Originating from the other side of the Atlantic, Downton Abbey is one of the most entertaining shows on TV and looks spectacular on Blu-ray. Each episode costs a reported one million pounds to produce and it certainly shows in the marvelous costume design, lavish sets, and all-star cast. Shot with an Arri Alexa digital camera, the level of detail is mesmerizing and the AVC encode is spectacular. Unfortunately the DTS-HD MA 2.0 doesn't have robust dynamics but at least the dialog intelligibility is never an issue.

Family meeting

• Disc 1, Episode 1, Chapter 2, 00:09:16
• Detail, color saturation
• Look at the marvelous detail in Maggie Smith's clothing, the distinct wrinkles on her face, and how the red curtains and chair leap-off the screen.

The castle

• Disc 1, Episode 2, Chapter 2, 00:13:02
• Detail
• As the camera moves in on the castle, relish the striking detail in the old building and how the trees in the foreground give the image a three dimensional look.

Relaxation

• Disc 1, Episode 3, Chapter 3, 00:22:28
• Detail
• While Mr. Crawley reads his newspaper, notice how clear the text is on the page and how you can see the reflection of the bookshelf in the varnished tabletop.

Release Date: February 7, 2012
Studio: PBS