downton abbey {weekend}

I don't have cable.  If I watch tv it's either onDemand at Dan's house or netflix at my parents.  Last year I watched season one of downton abbey on netflix and was hooked.  

Last week I saw this photo on a blog and knew I had to get caught up with seasons two and three.  

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This weekend I watched all of season two, which didn't seem that bad until I figured out that that was nine hours of television plus the 2 hour season three premiere.  

I'm not ashamed (well, maybe just a bit).  But it was wonderful.  I sat on my parents couch in my big comfy sweater (a Christmas present from Dan's parents) with a hot cup of tea and fell even more in love with Downton. 

As much as I love the characters and the storyline and the gorgeous clothes, I think what I love most is the gorgeous shots of the english countryside and the beautiful camera angles.  

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I don't really know much about "the industry", so I'm not sure who to credit: director, producer, camera man, etc.  But some of the shots are so gorgeous I can't take my eyes off the screen.  The snow scene above is one of my favorites.

And when Mary and Matthew are dancing and the camera is spinning around them.

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While watching I was reminded of those award shows, where I always got bored through the awards for best score and best cinematography and best set design. (Maybe I've matured?!)  But those elements add so much to this show.  I don't think I would be as entranced without them.

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I love the shots where the background or foreground is blurred.  It's so beautiful and always comes at the perfect time.

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I'm not sure the exact term for it, but I love the mix of close up and wide camera shots and especially those of the english countryside. 

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 Although I think they've exaggerated those blue skies a bit.  I don't remember those much when I lived in England.

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If someone could make a planet earth dvd of downton abbey, I would be sold!

LMF