laurel and hardy collectors edition dvd review

The DVD release includes a Digital Copy, the caveat being that many of these films aren’t restored, so your experience with the titles may vary. Many of the films have cracking and hissing, while there are noticeable specks and blemishes on some of the older films, including 1923’s “White Wings” which is also of pretty crummy quality.

That said, the set while imperfect, might make a great addition to completists of classic comedy, silent films, and “Laurel & Hardy.” I had a good time mining the material, as I love the comedy duo.

This entry was posted in Collector's Den and tagged Comedy, Laurel and Hardy, Short Film, Silent. Reilly is an odd choice to play Oliver Hardy, though his natural comic abilities and musical talent make him inspired casting. Once he’s under makeup that took four hours to apply, Reilly performance becomes a heartfelt tribute. It’s more than just the physical mimicry found in the recreations of scenes from films like “Way Out West,” it’s also a portrait of a man whose body is finally taking its revenge for his youthful, hard-living excesses. The passage of time manifests itself in Reilly’s carriage the man we see in 1953 when this film is set has far less vitality than when we see him briefly in 1937. Matching Reilly beat for beat is Steve Coogan, whose resemblance to Stan Laurel is also rather uncanny. The two actors have exceptional chemistry-we can easily believe they’d worked together for decades because they are so in sync. Laurel, the writing half of the pair, is constantly bouncing ideas for verbal and visual gags off Hardy, and their push and pull feels lived in and genuine.

Laurel and hardy collection dvd review movie#.

Laurel and hardy collectors edition dvd review