Downton Abbey: A Moorland Holiday (Christmas Special 2014) [Blu-ray]

The item arrived ahead of schedule and we enjoyed the DVD.

Blu Ray version. Sold by reliable third party seller, delivered with Amazon UK protections, and without any grief. New, shrink-wrapped, undamaged, at a sub-£4 price. This is the (overly) Xmas special, that takes place after the last episode of series 5, and before series 6. I bought this separately, for the discount price, and as I wanted Blu Ray, to go with the BLU RAY Complete Series 1-5, including the specials before Series 5 (See my review - especially if you are unable to activate the SUBTITLES.) As with Series 5, to activate the Subtitles, you need to select the Subtitles Icon on the Main Menu; press the left side button on the wheel of the remote control < , and "Sdh ENGLISH" text appears; Press OK on the remote control; then press PLAY. This is another interesting special, boosted with the presence of actor Rade Serbedzija, who was excellent, as ex-USSR army General Dmitri Gredenko, in Season 6 of the strong action TV series "24". However, the previous Xmas specials had only a slightly festive connection; but this one has a huge "gung-ho" xmax party ending, with "full mashings" gigantic indoor tree, and, for us, too much..er, a lot of singing. Conclusion: required viewing, before watching Series 6.

dvd . Very good condition. Fast delivery. Very pleased.

The difficulty about writing too detailed a review for such a recent release in a well loved series is, of course, that one doesn't want to spoil the experience and surprises for those who may not yet have seen it. However, I think I can safely say that the 2014 Christmas Special well lives up to the standards of its predecessors, and provides great entertainment as well as performing the useful function of tidying up the loose ends of series five. Without (I hope) giving too much away, it also contains a significant watershed moment for one of the central characters, Tom Branson. Highly recommended to fans of the series.This last does though prompt me to add a comment (for which I hope I may be forgiven!) concerning my only real criticism of the series as a whole, although I concede it may perhaps grate on me more that many others because I have a keen interest modern Irish history. Tom Branson is an Irishman, and Downton Abbey as a whole is set right through perhaps the most momentous period of modern Irish history, spanning as it does the period from the Easter Rising of 1916, through the war of independence, to the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922 and the tragic civil war which followed. Yet all of this gets very little mention at Downton Abbey: there was just one episode in an earlier series when Tom and Sybil, who had at the time moved to Dublin, had to escape very quickly after getting caught up in the margins of the war of independence; but after that (and a passing reference to the "Fenians" in this Christmas Special) it has been almost as though Ireland did not exist for those at Downton. The Russian revolution gets more attention than events much closer to home (and does admittedly provide an intriguing storyline concerning another central character). I do find this anomalous: one would expect events in Ireland during the period to have provided at least some breakfast table comment over the "Times" at Downton, particularly given Tom Branson's obviously very direct interest (he probably still has family members in Ireland too), even if it is not central to the storyline. It would be interesting to know what prompted the decision to virtually ignore this aspect of contemporary politics and national development: was it perhaps a feeling that it might all still be too sensitive, even getting on for a hundred years down the line? Anyway, it is a relatively minor quibble in the context of the whole, and need not deter anyone from enjoying this first class production. All praise to everyone involved.

After coming across Downton Abbey, Season 1 some years ago just by coincidence I was completely charmed. Since then I’ve been a devoted fan and after five seasons, Downton Abbey is still one of my favourites. But… Quite recently I finished watching the last part of the most recent series – the Christmas special – A Moorland Holiday. I couldn’t help but think back to the romantic atmosphere of the Christmas special of series 2, at the end of which, after lengthy teasing and sulking Lady Mary and Matthew realized (at last) what viewers had known for some time – that they had simply been made for each other. Then, everything revolved around them, all events were somehow related to them.I still did find A Moorland Holiday attractive and interesting enough, however I’m beginning to fear for the future of Downton Abbey. What I really found tiresome, for instance, are the endless troubles haunting alternately Mr and Mrs Bates – as if they were not to find happiness or at least contentment in their lifetime whatsoever. Lady Mary, on the other side, got rid of two of her suitors in the fifth series only to be presented with a new one. No story line has been completed but several new ones have been opened. It has now become evident that contrary to the original ‘plans’ Series 5 is not to be the last one of Downton Abbey. One feels slightly uncertain – on the one hand, we, devoted fans are happy that we don’t have to say good bye to our loved ones yet, on the other hand we can’t help asking – how long will this go on? Wouldn’t it be better to fold it before its charms begin to fade?

Just loved it when the Dowager said "we were the Edwardians", absolutely her best comment ever! Plus the nasty Mr. Barrow back on form, WOW! The special was just that, very special and you also needed the tissues at the ready. Loved how storylines were concluded but also there were hints of what is to come next. Rose and Atticus going to America too, love this young couple! Seems to me the odious Mr Green was killed more or less accidentally, ie not deliberately pushed but that is just my humble opinion. I don't wish to add more re the plot and spoil it for others, you will not go wrong buying this even if it is your first ever Downton DVD!!!!!Downton absolutely on track, I'm very much looking forward to series 6! My all time favourite Christmas special though will remain when Matthew proposed to Mary with the snow falling, so romantic and just right for every Christmas.

Bought this for my mum and dad as this episode is missing if you don't have the box set. They were over the moon to see the episode that joins the next series. Good price and fast delivery. Thank you!