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Downton Abbey: A New Era: The Official Film Companion
A perfect gift for Downton Abbey fans, the official film companion provides a unique, behind-the-scenes look at the art and making of the sequel to the globally successful Downton Abbey film.
The worldwide phenomenon and multi-award winning Downton Abbey returns to the big screen with a movie sequel starring the Crawley family and their household staff—and the Downton Abbey: A New Era: The Official Film Companion is the Downton fan’s front-row ticket to all the behind-the-scenes action.
In addition to the original principal cast—including Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, and Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern as Lord and Lady Grantham—fans will gain an unprecedented look at the new Downton characters, including those played by new cast members Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, and Dominic West.
Featuring spectacular photographs from the production, interviews with the cast and crew, and insight from Downton Abbey writer and creator Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey: A New Era: The Official Film Companion gives fans an in-depth experience of the magic and elegance of Downton Abbey.
The worldwide phenomenon and multi-award winning Downton Abbey returns to the big screen with a movie sequel starring the Crawley family and their household staff—and the Downton Abbey: A New Era: The Official Film Companion is the Downton fan’s front-row ticket to all the behind-the-scenes action.
In addition to the original principal cast—including Dame Maggie Smith as the Dowager Countess, Michelle Dockery as Lady Mary, and Hugh Bonneville and Elizabeth McGovern as Lord and Lady Grantham—fans will gain an unprecedented look at the new Downton characters, including those played by new cast members Hugh Dancy, Laura Haddock, Nathalie Baye, and Dominic West.
Featuring spectacular photographs from the production, interviews with the cast and crew, and insight from Downton Abbey writer and creator Julian Fellowes, Downton Abbey: A New Era: The Official Film Companion gives fans an in-depth experience of the magic and elegance of Downton Abbey.
224 pages, Hardcover
Published May 20, 2022
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56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 9, 2022
Like others I have seen the Downtown show, watched both movies, etc. I am not as passionate about the work as others are but do appreciate a fun, soapy show/movies that have gorgeous people, beautiful costumes, spectacular sets/scenery, etc. If you're familiar with the show and have seen this movie (it's the second of two so far), you won't be too surprised by it.
It's a gorgeous coffee table-of book with fantastic pictures of the cast, scenery, costumes, etc. There are thoughts from various people involved with the production, background on the sets/costumes/props, some historical context, etc. Some of it is probably familiar if you know the show/movies and/or kept up with the release media promotions, etc. I don't think there's much that will surprise.
Not much more to say about it. Maybe it was me but I found it a little dull--maybe because I'm familiar with the work as a whole and/or it's not as something I'm into anymore. I also did not think the second movie was as good as the first (although certainly enjoyable in its own way, since at least part of the cast did get to "France", although due to COVID this was a bit of a struggle).
I will say it was interesting to see how the pandemic affected production, so that might be something of interest to historians or academics, but this was not really discussed in depth here (Hugh Bonneville talks a bit about it in his memoir which I read soon before this, so I may be mixing things up a bit). Still, it was all gorgeous to watch and if you're looking for some escapism and enjoyed the show, this probably a movie for you.
Is the book worth it? For the hardcore fans, I'm sure you'll love it. I decided to buy this as a bargain buy (and was further discounted because of the holiday season), but it's probably only for them (which is probably how I got it as a bargain buy). Maybe of interest to film/media historians for the sake of information about the production, etc. If you're just a casual fan, the library borrow (or even just look at it at the library) or clearance if you want it but don't have the time at the moment to read.
It's a gorgeous coffee table-of book with fantastic pictures of the cast, scenery, costumes, etc. There are thoughts from various people involved with the production, background on the sets/costumes/props, some historical context, etc. Some of it is probably familiar if you know the show/movies and/or kept up with the release media promotions, etc. I don't think there's much that will surprise.
Not much more to say about it. Maybe it was me but I found it a little dull--maybe because I'm familiar with the work as a whole and/or it's not as something I'm into anymore. I also did not think the second movie was as good as the first (although certainly enjoyable in its own way, since at least part of the cast did get to "France", although due to COVID this was a bit of a struggle).
I will say it was interesting to see how the pandemic affected production, so that might be something of interest to historians or academics, but this was not really discussed in depth here (Hugh Bonneville talks a bit about it in his memoir which I read soon before this, so I may be mixing things up a bit). Still, it was all gorgeous to watch and if you're looking for some escapism and enjoyed the show, this probably a movie for you.
Is the book worth it? For the hardcore fans, I'm sure you'll love it. I decided to buy this as a bargain buy (and was further discounted because of the holiday season), but it's probably only for them (which is probably how I got it as a bargain buy). Maybe of interest to film/media historians for the sake of information about the production, etc. If you're just a casual fan, the library borrow (or even just look at it at the library) or clearance if you want it but don't have the time at the moment to read.
May 12, 2022
This is a lovely book to accompany the new film, Downton Abbey A New Era.
There is so much information in it, not just about the film but also what is happening at the time.
The pictures are lovely as well, really a must for any Downton fan though be warned, it is very heavy lol.
There is so much information in it, not just about the film but also what is happening at the time.
The pictures are lovely as well, really a must for any Downton fan though be warned, it is very heavy lol.
April 23, 2023
Downton Abbey, A new era. The official film companion
By Emma Marriott
I have to confess - I love a good book edition. Great quality illustrations, photographs, elaborate page design, coated or glossy paper make a book a treasured item. Interesting information, good text structure and appealing subject make a book even more cherished. This edition of “Downton Abbey, A new era. The official film companion” does not disappoint on all counts.
Great for fans of the series.
By Emma Marriott
I have to confess - I love a good book edition. Great quality illustrations, photographs, elaborate page design, coated or glossy paper make a book a treasured item. Interesting information, good text structure and appealing subject make a book even more cherished. This edition of “Downton Abbey, A new era. The official film companion” does not disappoint on all counts.
Great for fans of the series.
June 8, 2022
One of my all-time favorite TV series! I have all the books about Downton (except the cookbooks) and enjoy looking at them from time-to-time when I need a DA fix. I haven't seen the newest film yet and discovered that this large book has several spoilers. Oops! Oh well. I enjoyed every beautiful photograph and informative page. I'll reread it when I see the film this month.
July 9, 2022
It was just fun to look at all the pictures and learn a bit about how the movie came about.
September 5, 2022
Interesting behind the scenes information and very good photography of the gorgeous costumes.
May 22, 2022
The year is 1928.
I enjoyed this historical fiction story, but in some ways, it seems a bit weak. I would have liked for the story of Dowager Countess Violet Crawley to be fleshed out even more; it still seems something is lacking in her story of how she inherited the villa in the south of France from the Marquis de Montmirail, who she met around 1864. Moreover, the sotry of Edith Pelham, Marchioness of Hexham, seems a bit weak in her writing pursuits. Perhaps all this will be strengthened in the future (hopefully).
Now, insofar as the moviemaking of The Gambler at Downton Abbey, I found it to be spot on with the issues regarding silent movies falling by the wayside to talkies, and the re-recording problems of making a silent into a talkie. The way the servants convinced actress Myrna Dalgleish to continue filming her part in the movie came across oddly weird to me. On the other hand, the Guy Dexter-Thomas Barrow story is handled well and is believable since their story is familiar in Old Hollywood.
I am glad I spent the time with this historical fiction. More, please!
🎥Movie version.
I enjoyed this historical fiction story, but in some ways, it seems a bit weak. I would have liked for the story of Dowager Countess Violet Crawley to be fleshed out even more; it still seems something is lacking in her story of how she inherited the villa in the south of France from the Marquis de Montmirail, who she met around 1864. Moreover, the sotry of Edith Pelham, Marchioness of Hexham, seems a bit weak in her writing pursuits. Perhaps all this will be strengthened in the future (hopefully).
Now, insofar as the moviemaking of The Gambler at Downton Abbey, I found it to be spot on with the issues regarding silent movies falling by the wayside to talkies, and the re-recording problems of making a silent into a talkie. The way the servants convinced actress Myrna Dalgleish to continue filming her part in the movie came across oddly weird to me. On the other hand, the Guy Dexter-Thomas Barrow story is handled well and is believable since their story is familiar in Old Hollywood.
I am glad I spent the time with this historical fiction. More, please!
🎥Movie version.
August 26, 2022
I recently watched the latest installment of the "Downton Abbey" story, "A New Era". In the film, the Crawley family allows a film company to use the home for their movie. Also, the family travels to France, as matriarch Violet is bequeathing a large property and home to Sybbie, her great-granddaughter.
There are quite a few coffee table style books about Downton Abbey. This one does not disappoint. I love the large, crisp photographs, the walk-through of great moments from the film, and the small details about filming that you don't learn about just from watching the movie.
It's very good.
There are quite a few coffee table style books about Downton Abbey. This one does not disappoint. I love the large, crisp photographs, the walk-through of great moments from the film, and the small details about filming that you don't learn about just from watching the movie.
It's very good.
July 20, 2025
An official companion to the second Downton Abbey movie. It provides not only historical background, but insight into the characters and the plot lines. It also gives fun behind the scenes information. The writer's of the movie clearly did their research and went to great effort to be historically accurate. The movie centers around a movie being filmed at Downton and a family visit to the French Riviera. This book provides a lot of information about the history of film making and that time period in the French Riviera, which is helpful. I would warn not to read this before seeing the movie as it has lots of spoilers. Overall, a fun read for any Downton Abbey fan.
July 15, 2022
This book was very informative, not just about the film, but about how films were made back in the 1920's. This is when movies began to be made with sound. A movie is filmed at Downton Abbey and it was interesting to see how it all worked at that time. This book also had insights from the producer, creator, director, costume designer, and hair and makeup artist for A New Era. There were great pictures from the movie included, and it's a very big book, so some of the pictures are large. I really enjoyed looking through and reading this.
January 1, 2023
If you are a fan of Downton Abbey or know someone who is, you will want to read or gift this book. This beautiful colorful hardcover novel brings you behind the scenes of the characters in the last movie of the New Era. I loved reading behind the scenes and getting more details on the clothing they used and vintage equipment like they had when they were recording the silent movie at Downton. It gives you more history of how those movies were made and the actors of that time. I highly recommend you pick this book out and of course, watch the film.
July 28, 2022
Love the Downton Abbey series! So relaxing and fun to read this book and take in all the photo details and learn about the making of the move. Every photograph is beautiful. Please be aware, reading this book prior to seeing the movie will result in some spoilers. So you may wish to purchase and if can not look at until you've seen the movie!
March 24, 2025
My husband bought this for me as a "get better" present and I am so giddy over it!
Soooooooo many gorgeous pictures of Highclere Castle, the grounds, and of course the wonderful actors who make up the Crawley family, staff, and friends.
If you or anyone you know is a huge Downton Abbey fan, this is the perfect present!
Soooooooo many gorgeous pictures of Highclere Castle, the grounds, and of course the wonderful actors who make up the Crawley family, staff, and friends.
If you or anyone you know is a huge Downton Abbey fan, this is the perfect present!
June 9, 2025
This was a nice review of the 2nd Downton Abbey full-length movie released in 2022. One of the plots in the movie revolved around making movies circa 1929, and this book included details about movie-making at that time. Lots of nice photographs of the actors, characters, and scenes (both before the camera and behind the camera).
May 29, 2022
This was a really good behind the scenes look of the second downton abbey movie which i enjoyed immensely. Supplemented by glossy photos the book is broken into clear, understanable chapters that go into detail about a certain aspect or storyline the film portrays. Loved it.
July 1, 2022
I chose this book because I love the movie. The best part of the book is the many photos. I also enjoyed reading the background information. But it didn’t include enough quotations from the characters.
September 28, 2022
Such amazing pictures, and I enjoy the behind the scenes stories. Plan Z was a success!
May 11, 2023
Loved this book. Perfect for fans of the series and films.
July 14, 2022
A delightful companion to the film! Emma Marriott brings in lots of gorgeous, stunning pictures and provides excellent documentation of the challenges of filming the movie during the Pandemic, as well as how the storyline was created and made to fit with the culture of the time period. I particularly loved the section that goes into the characters and couples, and how Marriott even took the time to acknowledge the characters lost throughout the series (Matthew, Sybil, William, etc). A delightful read!
December 30, 2024
I loved learning the history that inspired the movie!
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews