Downton Abbey: Series 1

Life will never be the same upstairs or downstairs after James Crawley-Earl of Grantham and master of the family's grand estate-goes down with the Titanic. Dame Maggie Smith heads an all-star cast as Violet, the formidable Dowager Countess determined to keep the Crawley wealth on her side of the family. "A sumptuous, instantly riveting glimpse of a world-and a family-on the verge of profound change" (Daily Telegraph), created by Oscar®-winner Julian Fellowes (Monarch of the Glen, Gosford Park, The Young Victoria). All 7 episodes. 6¼ hours on 3 Discs. SDH

After a tragedy at sea claims the life of the presumed heir, Lord Crawley is faced with the possibility that the house he's loved his whole life might someday belong to a distant cousin he's never met. But before that can happen he must deal with his scandalous daughter, Lady Mary - considered by many to be the rightful heir to Downton. Even the staff has opinions on the family's affairs. And while most are devoted to the Crawleys, there are others whose selfishness and scheming do more than simply disrupt the well-oiled inner workings of the estate. As the servants' mischief escalates, even the most faithful employees begin to imagine a different life.

Pitting hundreds of years of British aristocracy against the tides of social upheaval and technical progress, under the looming shadow of World War I, will the fate of Downton and its family - above and below stairs - be resolved? Or will life be altered so dramatically that its master no longer matters?

Directed by Brian Percival, Ben Bolt, Brian Kelly
Written by Julian Fellowes
Produced by Nigel Marchant, Liz Trubridge
Executive Produced by Rebecca Eaton, Julian Fellowes, Gareth Neame
Original Music by John Lunn
Cinematography by David Katznelson, David Marsh
Film Editing by John Wilson, Alex Mackie, Nick McPhee
Costume Design by Susannah Buxton

"beautifully made - handsome, artfully crafted and acted" - The Guardian

"While others play roles, Dame Maggie inhabits them" - The Independent

Primetime Emmy® Awards - 2011
Outstanding Miniseries or Movie

Outstanding Writing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Julian Fellowes

Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Dramatic Special
Brian Percival

Oustanding Supporting Actress in a Miniseries or a Movie
Maggie Smith as Violet, Dowager Countess of Grantham

Outstanding Cinematography for a Miniseries or Movie
David Katznelson, DFF, Director of Photography

Outstanding Costumes for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special
Susannah Buxton, Costume Designer