...a wonderful addition to any DVD library
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"It´s good to be the king," is one of the most infamous lines from a Mel Brooks movie ("History of the World: Part 1") and it can also be used to describe Brooks´ run as a comedic auteur during the 60´s, 70´s and part of the 80´s and 90´s. Brooks is best known for his particular brand of comedy which included broad film farces and parodies. While his particular brand of humor may not be for everyone, it´s almost certain that Brooks will go down as one of the true comedic legends in film history.
With a few exceptions, today´s comedies tend to border on the ridiculous and stupid, instead of the zany brand of humor that was a staple of Brooks´ comedies during the height of his career. While the Zucker´s and Farrelly´s brought film comedy into the modern arena, it was Brooks that picked up the reigns in the 60´s and led the way. From the broad farcical formula and parody induced humor of "Blazing Saddles" to the silly send up of the Robin Hood mythos in "Robin Hood: Men in Tights", Brooks has always displayed a sure hand of making films that were timely, finding a niche and playing it for sure fire laughs. In virtually every one of his films Brooks left no joke unused, employing sight gags, puns, situational humor, fart jokes and everything in between.
With the eight disc collection of some of Mel Brooks´ finest films, Fox has created a wonderful little treasure trove of comedy classics. Included in the set are: "The Twelve Chairs", "Young Frankenstein", "Blazing Saddles", "Silent Movie", "High Anxiety", "History of the World: Part I", "To Be or Not to Be" and "Robin Hood" Men in Tights". Disappointing is the exclusion of "Spaceballs" and the original version of "The Producers" with Gene Wilder (and the arguably amusing "Life Stinks"), all of which are MGM titles. It should be noted that "Blazing Saddles" is a Warner Bros. title and was still included in the set, despite being the earlier version of the film and not the 30th Anniversary Special Edition which was released in 2004. Still, it´s not so disappointing that they left out Brooks´ last directorial effort "Dracula: Dead and Loving it".
Even though his last two directorial efforts fizzled ("Robin Hood: Men Tights" will always have a special place in my adolescent heart), it´s probably because they could barely hold a candle to his wonderful earlier work. Comedy is a hit and miss arena and no one understands this better than Brooks. "Blazing Saddles" displays a niche for incendiary comedy unlike any other, and while it might feel dated, its comedic play on western genre conventions and race-relations is utter brilliance. In turn, "Silent Movie" works on the merits of Brooks and frequent collaborators Dom DeLuise and Marty Feldman. The trio performs with such inspired physical acting which alone makes the film worth watching. Then there´s Gene Wilder in "Young Frankenstein". What more can be said about one of the greatest performances of all time? Not much but to say the least, Wilder is a genius, and his pairing with Brooks is, in a word, awesome.
Video
"Blazing Saddles" is presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio; the DVD contains the lower quality transfer from the film´s first release. The quality is grainy, and contains a considerable amount of wear, with colors coming across as dull.
"High Anxiety" is given a widescreen 1.85:1 aspect ratio with an overall solid quality. The disc ranges from being very clear and crisp to being somewhat duller in spots. The colors are good and there is also some minor wear in the transfer.
"History of the World: Part 1" is the best looking disc in the collection. Presented in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio the transfer looks awesome, with a great level of detail, solid colors and virtually no visible wear.
"Robin Hood: Men in Tights" is presented in a 1.85:1 aspect ration, the transfer is pretty decent overall image although the colors aren´t nearly as bright for a film that is a little over ten years old. There is some where but overall this is a good looking transfer.
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[release]18436[/release]