The Story of Costume Drama DVD

A must-see for all fans of British period dramas, The Story of the Costume Drama is available to U.S. audiences for the first time with its unedited DVD release on July 31st. This captivating documentary tells the stories behind iconic productions with stars and scenes from Brideshead Revisited; I, Claudius; Upstairs, Downstairs; Pride and Prejudice; The Jewel in the Crown; Poldark; and many more. The first episode aired on PBS stations in spring 2012; however, Acorn is releasing the complete five-episode series on DVD. Narrated by star Keeley Hawes (Ashes to Ashes; Upstairs Downstairs), these five episodes give an inside look beyond the ornate clothing, sprawling manors, and addictive story lines that have riveted millions of television viewers for decades. Readily available upon request for reviews.

On July 31st, The Story of the Costume Drama will also be included in The Costume Drama Classic Collection, a value-priced 15-disc set representing the finest of the addictive costume drama genre with four celebrated, star-studded Masterpiece Theatre period dramas, plus the five-part documentary. The dramas include Doctor Zhivago, starring Keira Knightley (Pirates of the Caribbean, Atonement); Lillie, the BAFTA-winning 1978 drama; Lost Empires, starring Colin Firth; and Upstairs, Downstairs, Series 1, the iconic British drama’s first season. Limited press copies are available for full reviews. The press releases are below.

Featuring interviews with the writers, directors, and stars of the most beloved British costume dramas, the behind-the-scenes documentary, The Story of the Costume Drama, debuts on DVD from Acorn Media on July 31, 2012. The first episode aired on PBS stations in spring 2012; however, Acorn is releasing the complete five-episode series on DVD. Narrated by star Keeley Hawes (Ashes to Ashes; Upstairs Downstairs), these five episodes give an inside look beyond the ornate clothing, sprawling manors, and addictive story lines that have riveted millions of television viewers for decades and reveal how the often controversial sagas altered the television landscape and launched the careers of many young actors.

The DVD 2-disc set features stars and scenes from Brideshead Revisited; I, Claudius; Pride and Prejudice; The Jewel in the Crown; Poldark; Horatio Hornblower; Elizabeth I; Sharpe; Moll Flanders; Doctor Zhivago; My Boy Jack; Cranford; and many more, and includes a bonus photo gallery ($39.99, www.AcornOnline.com). The Costume Drama Classic Collection, a value-priced DVD 15-disc collection, which includes four celebrated period dramas (Upstairs Downstairs Series 1, Lost Empires, Lillie, and Doctor Zhivago) plus The Story of the Costume Drama, is also being released on July 31st ($99.99).

From 1955’s fanciful Adventures of Robin Hood to 2007’s racy Fanny Hill, costume dramas have toppled taboos and quickened pulses. Programs like Edward & Mrs. Simpson ruffled establishment feathers, while popular series Upstairs, Downstairs and The Forsyte Saga emptied pubs, wrecked social calendars, and forced vicars to revise parish schedules. The Story of the Costume Drama is required viewing for any fan of British television.

THE EPISODES: The Greatest Stories Ever Told; The Stars; Affairs of the Heart; Picture Perfect; and A Call to Arms

Our Thoughts: 

I have always been a fan of historical films and series. One of the things that really helps being these productions to life are the costumes. This remarkable documentary, brings you behind the scenes of some of the greatest historical shows. It walks you through how costumes are chosen, how the designers make them, and even what some of the actors think about them. Since we usually only see the finished products, this is a fun way to learn a little about the shows we love and all the work that does into them.  

 
If you want to get the advantage a mini series that will leave bring you behind the scenes of some of your favorite historical documentaries, . You can order The Story of Costume Drama for only $39.99 at Acorn Media.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***