The Marx Brothers Collection (A Night at The Opera/A Day at The Races/A Night in Casablanca/Room Service/At the Circus/Go West/The Big Store)

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When it comes to long-awaited treats like The Marx Brothers Collection, you can never get too much of a good thing. These seven comedies can't compare to the sheer lunacy of the five classics (The Cocoanuts, Animal Crackers, Monkey Business, Horse Feathers, and Duck Soup) that the Marx Bros. made for Paramount between 1929 and 1933 (available in The Marx Brothers Silver Screen Collection), but when uber-producer Irving Thalberg signed Groucho, Harpo, and Chico to an MGM contract in 1935 (by which time sibling costar Zeppo had become the team's off-screen manager), he knew just how to cure their box-office blues. As a result, A Night at the Opera and A Day at the Races were critical and commercial hits, lavishly produced according to the "Tiffany" studio's golden-age formula of glamorous set pieces and musical numbers combined with sensible plots that smoothly integrated snappy, well-written Marxian antics. Opera is the jewel of this set, with timeless scenes (the Stateroom, the Groucho-Chico contract negotiation, etc.) that rank among the greatest bits of silver-screen comedy... not to mention Groucho's flirtatious insults at Margaret Dumont's upper-crust expense.

A Day at the Races deserves near-equal acclaim ("Get-a your tootsie-fruitsie ice cream!"), but Thalberg's death in 1937 dealt a devastating blow, and the Marxes suffered from studio indifference, resulting in a succession of comedies that are timelessly enjoyable even as they fall prey to diminishing returns. By the time they made Go West and The Big Store, the Marxes were out of their element, and a few of the musical interludes indulge racial stereotypes that were common in the studio era. Despite this, these movies remain fresh and frantic, and Warner Bros. (holder of the RKO and MGM libraries) has done a marvelous job of packaging The Marx Brothers Collection to nostalgically approximate the filmgoing experience of the 1930s and '40s, with vintage shorts (Our Gang, Robert Benchley comedies, MGM cartoons, etc.) from the time of each feature's original release. Archival materials are slim but worthwhile (especially Groucho's 1961 interview with TV talk-show host Hy Gardner), and while Glenn Mitchell's commentary on Races is sparse and superficial, Leonard Maltin brings his usual superfan's enthusiasm and encyclopedic knowledge to bear on a full-length Opera commentary track. The new documentaries are somewhat redundant, but essential viewing for Marx Bros. neophytes. With all seven films presented in pristine condition, this is definitely a Marx Brothers Collection worth having. --Jeff Shannon

Description

This set includes seven of only thirteen Marx Brothers films ever made! Collection includes: "A Night at the Opera" (1935) - The Marx Brothers turn Mrs. Claypool's opera into chaos in their efforts to help two young hopefuls get a break. It contains the famous scene where Groucho, Chico and Harpo cram a ship's stateroom with wall-to-wall people, gags, one-liners, musical riffs and two hard-boiled eggs. "A Day at the Races" (1937) - Groucho stars as Hugo Z. Hackenbush, a horse veterinarian dispensing horse pills and quips with equal glee. Chico selling racing tips, Harpo destroying a piano to turn it into a harp and favorite foil actress Margaret Dumont make this thoroughbred comedy wall-to-wall hilarity. "A Night in Casablanca" (1946) - This parody of the Bogart/Bergman 1943 classic features the Nazis vs. the "nutsies" as the Marx Brothers foil Axis criminals when they find stolen jewels and paintings Nazis have hidden in a hotel. "Room Service"/"At the Circus" - These two films are combined on one disc to provide double doses of laughter. In "Room Service" (1938), Lucille Ball and Ann Miller provide comic co-star support while the Marx Brothers play producers trying to keep their show above water and a hotel room over their head. In "At the Circus" (1939) Groucho stars as professional shyster lawyer J. Cheever Loophole in the middle of big-top bedlam as the boys try to save the circus and look to Margaret Dumont for the money to do so. Groucho sings one of his famous songs, "Lydia the Tattooed Lady." "Go West"/"The Big Store" - Another Marx Brothers twin bill makes this a hilarious comedy "two-fer." In the first, the Marxmen "Go West" (1940) to the land of outlaws and Indians where the fun never stops and where they outwit a land grabber. In "The Big Store" (1941), Groucho plays Attorney Wolf J. Flywheel who with sidekick Wacky (Harpo) and bodyguard Ravelli (Chico) are investigating the shady dealings of a crooked department store owner. Bonus extras include commentary by Leonard Maltin.

Customer Reviews:

A lot of laughs here.......2007-09-11

This set features the 3 Marx Brothers - Zeppo had left by this time. The first 2 films they did after Zeppo left are both 5 star classics. "Night at the Opera" is famous for its stateroom scene and Chico selling Groucho all the racing programs he'll need in "Day at The Races" are true classics. "Room Service" was not specifically written for the Marx Brothers and it's really not that good for a Marx Brothers movie- 3 stars. "Go West", "At the Circus" and "A Night in Casablanca" are all pretty good although not great- all in the 3.5 to 4 star area, better than "Room Service" but not the equal of their earlier classics. One of the problems with these movies is that MGM put in too much (bad) singing and dancing and less Marx Brothers comedy into these movies. The Brothers were always funny but they were at their best when not weighted down by too many characters and songs that no one cared to hear.
All in all- 4 stars. Some great ones, some very good ones and one just okay movie here.

An honest to goodness classic comedy!!!!!!.......2007-06-14

If you want a good clean entertainment and a good laugh, and a classic fun, then the Marx Brothers are for you.

Classics.......2007-05-24

By today's standards, these films are fairly slow-paced in places. Even some of the jokes seem lame in contrast to today's vulgarity. But if you've never seen the Marx Bros at the top of their game, you've gotta see this collection. Fast forward through the occasional sappy romantic bits if you must. Savor the interaction between Harpo and Chico and Groucho. I promise you'll laugh.

still laughing.......2007-05-13

The best of the Marx Brothers comes alive into our living room . I laughed when I was a kid , and now when my Grandchildren come over , they want to watch the Marx Brothers, and I still laugh at their satire . It's as funny now as it was back in my younger years . I'm glad my Grandchildren love them , and I hope their Grandchildren love the Marx Brothers also . It's hard to find good clean entertainment now days , and these movies are classics . I recommend the Marx Brothers for anyone who needs a laugh , and an afternoon for good entertainment .
Dan F. Meacham

The Marvelous Marx Brothers Collection!.......2007-03-31

This collection showcases some of the Marx Brothers' biggest film hits. Kitty Carlisle (who was a guest on television's "What's My Line?" in the 1960s) does her own operatic singing in "A Night at the Opera." She is interviewed, with Dom DeLuise and others, in a DVD featurette included in this collection, and talks about that wild, wonderful association with the Brothers. An interview with Groucho Marx reveals the true story of what happened in producer Irving Thalberg's office when he made the mistake of keeping the brothers waiting too long for scheduled meetings! These movies are classics and give today's "movies" more than a run for their money! Well worth ordering, viewing, and treasuring forever.

Average customer rating:

For art-house film lovers, mostly.
BORING AND FORGETTABLE
this is the best of Tarkovsky's movies
masterpiece
Ponderous film-making at its best!

Stalker: A Film by Andrei Tarkovsky
Starring: Aleksandr Kajdanovsky , Alisa Frejndlikh , Anatoli Solonitsyn , Nikolai Grinko , and Natasha Abramova
Director: Andrei Tarkovsky
Manufacturer: Kino Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B000I8OOG0
Release Date: 2006-11-07

Amazon.com

Challenging, provocative, and ultimately rewarding, Andrei Tarkovsky's Stalker is a mind-bending experience that defies explanation. Like Tarkovsky's earlier and similarly enigmatic science fiction classic Solaris, this long, slow, meditative masterpiece demands patience and total attention; anyone accustomed to faster pacing is likely to abandon the nearly three-hour film before its first hour is over. On the other hand, those who approach Tarkovsky's work in a properly receptive (and wide awake) frame of mind are likely to appreciate the film's seductive depth of theme and hypnotic imagery. Set in what appears to be a post-apocalyptic future (although the time-frame is never specified), the eerie and unsettling story focuses on the title character, Stalker (Aleksandr Kajdanovsky), who leads characters known only as the Writer (Anatoli Solonitsyn) and the Scientist (or Professor, played by Nikolai Grinko) into a mysterious region called The Zone. Tarkovsky films their journey as a long odyssey, or religious pilgrimage, and center of The Zone--said to be under an alien influence--is where each of these men hopes to find a kind of personal transcendence. Despite obvious parallels to The Wizard of Oz, Tarkovsky's film is devoid of special effects or any fantastical elements typically associated with science fiction or fantasy. Instead, Stalker makes astonishing use of sound and bleak-but-beautiful imagery to envelope the viewer into the eerie atmosphere of The Zone and the dank, colorless landscape that surrounds it. And while the film's glacial pacing may be off-putting to some viewers, there's no denying that Stalker has a mesmerizing power of its own, including a thought-provoking and highly debatable ending that propels the film to a higher level of meaning and significance. --Jeff Shannon

Customer Reviews:

For art-house film lovers, mostly........2007-08-13

The cinematography and imagery in the film are truly compelling and memorable. There is also something intriguing about the concept - the stalker (faith) leading the writer (art) and the professor (science) into the Zone - and the journey's culmination, which I think has something to do with the fear of what we are truly capable of, what we truly desire. Unfortunately, the film is simply too slow and too long for me. It drags on for 2 1/2 hours. I had to watch it in 3 installments so I wouldn't fall asleep. So I lost much of the continuity. If you love cinema and film theory, you might love this film. There really is a lot film lovers could take from the film. But if you lean more toward the summer blockbuster, you might not so much.

BORING AND FORGETTABLE.......2007-07-14

I read the book in which this movie is based, "Roadside Picnic" and I was blown away by it. That's a real masterpiece. When I saw tarkovsky's film, I was so disappointed. Endless shots of the back of people's necks, or long shots of rotting swamps...Slow and boring movie...Talk, talk, and more talk. The book got into the soul of the characters, but the actors in this movie just talk endlessly about philosophy. So boring. Now I've heard the americans are trying to make this a Hollywood movie. I just hope they don't go to the other extreme and make it a crapfest with alien monsters, explosions and rambo-like shootouts. I give the book the highest mark possible...The movie is just boring and long and forgettable.

this is the best of Tarkovsky's movies.......2007-06-17

This movie speaks in different ways to different people and even for the same viewer there are different levels of understanding the messages depending on how many times you've watched the movie or what other new spiritual experiences you may have had in between.

One can not simply like this movie, you either "worship" Tarkovsky for this creation or you consider it a boring piece of crap. This depends on the individual line of horizon.

masterpiece.......2007-05-25

Stalker is a rare movie experience. If you have seen other works from Tarkovsky then you will love this one. However if you are new to Tarkovsky then this may be a bit of a challenge. The film is long and slow - a bit like a dream. You have to concentrate throughout the movie and come to your own conclusions and interpretation at the end.

The story has been explained by other reviewers so I wont bother repeating what they have already said.

The acting and cinematography are faultless. Throughout the movie I felt as if I was on the journey to the "Zone" with the 3 main characters. So many of the images could stand alone as a photographic work of art.

The quality of the DVD is excellent reproducing the desired look that Tarkovsky wanted.

Sometimes I feel that "Stalker" is not a film - it feels more like a dream with a philosophical theme.

I am truly lost for words. Let me add that "Stalker" would be on my top 10 list of greatest films ever made and considering how many fine movies have been made over the years it is very high praise indeed.

In conclusion, if you are a mainstream movie goer and love films like Spiderman and Starwars then this film may not be for you. Rent the DVD if you can and at least see it once. You may be surprised at how much you like it.

Ponderous film-making at its best!.......2007-04-15

I read many rave reviews of this film and so bought it confident that I would enjoy the film. Admittedly I'm not a fanboy of Tarkovsky, but I had heard of the storyline of "Roadside Picnic" which this was inspired by and which has translated into a fabulous computer game (Stalker -- 2007). I was fully expecting something strange and perhaps slow, but had an otherwise open mind. The beginning of the movie is intriguing -- the Stalker and his companions plan to penetrate into the Zone past the military checkpoint. This they carry off at great risk to themselves. Finally clear of the military, they confront the Zone itself with all its dangers. They confront the first appearance of an anomaly in great trepidation. There is a glimpse of something unusual in the tall grass. All this should set the heart of players of the game Stalker racing, and without having read the book, I would imagine up to this point the movie is very faithful to the story.

Now had Tarkovsky continued in however minimal a fashion with this great opening, the film would have been stunning. But the highpoint of the film after this point -- or, excuse me, the highpoint of the action in the film -- would be an encounter with a real dog. The interim period up until the finale, which had its moments, consists of long looks at murky mud puddles and beautiful long pans of an ugly albeit colorful landscape. It's an internal film, all right, which is another way to say it is stupefyingly boring unless you're just fine with zero action. This was Tarkovsky's stated intention -- he knew the story and could have made a post apocalyptic film like so many others, but he wanted something different.

I'm sure I'm in the minority on this one -- otherwise why would so many wax poetic on the brilliance of this film? But from the perspective of one with a fairly high tolerance for oddity and slow spots, I must say this movie is worth a rental but a hard sell for a permanent spot in ones collection. I drifted in and out of conciousness trying to stay awake to see something interesting. Beautifully photographed and musically scored, this is a yawner of staggering eminence. Here's hoping someone will adapt the story with a bit of Tarkovsky's genius without his obsessions, which I'm afraid render the whole affair rather sterile.

The Lovin' Spoonful with John Sebastian - Do You Believe in Magic

Average customer rating:

Do you believe in magic??
The magic's in the music -- always

The Lovin' Spoonful with John Sebastian - Do You Believe in Magic
Starring: The Lovin' Spoonful
Manufacturer: Standing Room Only
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000Q66Q1K
Release Date: 2007-07-31

Product Description

The Music of John Sebastian & The Lovin Spoonful features classic, full-length TV performances of their chart-topping hits performed by group members Steve Boone, Joe Butler, Zal Yanovsky and John Sebastian. Our host on this nostalgic journey is John Sebastian himself, who not only provides fascinating insights into the creation of the band and their music but also into some of the milestone moments of the group s career. Songlist: Do You Believe in Magic, You Didn't Have To Be So Nice, Daydream, Did You Ever Have To Make Up Your Mind, Rain On The Roof, Summer in the City, Nashville Cats, She's Still A Mystery. Also Darling Be Home Soon and Welcome Back (Kotter) performed by John Sebastian. Bonus Features: John Sebastian Commentary on Childhood and Musical Influences, Greenwich Village and the Folk Scene, Forming the Lovin' Spoonful, Songwriting. Reflections: John Sebastian and Denny Doherty (Mamas and Papas) pay tribute to Zal Yanovsky. "Tower of Song" interview with Zal Yanovsky.

Customer Reviews:

Do you believe in magic??.......2007-09-08

No, I don't and for good reasons: The Lovin' Spoonful had very few songs who really survived the times and these few good songs, back then and of course today, seems too sweat. I could disregard all these facts (as I knew the facts before purchasing this DVD) but, the DVD itself is not edited as it should be, Mr. Sebastian did not lose his self admiration through the years and the interviews seem out of contents. It was nice to go back to the so called good old days but, no more than this. You can skip this one; nobody will notice that you don't have it in your catalogue.

The magic's in the music -- always.......2007-08-18

There are certain songs whose opening chords will always draw me in so completely that I have no way to express what I'm feeling. It doesn't matter that I've heard the song countless times. It doesn't matter that the song may mean something different to me now from what it did when I was younger. I made the soul connection to the song long ago. Such is the case with "Do You Believe In Magic," the first of 10 songs the Lovin' Spoonful took into the Top 30 between September 1965 and November 1967.

Perhaps not surprisingly, it is also the main title of a new DVD that is a fond look back at the band, its songs, and a time in popular music when it seemed that, virtually every day, listeners were treated to an exciting new sound. There was such a wealth of great songwriting, talented musicians, memorable singers, and innovative production techniques back then. The Lovin' Spoonful, or "the Spoons" as my friends and I usually called them, embodied all those qualities. The four original members -- John Sebastian, Zal Yanovsky, Joe Butler and Steve Boone -- and later, Jerry Yester, wrote, sang and played their own music. And that music, while drawing from the blues, country, jug band, folk, Chuck Berry, and Motown, remains unique in its sound and substance. It also remains some of the best of what Top 40 radio offered in the mid-1960s.

This DVD, which clocks in at a little over an hour, is not a typical music documentary. It doesn't feature an overly serious narrator taking you from point A to point B to point C in the band's evolution. It doesn't go into the reasons for personnel changes or the band's eventual breakup. At the center of this presentation are vintage performance clips taken mostly from the band's various TV appearances plus two John Sebastian solo gigs.

Sebastian is our on-screen host. He provides insights -- always informative and often very amusing -- into the songs' histories and the creative process in developing the songs. (I've known the background story, including the musical genesis, of "Do You Believe In Magic" for years, but it's still great to see and hear John explain it in his own matchless fashion.) He also provides a slew of stories about the people and places most closely associated with the Spoons. Having seen him in concert several times going back 30 years or more, I can tell you he is just as warm and funny and intelligent and entertaining in front of a camera as he is on stage. The other two key elements to this DVD are listed as extras: (1) Sebastian's on-screen commentaries about his life and career, with more good stuff on the Spoons and their music (including his idea for the opening riff to DYBIM); and (2) a segment titled "Reflections" that features rare (but all-too-brief) interview clips of "Papa" Denny Doherty and former Spoons guitar hero Zally Yanovsky.

I gave this DVD four stars rather than five because, as someone who's a junkie for rock 'n' roll facts and trivia, there was little in the way of even basic identification during the main segment of performance clips. I mean, judging from the clips that are in color and the clips that are in black and white, along with the stage sets themselves, I'm guessing most of the Spoons' performance clips were taken from The Ed Sullivan Show (the closing credits allude to this). Judging from the set and the number of dancers, I'm guessing the clip of the Spoons performing "Do You Believe In Magic" may be from the documentary film, The Big T.N.T. Show. And I'm pretty sure the clip of "You Didn't Have To Be So Nice" with Peter Noone's intro of the band is from Hullabaloo. The nonparticipation of the other surviving Spoons (Zally died in 2002) is also regrettable. It may have given the DVD a stronger sense of completeness. (And frankly, it would have been great to see John and his former bandmates, who haven't always been on the best of speaking terms over the years, sitting together in the same room and sharing their stories with us.)

Still, this program is very entertaining. For those of us who will always count the Spoons' music as essential to our well-being, this DVD is a treat to watch. So, despite its flaws, one could argue the overall presentation here is in keeping with the band's musical legacy. A documentary that was "warts and all" might well have detracted from what the Spoons were all about. "Positive," "wistful," "knowing," "romantic" (but never sappy), "wry" -- these and other terms I've always attached to the Lovin' Spoonful's music. It was a great time to be alive. Years ago I heard my folks talkin' one night when I had the Spoons cranked up on my stereo. And I heard Mama say to Papa, "Let those boys rock and roll."

Average customer rating:

One of the Best!
Depicting a worshipful heart and a beautiful spirit
To the Throne Room and Beyond!!!!!!
Anointing Overflow
Fabulous in every way and detail! 10 stars!

Live in the Throne Room
Starring: CeCe Winans
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0002VEYPE
Release Date: 2004-09-14

Customer Reviews:

One of the Best!.......2007-09-10

This has to be one of, if not THE best gospel dvd I have ever purchased. The song selection is good, the sound is spectacular even on my little tv and the visual is of very high quality. The concert flows as if you were really there and you will find yourself singing and worshipping along with CeCe. The background singers were on point, the musicians and song arrangements were excellent and the extras are even fun to watch. Professional all the way around. I can't say enough good things about this DVD!

Depicting a worshipful heart and a beautiful spirit.......2007-07-06

I'm a huge Cece fan and have always been, so it was no surprise that I loved this DVD...BUT I'm writing this review 2 years after I purchased it because well, because I watched it last night for the hundredth time and am still in awe of how truly sincere Cece Winans is in worship.

If you've never been blessed with the opportunity to experience her in concert live, this is a wonderful substitute. Her heart shows in it and it's a wonderful aid and backdrop to personal worship...much like the Throne Room CD...just more intense. I pop it in anytime and just praise and worship for hours.

Beautiful woman inside and out, beautiful voice, wonderful investment. This DVD wasn't just a purchase for me, it was certainly an investment as it's bolstered my spirits and worship time many a day. Heaven forbid, but if I break or loose it....I'd get a replacement copy ASAP!!!

To the Throne Room and Beyond!!!!!!.......2006-08-02

Cece Winans has to be the most talented and versatile gospel artist out there today. Hey, I know to all the Yolanda Adams and Karen Clark Sheard fans, you may beg to differ, but once you obtain this DVD you will understand a little more what I'm saying. You can feel the love and deep anointing come straight from your DVD to your heart. Just fast forward to "Beautiful" first and then start back at the beginning. If Bebe Winans was on this joint it would just be to explosive to watch. Cece looks so stunning and listen to the background singers because they are no joke! They hit every note that Cece does and thats outstanding for any group whether gospel or R&B. I purchased first recording that was done in New York and I was disappointed because of how dark and dreary everything looked. This is not the case on "The Throne Room" It's wonderful! It a blessing and to see her children growing up and sharing the stage makes it that much better. You will not be disappointed when you get this one.

Anointing Overflow.......2006-07-21

This DVD is simply an overflow and a taste of what true worship is like. It's genuine and humbling. Cece is sincere and passionate and it truly shows in this DVD. I was just thankful that she did this DVD and I was fortunate enough to come across it and purchase it. It's one of the best things I could have done all year for my faith in 2006. THRONE ROOM to say the least is an overflow of the anointing on Cece poured into an hour and a half of recording. Refreshingly anointed***.

Fabulous in every way and detail! 10 stars!.......2006-04-18

This is how a concert should be filmed! Stunning lighting, direction, audio, band, etc. A very pleasing mix of wide shots, side shots, walk-around shots, over audience shots, and many stunning close-up shots. It could not have been filmed or directed any better!

CeCe is backed by a talented 6 piece jazz/rock band and three vocalists. This group is fabulous and I expecially enjoyed the Hammand B3 keyboard player, but all are great. The music is gospel/jazz/rock style with some inspiring slower pieces but many uptempo pieces as well that get Cece and the audience dancing and jumping and whatever, all in praise to God.

The addition of a group of young dancers on some songs (choreographed by Cece's son I believe) adds to the spirit and fun. Also included is a well made behind-the-scenes bonus clip that shows all of the hard work and detail that went into putting the large stage and show together. It really made me appreciate the work involved!

It must be said that CeCe is not just stunningly beautiful and radiant, but also truly humble and this is shown in the very ending of the concert when the band takes the final last bars of music to close the show, in a fabulous energetic musical ending (watch the drummer!). CeCe has graciously stepped aside almost off stage, to let the band shine here. She could have stayed out front, but instead she stepped out of the spotlight and let the band have their moment of glory, and I know of really no other concert I've seen where a lead singer has ever done the same thing! CeCe- you are so wonderfull!

Icons of Horror - Boris Karloff (The Boogie Man Will Get You/The Black Room/The Man They Could Not Hang/Before I Hang)

Average customer rating:

Quite passable...
Interesting Collection
An Unsung Karloff Performance
Lesser Karloff with at least one good film
Krisp Karloff Kollection

Icons of Horror - Boris Karloff (The Boogie Man Will Get You/The Black Room/The Man They Could Not Hang/Before I Hang)
Starring: Boris Karloff , Marian Marsh , Robert Allen , Thurston Hall , and John Buckler
Director: Roy William Neill , and Nick Grinde
Manufacturer: Sony Pictures
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000HEVZ7G
Release Date: 2006-10-17

Amazon.com

Boris Karloff made his fame during the great horror cycle at Universal Pictures in the 1930s, but he also flaunted his iconic status at other studios. At Columbia, Karloff etched a handful of good mad doctor roles (notably The Devil Commands, available on a separate DVD) and other oddities. Four of these mostly low-budget pictures are gathered in this two-disc set--which, if not a collection of classics, is nevertheless a real boon for Karloffians.

Although it is called the Icons of Horror Collection, the "horror" is more macabre mood than monster mash. The best (and best-looking) film in the set, 1935's The Black Room, is a wonderfully lurid costume romp with Karloff in a dual role: twin brothers who inherit a baronage but live under a family curse. One is good, one bad, and happily enough, the bad brother has the upper hand. Karloff is in terrific form, and the film features a secret chamber (complete with torture pit) that provides just the right Gothic oomph. Director Roy William Neill later did Frankenstein Meets the Wolf Man.

The Man They Could Not Hang, from 1939, is a solid mad-scientist picture. Karloff's Dr. Savaard has perfected a re-animation process, but the police arrest him before he can revive a student--and so the doctor is sentenced to death for murder. The hanging isn't a problem, not when the doctor's assistant has the process down pat, and now Karloff can take elaborate revenge. Before I Hang (1940) opens a similar vein, with Karloff once again sentenced to death and this time conducting experiments in prison (aided by Edward Van Sloan, filmdom's original Van Helsing). However, using a murderer's blood in the secret serum proves a fatal mistake.... These cheaply-made films are solid enough programmers of the era, and surprisingly literate--although it would be a stretch to call them scary.

The Boogie Man Will Get You (1942) goes the comedy route, spoofing Karloff's image as a white-haired gentleman who should not be allowed to run experiments in the basement. An Arsenic and Old Lace vibe prevails (Karloff had been starring in the stage production), and the labored comedy has Karloff and Peter Lorre using boarders at an early-American hotel as subjects for experiments. Larry Parks and "Slapsie Maxie" Rosenbloom co-star. Lorre, who's in his slim Maltese Falcon period, is as sly and peculiar as ever; of course, he and Karloff would team up again for more horror-comedy in the 1960s: The Raven and Comedy of Terrors. --Robert Horton

Description

Boris Karloff was to the Horror Movie what Fred Astaire was to the Musical: the epitome of class and style. No matter how grisly the circumstances, he'd rise above them with talent, poise and even charm. And here, for the first time on DVD, are four of his finest chillers from his peak years in the 1930s and 1940s, all demonstrating his amazing range. In The Black Room, he plays twin brothers -- one good, one evil, naturally -- in a small country where beautiful women seem to turn up missing. The Man They Could Not Hang and Before I Hang present him in his classic "Mad Doctor" persona as forward-thinking scientists who run afoul of the law and become crazed killers. And in The Boogie Man Will Get You, he sends up that image in a delightful farce that also stars Peter Lorre (M) and Larry Parks (The Jolson Story). It's a collection all fervent classic-horror fans have been eagerly waiting for!

Customer Reviews:

Quite passable..........2007-08-23

I bought this edition for one movie only...The Black Room. Even William K. Everson in his "Classics of the Horror Film" (the book that turned me into horror flicks like no other book) didn't have much to say about this one. But the few photos in the same book spoke a different language though.
And what can I say? The Black Room is sure the gem in this otherwise mixed bag. The Man They Could Not Hang and Before I Hang I find pretty mediocre, with the first being slightly better than the latter.
On the other hand The Boogie Man Will Get You in my humble opinion is a complete failure. How could a movie starring Karloff and Peter Lorre and directed by Lew Landers be such a mess? With all respect to 40s humor, which was of course quite different to what we are used to today, movies such as Hold That Ghost, yes, even King of the Zombies prove that there was much more than this flick could ever offer. A complete waste of Karloff's and Lorre's talents if you ask me.
However, let's get back to The Black Room. An intelligent and atmospheric genre movie of the mid 30s. With Karloff delivering one of his best and most underrated performances as far as I am concerned. The clever editing and special effects plus Karloff's superb acting manage to evoke the illusion of those two rather unfortunate twin brothers...one being evil and one being good. The script delivers a plot that one could even find "real" medieval: the story of a family curse that over the centuries haunts the members of an aristocratic family, and finally destroys the last survivors of the same family, Karloff and ehh.. Karloff. You shall see...enjoy!!!

Interesting Collection.......2007-01-10

This is an interesting, odd little collection for Karloff fans. I don't think you'll be disappointed although the "Boogie Man..." is a little odd.

An Unsung Karloff Performance.......2007-01-09

The main reason for owning this collection is the superb, yet surprisingly underrated "The Black Room," a period film in which Karloff plays twin brothers, one good, the other evil. Karloff is exceptionally good in this 1935 film, which never received the recognition of his "Frankenstein" or "The Mummy" films. Production values of "The Black Room" are first rate, even though the movie was made on a low budget. Karloff makes the material glow. The other films in the collection are fun, but do not achieve the quality of "The Black Room."

Lesser Karloff with at least one good film.......2007-01-08

Boris Karloff may have been one of the great horror actors, but that did not mean he was always in great movies. The Icons of Horror Collection for Boris Karloff features the actor in some of his lesser efforts, including some of his "mad scientist" roles for Columbia.

Actually, one movie in this four flick set is pretty good: The Black Room. In this film, Karloff gets to play two roles as twins: evil Gregor and good Anton. They live under the shadow of a prophecy that states that the slightly younger twin (Anton) will kill his brother in the so-called Black Room of the family mansion. Anton is exiled, but is called back by Gregor, who has a scheme to take Anton's place; it seems Gregor's homicidal tendencies are too much for the townspeople and he needs to make a hasty escape. Although not a perfect movie (most viewers will know the ending long in advance), it benefits by Karloff's wonderful portrayal of villainy.

The Man They Could Not Hang and Before I Hang are similar movies, both featuring Karloff as a scientist who winds up being sentenced to hang for deaths caused by his work. In the former, Karloff is resurrected by his assistant using an experimental technique; he subsequently seeks revenge on those responsible for his conviction by luring them to his house to be cleverly killed. In the latter movie, he eventually gets a pardon, but his experiments in restoring youth have made him a homicidal killer. Both movies are watchable but completely unexceptional.

The Boogie Man Will Get You also features Karloff as an elderly scientist, but this time the film is played strictly for comedy. He plays a professor doing typical mad scientist experiments in the basement of an inn. Peter Lorre plays the local coroner/justice of the peace/notary, etc. It is a decent enough movie that demonstrates Karloff can do comedy, although there are only a few chuckles in this piece.

This set has no extras and only rates three stars overall. The thing about Karloff is that he's at his best when he plays either monsters or truly evil figures, and only in the Black Room do we get such a role. In his more "kindly" roles, he is okay, but his potential is never realized. But while this set is hardly representative of Karloff at his best, none are really bad; nonetheless, this set is for Karloff completists only.

Krisp Karloff Kollection.......2006-12-18

These four films by Boris are of VERY good, crisp, black-and-white quality, all from Columbia Studios. THE BOOGIE MAN WILL GET YOU (1942) is the rarest film here, and it's about time...I've been looking for this for years. There are some bootlegs of this film out there, but get this one; the quality is the best. THE BLACK ROOM (1935) has the feel of a 1930's Universal horror film, as Boris plays twins - one good, one evil; BEFORE I HANG (1940) has Boris as a man who injects himself with the blood of a killer and starts murdering against his will; and THE MAN THEY COULD NOT HANG (1939) is great - Boris is executed only to be revived from the dead and wields revenge on the ones who condemned him - the last 20 minutes are not what you'd expect and it's very, very absorbing!

The Universal Karloff DVD set may have five films instead of four (and they could've picked better movies as well!), but this Columbia set is far superior.....quality, acting and plot-wise, it's the better of the two. Karloff fans won't be disappointed!

Average customer rating:

Make Room for Daddy (B&W)
Starring: Make Room for Daddy
Manufacturer: St Clair Vision
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000OZ2D0G
Release Date: 2007-06-26

The Legendary Crooners - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Perry Como

Average customer rating:

WHAT A GREAT COLLECTION

The Legendary Crooners - Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat King Cole, Perry Como
Starring: Louis Armstrong , Ann-Margret , Joseph V. Varsalona , Nat 'King' Cole , and Dean Martin
Director: Marino Amoruso
Manufacturer: Standing Room Only
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Music Video & Concerts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( L ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Vocal Pop | Pop | Styles | Music
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ASIN: B000NA26Y0
Release Date: 2007-04-24

Description

The Legendary Crooners features classic performances by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Bing Crosby, Nat "King" Cole and Perry Como.

Bing Crosby is featured along with another influential performer, Louis Armstrong, on Now You Has Jazz. "Der Bingle" also takes a musical trip with Frank Sinatra as they perform Mexicali Rose, South of the Border, I Love Paris and more, and are joined by surprise guest Bob Hope for The Road to Morocco.

The warm, easy-going style of Perry Como is on display as he performs Hello Young Lovers and sings an engaging duet with Ann-Margret on It Might as Well Be Spring. Then it's the "King of Cool" himself, Dean Martin, singing some of his biggest hits including Oh, Marie and That's Amore and clowning with his former partner Jerry Lewis and guest Jack Benny.

The lighter side of Nat "King" Cole comes across through his performances of That's My Girl and Frim Fram Sauce. And for a finale, Frank Sinatra sings Witchcraft and gives us a musical history lesson along with Louis Armstrong in Birth of the Blues.

The performances in this entertaining DVD prove why Frank, Dean, Bing, Nat and Perry (last names are really not necessary) ruled the world of popular music for many decades, and are still loved today.

Customer Reviews:

WHAT A GREAT COLLECTION.......2007-05-18

WOW...I JUST LOVE ALL OF THESE CROONERS AND THIS FILM IS REALLY AN INCREDIBLE COLLECTION. I BOUGHT THIS DVD BECAUSE I HAVE ENJOYED FILMS BY THE SAME WRITER. GLAD I DID....

Average customer rating:

Make Room for Daddy 2 (B&W)
Starring: Make Room for Daddy
Manufacturer: Critic's Choice
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Comedy | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Television | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000AQQJ8G
Release Date: 2006-07-25

Average customer rating:

Whose your Daddy?

Make Room for Daddy, Vol. 1
Starring: Make Room for Daddy
Manufacturer: Critic's Choice
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Television | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( M ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B000641E5U
Release Date: 2007-01-09

Product Description

Danny Thomas nightclub comedian, bossy wife and bratty kids made for constantly fresh storylines and even helped put Desilu Productions on the map. Includes Childrens Governess (2/1/55), Dannys Birthday (4/17/55featuring a guest appearance by Ernest Borgnine), A Trip to Wisconsin (4/26/55) and Little League (9/20/55). B&w/104 min/ NR.

Customer Reviews:

Whose your Daddy?.......2006-12-24

Let me know when the COMPLETE FIRST SEASON is released or don't waste my time on this nonsense. This is more of a "review" than this trash needs. MRFD is an extremely well made show that deserves more than this pittance.

Race Movies: The Girl in Room 20/Son of Ingagi/The Girl From Chicago/Lying Lips

Average customer rating:

Race film 4-pack includes horror and murder/mysteries

Race Movies: The Girl in Room 20/Son of Ingagi/The Girl From Chicago/Lying Lips
Starring: Spencer Williams , Geraldine Brock , Edna Mae Harris , Grace Smith , and July Jones
Director: Spencer Williams , and Oscar Micheaux
Manufacturer: Platinum Disc
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Mystery & Suspense | Genres | DVD | Video

4-for-3 Drama | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

4-for-3 All DVDs | 4-for-3 DVD | Stores | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B00062IYXW
Release Date: 2004-12-07

Customer Reviews:

Race film 4-pack includes horror and murder/mysteries.......2007-08-18

"Race movies," a genre unique to the United States between 1915 and 1947, were quite popular with black Southern audiences and in Northern industrial cities that had large African American communities. After the successful legal desegregation of the film industry in 1948, this type of movie vanished, literally. Today, only a fifth of the original 500 race films still exist.

SYNOPSES:

"The Girl From Chicago" - A Secret Service agent falls in love with a schoolteacher in a small Mississippi town. They leave for New York City to escape a local crime boss, but trouble follows them there.

"The Girl in Room 20" - A country girl with a fine singing voice moves to the big city to seek her fortune. She finds both support and grief in her struggle to succeed.

"Lying Lips" - A nightclub singer is wrongly convicted of murdering her aunt. Her manager and a policeman continue searching for the actual killer.

"Son of Ingagi" - The first horror film with an "all-colored cast." This was a sequel to 1931's "Ingagi," and is the story of an American missionary who returns from the jungles with $20,000 in gold nuggets and an ape-like man.

A similar 4-movie collection is Race Films: The Duke Is Tops/The Black King/Spirit Of Youth/The Glove.

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Parenthetical numbers preceding titles are 1 to 10 viewer poll ratings found at a film resource website.

(5.3) The Girl From Chicago (1932) - Grace Smith/Carl Mahon/Starr Calloway/John Everett

(3.3) The Girl in Room 20 (1946) - Geraldine Brock/Spencer Williams/R. Jore/July Jones

(5.5) Lying Lips (1939) - Edna Mae Harris/Robert Earl Jones/Carmen Newsome/Armanda Randolph

(3.5) Son of Ingagi (1940) - Zach Williams/Laura Bowman/Alfred Grant/Spencer Williams/The Four Toppers

DVD:

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