Masterpiece: Mr. Selfridge Season 2

Loved this series!

Jeremy Pivens is one of those actors who never get the handsome hero role but manage to upstage the hero in every scene. He's a real craftsman in this business, a superlative choice for any project he likes. What an actor!The concept of Mr. Selfridge is unique and tremendously entertaining. Here is the history of modern shopping set in post-Victorian England where the concept of the department store emerged. The pilot does a great job of creating interest in how we came to appreciate the idea of shopping as a pasttime. Mr. Selfridge, the historical character, was one of those larger-than-life personalities willing to bet his life on an idea that all others thought was insane-shopping for fun.Every actor/actress selected for this series is capable of playing the lead in any other production but here they are even stronger in this team of talented players. Every story line created for their characters is interesting and compelling. And the writing is quite good, as well.The photography is enchanting. We tend to glamorize the past, especially the English past, with lush country estates and fashionable town homes, all full of servants and socializing. But Mr. Selfridge manages to give life to the grit of that existence, the difficulties and struggles of life before the modern conveniences that we so take for granted. All the while, the show illustrates the beauty of this challenging time period, the excitement of a new time arriving almost daily, the awesome power of creative minds unleashed. Watch it. Be educated. And entertained!

A really wonderful series about a marketing pioneer at the turn of 20th century London. And it is a show about leadership -- how it's built, how it's maintained, and how -- when it is good -- it motivates, inspires and changes the lives of those who are exposed to it. The series has heart - lots of it. I came to care deeply and feel real affection for every key character in this tale of, of all things, early 20th Century retailing. Imagine "Are You Being Served" as told with the sophistication of "Downton Abbey." There's much humor, pathos, heartaches, triumphs, highs, lows and, well, life here to keep you coming back for more. I should tell you that it takes about three episodes to get into the show's rhythm -- and to get past the suspicion that Jeremy Piven (Harry Selfridge) is over-acting. (I had actually stopped watching because his acting seemed so overcooked; but my sister told me -- as I tell you -- to stay with it...) I soon found myself becoming-- dare I say this? -- emotionally involved with these finely honed, deeply explored, utterly human characters Lush, accurate, detailed, magnificent sets, historically accurate cars, planes and costumes really make this show a visual extravaganza. But it is the wonderful, deep, delightful, and intelligent characters that make this show really so enjoyable and even memorable. Don't miss this one. I found it to be sensational.

It's interesting: after watching something like Adam Curtis' "The Century of the Self", to find that we now live in a society in which department stores, their creation and their culture, are considered high art, you really begin to wonder where concepts like "depth" and "meaning" went.But this is a great soap opera, told in the way only the British imagination can conceive them: with lots of narcissism, glamour, and fiction. The characters could have been written by Charles Dickens. The plots are vivid, lurid, languid, torrid, and, what the hell, let's just forget the first syllable and stick with "id". It works for all the [male] characters; it should work for the rest of us with both an "x" and a "y" chromosome.Three cheers for Edward Bernays' famous uncle. I think I'll let my therapist and everybody in group know how good these are...

Rose and the girls return from the U.S. to celebrate the 5th anniversary of Selfridge's. Lady Loxley warns Delphine to get out of town or she spills the beans to Rose. Harry continues to mend his philandering ways and is sincerely taking steps to win back Rose. The war is starting and women begin working in the loading dock and Josie finds love again, then not, then finds it again. Harry clears his name and his reputation is restored after Lord Loxley lied and manipulated the press. I'm really not liking Roger much anymore.

Love this show. I don't watch TV on a regular basis as I don't have cable. However, once in a while someone recommends a show so I try it out. Often I don't get through the first season. I have now watched the entire 4 seasons and am craving more!!! Great characters, character development, interesting and sometimes devastating twists in the plot and one never knows what Mr. Selfridge will think of to enthrall us.If you particularly like British shows, this is not typical. Though it obviously has that sway as it is based in London. The Selfridges are US expats and play very large and colorful roles in the show. They learn quickly how British society works, conforming some, but more often bringing change and innovation. Very refreshing, even if Mr. S is a bit of a cad at times. His life and his mores morph often over the course of the 4 seasons. One thing is clear, he loves his wife, despite his "appetites" and she gets stronger and more independent with each season. They're both delightful as is Lady Mae...can't get enough of her. She's wicked and kind and someone whom it takes a long time to get a handle on and then she changes.Have fun!!

This is a wonderful series....I loved it !

Fun

Fabulous region A Blu Ray content.... HD transfer is astonishing.... season 2 had a richer colour palate than the 1st season and the HD transfer does this justice.. I have a Blu ray player that did initially reject this disk but when I pressed "Top Menu" it accessed the content. So I think these disks are not totally region locked... anyway... buy a region free player if you love this series... because a low resolution DVD is a ridiculous compromise.... UK distributers should hang their heads in shame at not gracing this with HD hardcopy....

Quite simply a masterpiece of period drama with lavish sets, great cast and superb acting. Jeremy Piven has his critics but you cannot fail to see the warmth in his eyes in this series. I rarely write a review but felt this was one that had to be done

The dvd won't play it says suitable for region A what does this mean

The series keeps up a good pace and holds one's attention - mine anyway. There are some very good actors as is usual in British shows. The era seems to be faithfully presented, especially the role of the shop girls, and those who aspire to something 'better.' I found the stories to be quite believable. And of course the fashions are great, and the wonderful depiction of luxury.Now that we suffer Big Box stores everywhere, it is refreshing to see the almost profligate ways of the 'Department Store' in its glory days.Having an American play the lead role certainly added authenticity. He's done a great job.

The story continues with the same passion of Season 1, it's a tale you just don't want to end, you can't get enough of being immersed in the luxury of his store. Amazing that it still stands equal to Harrods.The only dislike was the fact they changed a couple of actors from series 1 to 2 but the parts are not leading & one soon adapts.British excellence!, No one could be disappointed with this purchase, I just hope there will be a series 3 ?!