Garv’s Pick of the Week: Lupino Lane – Silent Comedian (D&D Productions)
For the release week of November 15th:
Lupino Lane – Silent Comedian [Blu-ray /D&D Productions]: This is a pleasant surprise. This collection of eight shorts, starring British musical hall comedian Lupino Lane, was previously only offered through a Kickstarter with no intention of offering the disc afterward. However, the disc proved popular enough that it is now being offered as a manufacture-on-demand Blu-ray from other retailers. Lupino Lane was the most physically flexible of all of the silent film comedians, and his acrobatic skills rival those of Buster Keaton and Douglas Fairbanks. The films included are an absolute delight, and the disc is worth the purchase for the Musketeers spoof Sword Points (1928) alone. This release made my “Picks of the Year” list in 2020, so consider it very highly recommended.
Additional Titles of Interest —
The Little Rascals – The Complete Collection Centennial Edition [Blu-ray / ClassicFlix]: ClassicFlix has repackaged their previous six volumes of the Hal Roach talkie Our Gang shorts into a single 6-Disc collection. The shorts themselves are now presented over five Blu-rays, with an additional sixth Blu-ray of extras (including the restoration of three silent Our Gang shorts). If you don’t have the previous six discs, you can save a little money and shelf space by purchasing this collection. ClassicFlix is also offering the bonus disc for purchase on its own HERE, if you already own the prior Blu-rays.
The Diamond Wizard [3D Blu-ray + Blu-ray / Kino Lorber]: The only classic-era 3-D movie shot in England gets a new restoration from the 3-D Film Archive. The film is presented in BD3D Polarized (for those with 3D TVs), Anaglyphic red/blue (for those who want to watch 3-D on a 2-D TV), and standard 2-D.
Used Cars [4K UHD / Shout Select]: Kurt Russell was never funnier than in this early film from Robert Zemeckis. Jack Warden lends great support in a dual role.
Reservoir Dogs [4K UHD / Lionsgate]: The reason why Quentin Tarantino’s directorial debut was justly celebrated wasn’t the visuals, so I’m not sure how much the film will benefit from a 4K UHD upgrade. Still, if you don’t already own the film, this is the way to get it.
Wayne’s World [4K UHD / Paramount]: If memory serves, this expansion of the popular SNL sketch was better, and funnier, than expected.
Three Thousand Years of Longing [4K UHD / Warner Brothers]: George Miller’s first film since Mad Max: Fury Road is a much different project, but it is still well worth a view. It’s also one of the most beautiful films of the year. This one will definitely benefit from 4K UHD.
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