Our Gang Comedies Collection (52 Shorts 1938-1942) (5 DVD Set)

Movie Review

The Warner Archive is proud to present the first-ever home video collection of all 52 M-G-M "Our Gang" comedies.  Each short subject is presented complete and uncut, as originally seen in theaters from 1938 through 1944.

Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Porky, Darla, Mickey, Waldo and Froggy have long been names to conjure with in the annals of screen comedy. Theyre fun-loving members of Our Gang, one of the most beloved bunches of movie kids ever. And with this fabulous 5-Disc Collection of 52 Theatrical Shorts, youve struck the mother lode of laughter from Hollywoods Golden Age. Popularized on television for generations following their run in theaters, these rib-tickling short subjects showcased an ensemble of ground-breakingly diverse youngsters, many of whom were skilled at song as well as slapstick. If you belong to the legions of this mischievous gangs fans, this compilation (covering the years 1938-1944) of mirthful memories and lasting laughter belongs in your home collection. Disc 1 (1938 - 1939): Little Ranger, The, Party Fever, Aladdin's Lantern, Men In Fright, Football Romeo, Practical Jokers, Alfalfa's Aunt, Tiny Troubles, Duel Personalities, Clown Princes, Cousin Wilbur; Disc 2 (1939 - 1940): Joy Scouts, Dog Daze, Auto Antics, Captain Spanky's Showboat, Dad For A Day, Time Out For Lessons, Alfalfa's Double, Big Premiere, The, All About Hash, New Pupil, The, Bubbling Troubles; Disc 3 (1940 - 1941): Good Bad Boys, Waldo's Last Stand, Goin' Fishin', Kiddie Kure, Fightin' Fools, Baby Blues, Ye Olde Minstrels, 1-2-3 Go!, Robot Wrecks, Helping Hands, Come Back Miss Pipps; Disc 4 (1941 - 1943): Wedding Worries, Melodies Old And New, Going To Press, Don't Lie, Surprised Parties, Doin' Their Bit, Rover's Big Chance, Mighty Lak A Goat, Unexpected Riches, Benjamin Franklin, Jr., Family Troubles; Disc 5 (1943 - 1944): Calling All Kids, Farm Hands, Election Daze, Little Miss Pinkerton, Three Smart Guys, Radio Bugs, Dancing Romeo, Tale Of A Dog.

5 discs

Full Screen 1:33.1

Dual Layer Single Sided

Audio: English Mono

Subtitles: None

EI Indexed Review(s)

Editor reviews

Rating:

2.0

I wasn't as blown away with this new collection of "Our Gang" shorts like I was hoping to be. But it is not the fault of Warner Bros. Studio---I simply think I outgrew those little rascals. Back in 1973, I would wake up every morning at 5:30 am to get ready to go to school and I would faithfully watch "The Three Stooges" and then "Our Gang" until my mom was ready to haul me to classes. I would painstakingly re-enact little bits from those classic comedies both on the way to school and then again, once I arrived. But I was ten years old then. I no longer watch the Stooges and, quite frankly, find them to be rather obonxious now. I did have the great pleasure to meet with "Spanky" McFarland many, many years ago when he was in Memphis for an autograph show and I found him to be quite charming but, sitting and watching the plethora of comedy shorts presented in this colection, I was actually rather bored.

These shorts are part of the new Warner Bros. Archive Collection and for true fans, it will be a treasure chest of pleasure getting to view these uncut comedies the way they were meant to be seen as first shown some 70 years ago. I know many people in my circle of friends who love the "Our Gang" comedies and this will definitely make a worthy Christmas gift this season. In crisp black and white, there is a little "speckling" from age on the master films and there were a couple of times that I couldn't hear what some of the kids were saying but, considering these films are so vintage, those little bothers didn't take away from the viewing. The whole gang is pretty much here and it is a little sad to know that most all of them are now deceased except for maybe Robert Blake and Jackie Cooper. If you are a true "Our Gang" fanatic, this is a collection which will be cherished forever. That is wasn't much fun for me just goes to show that I am turning into an old fart.

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Reviewed by Franks3dogS
September 20, 2009
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