|
|
Rating:  - The Master Sleuth Returns
There was much concern that this series would never see the light of day. Fox had restored these films for cable TV with an eye towards video release. However, when the films first ran on cable, there was a storm of protest from Asian groups. They protested the fact that Charlie Chan was not portrayed by a Chinese actor (although other Chan family members were played by Asians)and that some of his mannerisms might be viewed as stereotypical.
In defense of these films, Charlie Chan was always the good guy and he always outsmarted his opponents. The films must be viewed in the context of the era in which they were produced. They were good clean fun. No bloody violence on the screen!
I am happy that Fox had the courage to release these films on DVD. The interest in them has been extraordinary. The first two volumes have moved to the top of the Amazon sales charts within a few days of release. Hopefully, all of the Fox Chans will come to DVD in the near future.
Rating: - Nothing like Black & White Classics
I used to watch these movies along wth the Basil Rathbone - Sherlock Holmes series on UHF channels out of Philadelphia on weekend nights with friends in the early '70s. There were two problems then, the reception was sporatic and the number of commercials runied any flow in the movies. It is truly a treat to watch these classics un-interupted for the first time. The actors are more theatrical then we find today, and the amount of drinking and smoking in those days as depicted in these movies makes one wonder how anything got done. This particular series has stories that are complex enough to keeps ones interest to the end and each character is fun to watch.
I would say overall the sound and print quality is quite good however I may be a bit biased as my only comparison is the TV as described above. My wife enjoys these movies on our MAC laptop on the bed some evenings when we are tired from long days at work. They aren't as long as a typical modern movie so we don't have to stay up too late.
Only negative to me is the price. Four movies for over $40 dollars seems a lot to spend (should one want to collect the entire series) but then again I get to view them more than once if I desire.
Rating:  - Very Impressed
I was very impressed as to the quality of the sound and pictures on these DVDs. It is fun to look back and see how politically incorrect and prejudiced people where back in the thirties. I also liked that through the durration of the "Charlie Chan in Shanghi" movie there was no mention of opium even though thats what the dealers were smuggling, this makes the film watchable for most ages. The extras on the DVDs were also very informative and enjoyable. I look forward to watching the second volume.
Rating: - Charlie Chan is terrific
Great quality. Too bad we don't have detectives in the world today.
Rating: - Charlie Chan in Paris
The Charlie Chan series are what real mystery movies are abount. No blood or gore just good mystery and good detective work. I enjoyed the entire series and highly recommend it to others.
|
|