We loved Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale. It was a stunning ending for all of our beloved characters. Now, you can watch the Crawleys and their staff say goodbye at home, as the film is available for digital purchase and rental today. (Yes, already!) In honor of the occasion, Focus Features has released an exclusive behind-the-scenes clip for us. It breaks down the costumes of the Ascot racing scene in Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale!
Downton Abbey always does the production values well. Throughout 6 seasons of television and three films, viewers knew everything would look beautiful. The costumes in particular are consistently gorgeous, and The Grand Finale is no exception. It takes the characters into 1930 and makes them look good doing it. The sequence that takes place at the Royal Ascot horse race is a fashionista’s dream, with gorgeous dresses on all the women and great hats on everyone. The Crawley women really stand out, with Lady Mary (Michelle Dockery) in royal blue (appropriate!), Lady Edith (Laura Carmichael) in pink, and their mother, Cora (Elizabeth McGovern), in mint green. In another great detail, Mary and Cora even have on chic sunglasses! (Yes, sunglasses had been mass-produced since 1929, so this detail is not anachronistic.)
This clip features behind-the-scenes footage of the Ascot sequence. Though we don’t get time with any of the main cast members, we get a lot of information about those amazing outfits. Costume designer Anna Mary Scott Robbins says dressing the actors “was about pulling together the best of what there is out there.” They certainly did that. Actress Joely Richardson, who plays Lady Petersfield in the film, gushes that “each costume is perfected to the nth degree.” Given the incredible array of clothes and accessories on display, I would have to agree.
Besides that, I really enjoyed the fact that this clip also has input from the historical advisor for the Downton Abbey franchise, Alistair Bruce. He seems quite proud of his cameos in the series and films, and I don’t blame him. Who wouldn’t want to live in the Crawleys’ world, at least for a little while? Learning more about the costumes from this clip just makes it more appealing.
Enjoy the clip below!
EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES AVAILABLE WHEN YOU BUY AT PARTICIPATING DIGITAL RETAILERS:
- Changing Times – Cast and filmmakers discuss how the changing times of the era helped lay the groundwork for the characters’ happy endings while providing audiences with the optimism that they will continue on successfully into the modern world.
- Society Season – DOWNTON ABBEY: THE GRAND FINALE takes audiences along as the Crawleys participate in the London season, a traditional period of prestigious events in British high society. Here, the cast and filmmakers explore the details of how these events come together throughout the film.
- Lady Petersfield’s Ball
- Ascot Race
- The County Show
- Authentic to the Core – The cast, filmmakers, and historical advisor Alastair Bruce reveal the work and details that went into bringing historical authenticity to the film.
- A Farewell to Fans – The cast and filmmakers share heartfelt messages expressing their immense gratitude for the fans’ unwavering support and love for the franchise.
- DOWNTON ABBEY Celebrates THE GRAND FINALE – Hugh Bonneville invites the entire cast of DOWNTON ABBEY to a high-tea celebration of their global hit franchise. The beloved stars share stories, confessions, and music as they bring their DOWNTON journey to a close with a toast to the third and final film, including a world-exclusive scene.
- Feature Commentary with Director Simon Curtis and Actress Elizabeth McGovern
Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale is now available for purchase and rental on digital platforms, now!
