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 In the 1950s, when the burgeoning technology of Television was clamoring for programming, a major chunk of air space was graced with the classic films of the silent and early sound days. As such, "old timers" like Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Our Gang, and Laurel & Hardy were re-introduced to new generations, establishing new fan bases, and creating a renewed appreciation for that precious time in cinema. However, one of the biggest names in the 1920s, Harold Lloyd, shunned the tube, chiefly because of his distaste for commercial breaks, and the editing of his films - they interrupted the story flow, and took away (in his view) from the power of his movies. This lost him legions of new fans - for more than a few generations. However, with the dawn of cable/satellite TV, and digital video disks (DVDs), even Lloyd himself would be thrilled with the renaissance he is now experiencing - and New Line Entertainment’s new Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection will go a long way in re-establishing Lloyd to the heights he knew in his day. A brilliant collection of silent and sound features - 15 in all, five with new audio commentaries - peppered with 13 silent shorts, loads of extras and a bounty of goodies, this is a must for fans of Lloyd, and those who love the time he represents. With a total running time of 1440 minutes (that’s 23 hours, sports fans!), this set will keep you busy for quite a while, and will be an utter source of enjoyment. I should know - I helped build it.
As a consultant to the production company that created it, and as a contributor to the distributor, I had the honor of offering numerous touches that reflect my love for Lloyd and his films, and my personal enthusiasm for silent film in general. As such, I just adore the extras - tons of Lloyd home movies (all shot on 35mm, some sound, some color), interviews with friends and family, gorgeous photo galleries, archival footage and interviews with Lloyd, and a montage of 3-D images, taken by Lloyd (anaglyph-style glasses are included). The featurette on Greenacres, hosted by Lloyd’s granddaughter, Suzanne, boasts gorgeous film of his magnificent estate, in his day, and today. And, if I might be so bold, I’m kind of proud of my Harold’s Hollywood, Then and Now featurette, where I visit some sites where Lloyd shot his films, and show what they look like now. It’s all fun, Lloyd style.
The set - three volumes in all, plus a bonus disk, packed with goodies - is a tremendous tribute to a great comic, and an enduring legend. I highly recommend it, for you, your children, and your future generations - The Harold Lloyd Comedy Collection is a gift of laughter that keeps on giving...
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