Laurel & Hardy - The Collection (21-disc Box Set) [DVD] (DVD)

laurel and hardy simply the best This is a box set that lets you see the total and utter mayhem that 2 people can cause while having you in stitches. When you watch these dvds you see that you dont have to listen to swearing or crude language to to be entertained. Do youself a favour and watch the ultimate comic duo.

Fantastic value - but not perfect! First, this is an AMAZING set. Especially for the price, this is a no-brainer for L&H fans. The sound shorts and features are priceless to have - most of these are in GREAT shape!! I can't even being to appreciate my gratitude for owning this!!! If you love L&H and can play R2 PAL DVDs, then GET THIS SET!!! That being said, I have three issues with this set. 1) the silents are in horrid condition - from poor to unwatchable. Definitely public-domain quality - some even worse. Image's now long OOP Lost Films of L&H silent set had significantly superior transfers. Some of the silents aren't bad, but compared to the PQ of the sound, there is market degradation. So just be aware that the real strength of this set is for the sound films, and it is still quite an incredible set to own. 2) Not to belabor a point made by many others, but the colorized versions are just a plain waste of disc space. It is not just that the colorization is poor (in some cases, it's not that bad), but these transfers are noticeably of lower quality than the B&W versions. Almost like they were remastered out of focus. A complete waste of time and space. 3) The films are not in chronological order - they are in topical order. While I can see the logic in this, this has an unfortunate negative affect on some films. L*&H, like most comedians, worked and re-worked the same gags over time - usually perfecting them. Spread over years, this is enjoyable. But when each disc focuses on the exact same gag in different films, it feels too much like retread and 'didn't I just see this?" worse, even on the same disc, the films are not in order so you may see variation #2 of the gag first, then variation #3 and the earliest version of the gag last on the disc. I found this to be quite annoying and would have much preferred to see these works chronologically so I could witness how the team progressed over time. In conclusion, an INCREDIBLE bargain, a NO-BRAINER for L&H fans, A WONDERFUL collection of sound films... and a disappointing set of silent quality with a frustrating organization. One final thing, please note that due to legal issues not ALL their sound films are on this set. I believe all the shorts are, but some of the films are available from WB (TCM box sets) or Fox (their later and weaker efforts), and MGM (for Babes in Toyland). I do believe that most of the films (except Rouge, Hats Off and Battle of the Century which have now thought to be lost) are on this disc. (there is a subset of the Battle for the Century film - about 20% I believe -which is all I think is available at this time). My opinion is that their best sound films are represented here...

Fanfreakintastic!! The best collection from the other side of the pond! We can't get that set stateside

DREADFULLY CHEAP AND NASTY... PLEASE NOTE: My star rating is for quality and packaging ONLY! As much as I adore 'Laurel And Hardy' (and this is no reflection on them anyway) I hate to say it; but this is the most cheap and nasty and dreadfully disappointing collection ever in terms of quality! I am speaking of the quality, poor design and arrangement of course and not the wonderful work of L & H. I have problems believing that this Collection has ever actually sold at two hundred pounds - and if so; has not been 'returned' for a refund! Even at this low price, it might be a good idea to await and hope for a further release/collection that may be better - but in all honesty, one good Set should have been out now on 'permanent' release after all these years with such a fan-base... These feature most, if not all of L & H's shorts etc. - even in two versions; original black and white for those who prefer it, AND colour - sounds great doesn't it!? However; I find it hard to get my head around the fact that as expensive as it is, anyone would go to the trouble of painstakingly 'colorising' old black and white material - only then to leave it dreadfully unclean and untidy... Some colour episodes, not only have bits missing (the whole of some episodes have been 'edited' very badly indeed) but there are many with abrupt endings with no 'The End' shots - terrible soundtracks. (which are even better on the original black and whites!) Why on earth would you 'colorise' a whole feature, only to leave it 'unmastered' and the 'uncleaned' soundtrack in its original state!?? Simply unfathomable... If you are just wishing to obtain most of the work L & H did in any condition, then I guess you just may find this a good buy for that only, but with what I've already pointed out - coupled with the dreadfully poor packaging (so many Discs should not come housed in a cheap cardboard container...) wafer thin DVD cases, and without any booklets or info. whatsoever, then you may just be happy. But not me...

The Best Laurel & Hardy Collection Ever Amazing collection of Laurel + Hardy features and shorts - I can not imagine that there will ever be a more comprehensive set of these comic geniuses' work - and there is nothing comparable released in the USA -- and at under $50 including postage -- what an incredible bargain- if you love these two, don't hesitate to buy this wonderful box set - just be sure to have an all codes dvd player.