Small Island (Masterpiece Theatre) Review

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(More customer reviews)While selective TV viewing, I found Small Island showing on PBS and couldn't change the channel. I'm glad I didn't. What a delight to see Jamaicans portrayed with the dignity and class that most Jamaican's deserve. The acting was superb and I felt a kinship to all the characters, African and European. I was tempted to buy the book and finally purchased a book and DVD for my sister. The video with the narrative gave voice to the book and sensitivity to the subject. At the time, I felt no need to read the book, and enjoyed every moment of advice, cliches', antidote's and consciousness of love, life & passion that swept through every scene.
The revelations on the colonial history of Jamaica and the affection Jamaican's felt to the "Motherland" aka England, made the teachings of Marcus Garvey and the music of Bob Marley, even more relevant. It's no wonder Marcus Garvey was not accepted in Jamaica as he was preaching for Africans in Jamaica to look to Africa as the Motherland.
The struggles Jamaicans went through to live and be accepted in England after World War 2 is something that many people are not aware of, thank you Ms. Levy. I really love this movie and will share it with many friends, for its history and as a great love story that touches the heart on the many levels of joy and sorrow.

I absolutely loved the entire story, until the end. It left me with a sad question. Why didn't Queenie give Hortense the photo of the baby's father, she had it...but she sent her photo along with the baby? Hortense wouldn't of been too shocked, and maybe even finally happy (other than getting the material things) to know the child was the son of her childhood sweetheart. It was another eurocentric case of killing the black man's legacy. The ending as is, will lead to a great book club discussion. It is my humble opinion and remains a travesty that some Africans/Jamaicans/Americans desire to uplift and emulate European culture, at all cost, fact or fiction. The author, while giving homage to her paternal grandmother, (Queenie aka or symbolically England, the other Small Island) sadly, loses the memory of the child's paternal Jamaican roots. Over all it is a story well told and acted out by all involved.

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Upstairs, Downstairs: The Complete Series - 40th Anniversary Collection (1971) Review

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(More customer reviews)I suspect that many people shopping this new release of "Upstairs, Downstairs" for its fortieth anniversary commemoration (which happens to coincide with a new version coming to PBS later in 2011) will already be familiar with the series. Many, like I do, might already own the previous version of the complete series on DVD. It's been out of print for several years, so I'm thrilled to see this magnificent and ground breaking series back on the marketplace. If you have never seen or do not own "Upstairs, Downstairs"--then my recommendation is a no-brainer. Get it! However, what I wanted to know and any previous owners might be itching to know--is it an upgrade worthy of reinvestment?
While I love my current DVD collection, it's not a particularly high quality transfer. After researching this new set through PBS directly, I am reporting that there are NO promises on the reworking of visual or audio components. The same proclamation that was on the last DVD issue is on this one--"digitally remastered for presentation on DVD." So it appears to be a strict reissue, not new re-mastering. It does, however, seem to be drawn from a clearer source material with a cleaner picture quality thankfully. The features of the 68 episodes on 21 DVDs include a 5-part documentary "The Making of Upstairs, Downstairs," 24 episode commentaries, 25th anniversary retrospective "Upstairs, Downstairs Remembered," Interviews with the stars, composer, and editor, Alternate pilot episode, and an essay by star and co-creator Jean Marsh. Obviously the 25th anniversary retrospective was included on the prior release--so that leaves the documentary, some interviews, and commentary and as much as I love "Upstairs, Downstairs"--I can't justify repurchasing the set for this reissue.
In no way, however, would I discourage anyone from enjoying the goings-on at 165 Eaton Place. Smart and sophisticated, this saga told through five seasons (1971-1975) is the epitome of quality television. What many may not realize however, is how truly progressive it was--how "of the time." It covered several controversial issues that were considered taboo for traditional network fare in the seventies. Impressive for its huge and talented cast, stellar scripts, and exquisite use of period details (Titanic, Wall Street), this Edwardian soap opera set the standard for British drama and was embraced by American audiences as well. Set initially in the years preceding World War 1, "Upstairs, Downstairs" really engaged the viewer and adopted to the historical significance in each season culminating in some strong war period episodes in Season 4. But by embracing the inhabitants--both masters and servants--at Eaton Place, "Upstairs, Downstairs" undeniably succeeds at human drama with fully realized portrayals. The winner of 9 Emmys, "Upstairs, Downstairs" has earned its place in TV history. If you don't own it, why not? KGHarris, 1/11.

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