49:46)

Pushed out of her daughter’s young life, Edith is left a wreck, unsure how to proceed with Drewe and his dismissive wife. Merton finally works up the nerve to ask Isobel to marry him, surprising the independent woman. Baxter stumbles across a nasty secret Barrow has been poorly hiding. Bunting pushes Lord Grantham too far during dinner, upsetting the family and confusing Branson, who remains unsure about his place as Downton. And Mary and Branson champion a housing addition to the estate, putting Lord Grantham in a difficult position, urged to decide on expansion.

“Episode Five” (49:47)

Patmore, delighted with a bit of inherited money, elects to go to Carson to consider her investing options. Tom, more conflicted than ever about his role at Downton, says goodbye to Sarah, who leaves the area for better vocational opportunities. Edith comes to the realization that she may never see her daughter again, struggling with the mess she’s made of her life. Charles and Mary conspire to keep Gillingham interested in his prior love, Mable. And Bricker, believing Cora to be a neglected and needful woman, seizes a chance to show his feelings for her, causing a rift between Cora and Lord Grantham.

“Episode Six” (49:46)

Finally receiving word that the father of her child has died, Edith is left an emotional wreck, put in charge of the deceased’s publishing empire. The mysterious case of Green’s death continues to plague Downton, forcing Bates and Anna to have an honest conversation about their feelings. Finally breaking down about his medical issues, Barrow confides in Baxter that his health may be in danger. Violet struggles with her new maid, Denker, who doesn’t care much for her persnickety butler, Spratt. And the various inhabitants of Downton begin to consider their future after employment, with Carson extending an investment opportunity to Hughes.

“Episode Seven” (49:46)

The beloved dog of Downton, Isis, has fallen ill, causing great concern for Lord Grantham during a busy social calendar. Edith, finding her mothering needs finally exposed, receives help from Cora, who wants to keep her grandchild as close as possible without ruining her daughter’s reputation. Rose is caught up in a whirlwind romance with Atticus, though some members of the family are concerned about his religious background. Isobel encounters resistance from Merton’s two sons, who humiliate her during dinner at Downton. Tom considers a move to the U.S. for a fresh start. And Molesley takes an interest in Daisy’s education, encouraging the cook to complete her studies after Sarah’s departure.

Disc Three

“Episode Eight” (69:53)

The events surrounding Rose’s wedding in London are in full swing, bringing together families who would rather remain apart, causing considerable stress during a joyous occasion. Daisy, getting a taste of a brighter life, considers moving to the city to best soak up its culture. Back in her old stomping grounds, Denker elects to give new footman Andy an education in trust he’ll never forget, necessitating an intervention from Barrow. Tom receives word that his skills are welcome in America, helping him to begin the planning stages of his departure. And Patmore, initially resistant to attending the ceremony for the war memorial unveiling, is treated to a special moment of remembrance thanks to Lord Grantham.

“A Moorland Holiday” (97:36)

As the holidays approach, change is rampant at Downton, with Tom taking in his final views of the house, savoring its memories. Lord Grantham is faced with a dire future of moderation when a medical evaluation suggests his heart isn’t in tip-top shape. Barrow sets out to make life hell for arrogant butler Stowell, working to disrupt a peaceful vacation arranged by Atticus’s parents, who remain hostile to Rose’s charms. Violet feels the sting of lost love once again when Kuragin is reunited with his bitter wife. Carson and Hughes take on the duties of home ownership while mapping out an intimate future. And Bates puts himself into the line of fire when Anna is suspected and arrested for the murder of Green, hoping to alleviate the pressure on his wife and free her during a season of sacrifice.

Downton Abbey: Season 5 Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Keeping in line with previous "Downton Abbey" releases, the AVC encoded image (1.78:1 aspect ratio) presentation is more of a mixed bag, failing to deliver a consistently beautiful viewing experience that supports all the decorative aspects of the show. Crush is a major concern, with most deep blacks impenetrable, losing texture on costumes and hairstyles, while evening encounters never provide necessary delineation. The HD event is best served in natural light, which provides a full illumination of fine detail, finding Downton particulars easily surveyed, while facial response is crisp, exposing performance subtlety. Colors are equally lavish, with fabrics and exterior greenery managing some necessary snap. Mild banding is detected.

Downton Abbey: Season 5 Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

The 2.0 DTS-HD MA sound mix provides only a basic sense of life for the series, with dialogue exchanges taking top priority, sustaining a crisp read of accents and intensity, while the group dynamic is handled well, never reaching muddiness. Scoring is supportive but never bold, working to keep dramatics moving, not own the moment. Atmospherics are welcome, pinpointing chirping wildlife and changes in weather, while the crisp sound of bells and bodily movement sell the bustle of downstairs life.

Downton Abbey: Season 5 Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Disc Three

• "Behind the Scenes -- Day 100" (10:14, HD) meets up with Phyllis Logan (Hughes) and Lesley Nicol (Patmore), who give the viewer a tour of the set and make-up room. Being a special day in the schedule, ice cream trucks are brought in, delighting cast and crew, while additional interviews capture the moment quite nicely, making one wish the supplements covered the entire shoot.

• "Roaring Twenties" (26:32, HD) returns to the cast and crew to explore the historical and political background to the Crawley drama, pointing out situations of change and social growth, and character particulars are studied.

• "A Day with Lady Rose" (7:52, HD) takes cameras to a wedding day shoot, where cast and crew quickly conquer a weather-based challenge.

Downton Abbey: Season 5 Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

"Downton Abbey: Season 5" sustains the quality of the show, finding Fellowes's precise scripting juggling extremity with wit, while direction is always tidy and emotive, permitting the actors to do their job, often masterfully. Suspense remains with wild turns of fate, and in true "Downton Abbey" fashion, leaps in time and characterization are handled with some finesse, never losing the viewer. Obviously, a push to make the show welcoming once again guides the tone of the year, but nothing is lost in the transition. "Downton Abbey" remains as addictive, sharp, lovingly absurd, and heartbreaking as ever, marching into old age (for a television show) with a newfound sense of purpose.