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I'm so happy to finally have my own copy of Arbuckle & Keaton, Volume One. I'm not quite sure why they didn't put the films on in chronological order, which would have made more sense, but that's a small thing to nit pick at.
"The Bell Boy" is as clean a copy as I've seen. I particularly enjoy Buster's smile as Roscoe and Rasputin play Patty-Cake. Now I can freeze-frame and bask in it.
"The Butcher Boy" has the inter-titles that I think were re-translated back from French, or something, judging by the character names. (Almondine, Alum, and Saccharine, rather than Amanda, Slim, and Candy as the names were given in "The Best Arbuckle Keaton Collection" DVD) Again, a small thing to nit-pick over.
But the real treat here is "Moonshine". This DVD uses the more complete 16mm print, not the fragmentary 35mm print used in "The Best Arbuckle Keaton Collection". Thus you're able to see all the gags you've read about. Sadly, though more complete, the 16mm print wasn't in very good shape, so there are still chunks missing and much of what's there is not very sharp or clear. And the worst of the picture quality comes right when you want the best quality -- the scene where Buster turns into a monkey and Al chases him up and down a tree. Still, it's a fun film, with Al at his hilarious creepiest (You can almost feel the slime oozing off him.), Roscoe at his wryest, and Buster -- being Buster as only Buster could be. Watch for the faint, dreamy smile at the end.
I heartily recommend this DVD to all Damfinos as well as to newbies looking to get acquainted with Buster.
Rating:  [5 of 5 Stars!] |
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