Upstairs, Downstairs: The Complete First Series

This 4 disc DVD contains all 13 episodes of the original first series of London Weekend Television's landmark costume drama. Hitherto unavailable in one box set, this edition combines the first six black-and-white episodes with the later colour editions. The reason for this anomaly was a strike by the camera operators and sound technicians who requested a pay rise in response to the greater complexity of shooting in colour, which meant the first half had to be shot in black-and-white, or not at all.

The audio commentaries are a mixed bag of interesting snippets and disappointing waffle. What is surely one of the most controversial of episodes, A Suitable Marriage, deals with British xenophobia and the social acceptability of homosexuality. Sadly, it is desultorily narrated by George Innes, who, in the role of Alfred the footman runs away with his lover, the Baron von Rimmer. Innes seems more interested in remarking on the attractiveness of his female co-stars than offering any insight into the dramatic action. He even hums along with the theme tune at the end.