<p>Does anyone know if the Netflix version of Season 1 - DVDs and streaming - is the full UK version or the edited US one?
I’d really like to be able to see the whole thing.</p>
<p>Cant believe two hours were cut from US version! Reminds me of the early Harry Potter books having to be translated into American, eg Harry loathed pudding rewritten as Harry hated dessert. For a couple of years I had to post the English editions across the pond to my friends in the US…</p>
<p>The link below sheds some more light on the Downton cuts. Dont worry no spoilers! (it dates from January 2011). Note the bit at the end where PBS vigorously denies the cuts were substantive. I dont quite get the point about commercials one of the most significant aspects of this series success here in the UK is that it is NOT a BBC production but a creation of commercial TV, ie was interspersed with ads ( though granted probably not as many as a US show). </p>
<p>Oh, and the article includes quite a funny Guide for American viewers: The phrase from a butler that would have filled an aristocrat with the most dread was: ‘May I speak freely, sir?’ </p>
<p>Read more: [Downton</a> Abbey cut 2 hours by TV executives fearing plot will baffle US viewers | Mail Online](<a href=“Downton Abbey cut 2 hours by TV executives fearing plot will baffle US viewers | Daily Mail Online”>Downton Abbey cut 2 hours by TV executives fearing plot will baffle US viewers | Daily Mail Online)</p>
<p>^^From the above link: </p>
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<p>We’re not all that uninformed. Even though entails are not legal in the US, anyone who has ever read the book or seen one of the many movies made of “Pride and Prejudice” knows very well what an entail is and how it can complicate British lives and marriage arrangements.</p>
<p>And what is wrong with using a phrase that might not understand? I am actually curious enough when I am unfamiliar with something to look it up! Really, that is so insulting.</p>
<p>I compared the times of the “uncut” iTunes version to what is streamed on Netflix & they seem to be the same length.( at least the first season)</p>
<p>Ridiculous. If American audiences can follow “Margin Call” (loved it but had to listen closely and there is nothing but talk) we certainly can take in the plot of an Edwardian costume drama.</p>
<p>There was actually a scene between Mary and Matthew that was cut out of the UK version and put in the US airing on PBS. It was a very small moment (them talking about Matthew going back to the war and Mary grabbing his arm). </p>
<p>At a Q&A before Series 2 started on PBS, the cast was asked about how American viewers would deal with accents, difficult language, and other period drama parts. Dan Stevens compared it to him watching The Wire for the first time. I can’t find the exact quote but he said that he is glad Americans are watching the show even if they have to use subtitles or watch it again like he did with The Wire. Just because we aren’t used to how people talk or the overall arc of the story doesn’t mean we should immediately dismiss the whole thing.</p>
<p>I’m hooked on DA. Also mad at myself for not resisting temptation…I found the complete storyline for season 2 online…and I READ it. Couldn’t tear myself away, had to know what happens. Dang. Now I have to keep my lip zipped when watching every week with my husband, who doesn’t want to know.</p>
<p>I had to peak at the storyline too! I couldn’t wait to know what happened, and my H also doesn’t want any spoilers.</p>
<p>bookiemom, we need our very own DA spoiler thread!</p>
<p>[PAPERMAG</a> - Downton Abbey Stars On-Screen Vs. Off-Screen](<a href=“http://www.papermag.com/2012/02/downton_abbey_stars_out_of_cos.php]PAPERMAG”>http://www.papermag.com/2012/02/downton_abbey_stars_out_of_cos.php)</p>
<p>Sorry, couldn’t get it to copy as a link, but worth the trouble. The actress who plays O’Brien deserves the Emmy award for “Most Unlike Herself”.</p>
<p>there is also an SNL spoof: [Saturday</a> Night Live 715 (Se 37 Ep 13) Channing Tatum - Spike Original - YouTube](<a href=“- YouTube”>- YouTube)</p>
<p>Thanks for the SNL spoof. That’s my laugh for the day until the Super Bowl commercials come on.</p>
<p>Ha ha ha that was so funny lol thanks for that</p>
<p>No spoilers tonight please…imagine many of us will be watching tomorrow…</p>
<p>What??? We can’t talk about it until everyone has had a chance to watch it? I have a better idea…Don’t read this thread until * after * you have had a chance to watch it. :)</p>
<p>Ok momlive…I end up doing that most weeks anyway…</p>
<p>Oh for heavens sakes! I’ll try not to give away when I ask this. </p>
<p>Who thinks P. Gordon is Patrick or is he Peter? And so glad Matthew is ‘feeling’ better! Thought Violet and Cora were going to crack up in laughter when settling Lady Crawley’s role.</p>
<p>i think he is peter. going to be interesting if matthew recovers as the nasty streak in mary’s fiance has shown itself</p>
<p>I think he’s Peter too. Now they’ve brought in all the soap tropes-- amnesia AND impostors.</p>
<p>Before Mr. Fang and I settled down to watch, I predicted a miracle cure for Matthew. Looks like that one will come true.</p>
<p>Who was the woman in the bed in the previews for next week? And isn’t it about time for Spanish flu to show up?</p>
<p>Who killed Vera? Wish I could figure out a way for it to have been Thomas.</p>
<p>Poor Edith, always the patsy.</p>
<p>Whoever said Robert was giving the new maid the eye got it right. I hope that goes nowhere, but I think it will go somewhere. </p>
<p>Mr. Fang says Anna will give her pension to Ethel(?), the ex-housemaid with the baby. At least we can be happy that Major Sleazy McMustache bought the farm.</p>