- Joined
- Feb 8, 1999
- Messages
- 18,310
- Real Name
- Robert Harris
UPDATED 3/6/12
The final result of problems with the U.S. domestic release of Downton Abbey comes down to a simple fact.
Both Season 1 as well as Season 2 are fully defective, as they are improperly mastered.
For those who wish to own the series, Amazon offers a few different possibilities. Purchasing the UK release, which is non-region coded via a U.S. supplier is not the best route, as ridiculous prices are asked. The easy way is to order from Amazon UK. I found the boxed set of two seasons to be fairly priced, and delivery quick.
Be aware that while the U.S. Season 2 is inclusive of the final episode, the UK set is not, and it must be ordered separately, but is easy enough.
The interesting thing here is that while Season 1 (U.S.) shows the same problem as Season 2, it is not as obvious, and plays decently. Season 2 is unwatchable, which begs the questions, what has PBS done to destroy the quality of the master?
I would suggest that the PBS (U.S.) release issued as "Masterpiece Classic," and "Original UK Edition," be returned as defective, which they are.
RAH
*****************************
How unfortunate.
To start out with a great cast and beautiful productions values, and then have them flushed for poor technical work.
The second season of Downton Abbey is an odd animal.
Actors don't seem to know how to act any longer.
They move oddly. Can't seem to walk properly.
Poor, poor acting and direction.
Or could it be that episodes have been artificially lengthened?
I've not done due diligence, but could this have something to do with long and short versions?
I find Season two to be virtually unwatchable. For those who may recall the good old days of PAL to NTSC conversions, going from 25fps to 24, this seems to be a similar situation. However, in this case an hour episode is actually only 50 minutes in length.
How is this done?
Simple.
Take every 5th frame, and duplicate it.
1,2,3,4,5,5,6,7,8,9,10,10...
Whatever the cause, be it defective Arri cameras, problems in post, or a desire to make an hour out of a 50 minute program, Downton Abbey Season Two from PBS on Blu-ray, fails in every regard.
Recall!
Need I mention that Downton Abbey is absolutely, positively, NOT recommended?
RAH
The final result of problems with the U.S. domestic release of Downton Abbey comes down to a simple fact.
Both Season 1 as well as Season 2 are fully defective, as they are improperly mastered.
For those who wish to own the series, Amazon offers a few different possibilities. Purchasing the UK release, which is non-region coded via a U.S. supplier is not the best route, as ridiculous prices are asked. The easy way is to order from Amazon UK. I found the boxed set of two seasons to be fairly priced, and delivery quick.
Be aware that while the U.S. Season 2 is inclusive of the final episode, the UK set is not, and it must be ordered separately, but is easy enough.
The interesting thing here is that while Season 1 (U.S.) shows the same problem as Season 2, it is not as obvious, and plays decently. Season 2 is unwatchable, which begs the questions, what has PBS done to destroy the quality of the master?
I would suggest that the PBS (U.S.) release issued as "Masterpiece Classic," and "Original UK Edition," be returned as defective, which they are.
RAH
*****************************
How unfortunate.
To start out with a great cast and beautiful productions values, and then have them flushed for poor technical work.
The second season of Downton Abbey is an odd animal.
Actors don't seem to know how to act any longer.
They move oddly. Can't seem to walk properly.
Poor, poor acting and direction.
Or could it be that episodes have been artificially lengthened?
I've not done due diligence, but could this have something to do with long and short versions?
I find Season two to be virtually unwatchable. For those who may recall the good old days of PAL to NTSC conversions, going from 25fps to 24, this seems to be a similar situation. However, in this case an hour episode is actually only 50 minutes in length.
How is this done?
Simple.
Take every 5th frame, and duplicate it.
1,2,3,4,5,5,6,7,8,9,10,10...
Whatever the cause, be it defective Arri cameras, problems in post, or a desire to make an hour out of a 50 minute program, Downton Abbey Season Two from PBS on Blu-ray, fails in every regard.
Recall!
Need I mention that Downton Abbey is absolutely, positively, NOT recommended?
RAH