Laurel & Hardy: The Definitive Restorations [Blu-ray] [2020] [NTSC]

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Step back in time to a multi-decade foray into the world of innovative comedy as Laurel and Hardy take centre stage in a career that would define pop culture for decades to come. I’d be very interested in any data that US sellers might compile on how many copies they’ve sent across the pond though! Unlike the films of Buster Keaton, Charlie Chaplin, or Harold Lloyd, Laurel and Hardy’s work rarely strives for much narrative or emotional complexity, but there’s an underlying warmth and camaraderie between the duo, even during their most contentious run-ins.

Featuring an expansive assortment of DVDs and Blu-rays, there’s never been a better moment to brush up on some of cinema’s most prominent influencers. There are only 2 films (the first two) on this release that are not true "Laurel and Hardy" duo films.The surprise is that the production let those stand instead of re-shooting or finding a different angle or take. Alcune comiche di culto che non si trovavano da anni come "La battaglia del secolo" ed altri classici visibili con ottime immagini. Not only does the picture clarity bring the shorts to life, but the sound is so fizzed up, the gags become brand new!

However, in February 2020 when it was announced that these would be released in DVD and Blu-Ray form, I was very excited indeed. Still, there are some references to them in the audio commentaries, so I don’t have any major problem with the set.

Score: Cast: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy, Charley Chase, Mae Busch, Dorothy Christy, Lucien Littlefield, Rosina Lawrence, James Finlayson, May Wallace Director: James W. BONUS EXTRAS: 2,500 rare photos, posters and studio files • Commentaries by Randy Skretvedt and Richard W. Love ‘Em and Weep,” in which double (and triple) take maestro James Finlayson stars as a pillar of the community visited by a gold-digging old flame, was remade as “Chickens Come Home” with Hardy, who portrayed a butler in the original, and Finlayson swapping roles.