Must embarrassingly admit that I did not withdraw this from the library, but purchased both Series One and Two at a really great price from amazon, as the series is so spectacularly well done I could not conceive of letting it go! Had to purchase to keep. There are no words to describe this superlative and superb production: acting, writing, direction, production, all meticulously brilliant. To add anything more would be gilding the lily. I strongly suggest checking it out (of the library before committing to buy) for yourself. There have been innumerable comparisons to PBS other masterpiece, Upstairs Downstairs, of which I am a strong and fond aficionado, but, Downton wins hands down, merely for the fact that, forty years later, television production has become so sophisticated and technologically top notch it far exceeds former limitations, adding to a magnificent television viewing experience. Indeed, the "idiot box" has come of age.

This is lovely to look at. And the details of life in a English country house are fascinating. But the plots are utterly riduculous.

This DVD is damaged and unplayable.

Wow! What a terrific mini-series! Gorgeous costumes & sets, great acting & engaging plot lines. This one has it all. I even learned some history while being entertained!

This series was very enjoyable to watch; the cast is spectacular, the dialogue is amusing, there are many unpredictable plot twists, and the writers make relatively ordinary events seem interesting. As an added bonus for Corrie fans, Rob James-Collier plays the spectacularly arrogant and self-serving Thomas Barrow. It has become Amazon.com's best-selling DVD box set of all time for a reason!

Just an outstanding series by Julian Fellowes, the writer on Gosford Park, he also wrote the script for Young Victoria, all great productions. Downton Abbey tells the story of an aristocratic family who inhabit Downton Abbey. The story is made more interesting by showing how the underbelly of this mansion is populated by staff who keep the place going and the inter-relations between both classes.

watched it twice!

Golden Globe Winner for Best TV Series or Made for TV Movie 2011!.... should watch it then!

This series captured my attention years ago on PBS & I still love it! I'm waiting for Bates to come back & not leave Anna brokenhearted...

This is a great series and quickly becoming a cult. The acting is good and the story lines are interesting. Who will Mary take as a husband? Will Edith find true love? Does Thomas ever change? And when will Lady grantham finally clue in to O'Brien's true nature? I can't wait for the next series.