Once more unto the breach, dear friends, once more;
Unexpectedly, I am back to offer my thoughts on what I would buy (or maybe will buy) of the new titles being offered this week. Seems a good time for it, as a lot of folks may be starting their holiday-gift buying and will get me in the frame of mind for our upcoming Holiday Gift Guide.
Buy Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice: Vol. 4 Blu-rayAs I have been a fan and reviewed the previous three volumes, it should be no surprise to readers that I am picking Looney Tunes Collector’s Choice: Vol. 4. This new set brings together another 25 cartoons, 15 of which are appearing for the first time on Blu-ray, starring Daffy Duck (in five), Sylvester the Cat (in four), and Foghorn Leghorn (in two). In addition, all four volumes are being collected together, which has been reviewed by Greg Hammond.
Also out this week that looks interesting:
That’s Entertainment (Warner Archive): This compilation film brings together a number of hosts, such as Frank Sinatra, Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Elizabeth Taylor, and Debbie Reynolds to pay tribute to MGM musicals, from 1929’s The Broadway Melody to 1958’s Academy Award-winning Gigi. On display will be song, dance, out takes, and interviews taken from classics, including Singin’ In the Rain, Showboat and Seven Brides for Seven Brothers.
On the Road with Hope and Crosby: Kino Lorber collects the seven Road movies starring Bob Hope and Bing Crosby (and Dorothy Lamour for the most part) in their hysterical, globe-trotting musical comedies. They are: Road to Singapore / Road to Zanzibar / Road to Morocco / Road to Utopia / Road to Rio / Road to Bali / The Road to Hong Kong
The Martian Chronicles (Kino Lorber): Based on Ray Bradbury’s novel of the same name, I have a vague recollection of this TV miniseries existing but not much more than that. Think it might have been shown in school, which aired when I was in seventh or eighth grade. Would like to rewatch (or watch) and see how it holds up.
Laurel & Hardy: Year Two: It came out last Friday, but the fine folks at Flicker Alley continue to champion the work of Laurel and Hardy with this set of newly restored silent shorts from 1928.