A Testament to Comedy’s Lasting Impact

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MOVIE REVIEW
Stooge-O-Rama: The Men Behind The Mayhem And Even More Mayhem!
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023 Blu-ray
Runtime: 11h 20m
Director(s): Paul E. Gierucki
Cast: Sally Starr, Nancy Kovack, Don Lamond, Werner Klemperer, Jack Webb, Milton Berle, Bradley Server, John Banner, Joe Bolton, Joan Crawford, Anitka Ekberg, Ursula Andress, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, Andrew Pagana, Johnny Ginger, Janie Howard Ha
Where To Watch: available July 20, 2023, pre-order here www.mvdshop.com or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: STOOGE-O-RAMA: THE MEN BEHIND THE MAYHEM AND EVEN MORE MAYHEM! returns to those golden days of comedy with classic gags, slapstick humor, and great unseen content. At the core of this anthology are six men – Moe, Larry, Curly, Shemp, Joe, and Curly Joe – better known as The Three Stooges (yes, there have been six, technically more stooges over the years.) They were the masters of comedic timing, the icons of hilarity, their infectious laughter seeping through the ages and resonating in our collective funny bones.

Let's highlight the anthology’s unique content: it's not merely a highlight reel. It is a veritable feast of laughs with eight hours of unseen footage and over eleven hours of total content, carefully crafted by CINEMUSEUM LLC and KIT PARKER FILMS. Suppose you’re a relative novice to Stooges or a long-time admirer; in either case, you will find this banquet of comedy enticing, showcasing the vast range and versatility of The Three Stooges' artistry.

STOOGE-O-RAMA is a montage of comedy shorts and a narrative that traces the Stooges' transformation from newbie jesters to comic legends. From their humble origins on the vaudeville circuit in the 1920s to their final performance, this anthology provides an expansive view of their comedic evolution.

Furthermore, the Blu-Ray set includes an insightful documentary, STOOGES: THE MEN BEHIND THE MAYHEM, along with a treasure trove of bonus material. Initially shot in standard definition, it has been lovingly upscaled to high definition, offering viewers an enhanced viewing experience. The result is visually spectacular, the crisp images complemented by the clarity of the preserved audio tracks.

As you delve deeper into STOOGE-O-RAMA, you’ll notice it isn't only focused on the Stooges’ on-screen antics. It further delves into the backstage journey of these men, tracing their paths from their early days to their ultimate transformation into comedic icons. This set presents a comprehensive view of their growth and evolution. The Three Stooges have transcended time, their comedy continuing to resonate with audiences of all ages. This set doesn’t just resurrect the Stooges; it celebrates them.

Every detail, from the painstakingly remastered footage to the meticulously assembled bonus material, is a testament to the Stooges’ lasting impact. It’s a veritable treasure trove for fans and a delightful introduction for those new to their world of mirth and mayhem.

So, if you're on the hunt for unadulterated hilarity, a dash of nostalgia, or an insightful journey into the origins of comedy, buckle up for STOOGE-O-RAMA: THE MEN BEHIND THE MAYHEM AND EVEN MORE MAYHEM!

Prepare to embark on a journey filled with laughs, history, and unique insights into one of the most beloved comedy troupes ever. Open the door to a world brimming with laughter and fun, just as the Stooges would have intended. Get ready to discover, appreciate, and most importantly, laugh with The Three Stooges like never before with STOOGE-O-RAMA: THE MEN BEHIND THE MAYHEM AND EVEN MORE MAYHEM! The comic world awaits you with open arms and a smile.

EXTRAS:
– Updated HD conversion of the award-winning documentary program STOOGES: THE MEN BEHIND THE MAYHEM, with a new introduction by Curly Howard’s real-life grandson, Bradley Server
– Introduction from Bradley “Curly G” Server (Curly Howard’s youngest grandson)
– Extended interviews with Lyla Fine Budnick (Larry Fine’s sister), Nate Budnick (Stooges stage show soundman), Billy West, Lola Jensen, and more!
– Unaired Commercial Bumps (1992)
– Photo Galleries: Lyla Fine Personal Scrapbook & Stooge Memorabilia
– Fox Movietone News – Sound newsreel outtakes featuring the earliest known film footage of Moe & Shemp Howard (Aug 6, 1929)
– Stooge Home Movies – Ultra rare B&W / color snippets of the Stooges at work and play (1920s – 1960s)
– Everybody Likes Music (March 9, 1934) Long unavailable Shemp Howard Van Beuren short.
– Surprise (October 31, 1937) Lost theatrical featurette, with Moe, Larry & Curly, promoting their Pillsbury Projector toy giveaway.
– Ed Wynn Camel Comedy Caravan – Complete TV Kinescope (March 11, 1950)
– Andy Wade’s California Home Movies (July 1956) Extraordinary home movie reel featuring color footage of Moe, Larry & Joe Besser clowning at Columbia Pictures, the last known footage Stan Laurel & Oliver Hardy, and more!
– On The Go (April 15, 1960) The complete TV interview with Moe, Larry & Curly Joe DeRita
– Strictly For Laffs (July 1, 1962) – Complete TV Pilot featuring Moe Howard.
– Star Spangled Salesman (Feb 9, 1968) Government PSA for Savings Bonds
– Kook’s Tour Outtakes (Dec 7, 1969) Unseen color outtakes from their final film!
– Joe DeRita Interview (1976) Sound home movie footage with historian Randy Skretvedt
– The Funniest Guys in The World – Documentary Outtake Reel (1983) Director Mark Gilman’s interview outtakes and workprint featuring Ted Healy’s replacement stooges Paul “Mousie” Garner, Jack Wolf & Dick Hakins, and more!
– Mousie – Live at the 3 Stooges Convention (1994)
– Commercial and promotional spots: Instant Simonize (March 15, 1960), Don Lamond – KTTV TV-11 Los Angeles (1961), Mr. Poplolly – Cartoonerville Trolley promo – WJZ TV-13 Baltimore (circa 1961), 2 Dickie’s Work Clothes spots (March 31, 1969) and more!
– Movie Trailers and Coming Attractions
– Archival Audio Recordings
– “No Census, No Feeling” – Modern short subject featuring comedians Shwartzy and Pagana, and Curly G
– Curly G Meets Shemp’s great-granddaughter, Chandler Isaac
…and much more!

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[photo courtesy of CINEMUSEUM LLC, KIT PARKER FILMS, MVD ENTERTAINMENT]