Step Back in Time With Comedy Legends

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MOVIE REVIEW
Laurel & Hardy: The Silent Years
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Genre: Comedy
Year Released: 1927, 2024 Eureka Blu-ray
Runtime: 5h 15m
Director(s): Fred L. Guiol, Clyde Bruckman, Frank Butler, Jess Robbins
Cast: Stan Laurel, Oliver Hardy
Where To Watch: available August 26, 2024; pre-order your copy here: www.eurekavideo.co.uk

RAVING REVIEW: In the echelons of classic comedy, few shine as brightly as Laurel and Hardy. Their dynamic partnership, which took flight during the exuberant 1920s, soon after set a benchmark for all subsequent comic pairings. With LAUREL & HARDY: THE SILENT YEARS, fans are treated to a robust compilation that charts the duo’s meteoric rise from their early days under the watchful guidance of producer Hal Roach to becoming icons of early cinema. For fans of this duo, this collection of films is a must-watch; seeing these icons cementing their style in these silent films gives you an appreciation you can’t quite appreciate without seeing for yourself!

This anthology dives into the formative period of their career, highlighting pivotal works that underscore their comedic evolution. Starting with their initial screen appearances in pieces like "The Lucky Dog" and "45 Minutes to Hollywood," viewers witness the birth of a legendary comedic synergy. These films showcase their burgeoning individual talents and their seamless transition into a formidable comedic force.

The collection offers a detailed look at how Laurel and Hardy refined their artistry from simple slapstick to complex comedic journeys, featuring sharper character development and impeccable comedic timing. Standout shorts such as "Duck Soup" and "Do Detectives Think?" are significant milestones that underscore their growing mastery of the genre.

A pivotal feature of this collection is the inclusion of "The Battle of the Century," which is presented with scenes restored in 2015. This allows audiences to fully experience the film as initially intended, placing it as a highlight of this comprehensive set.

Restoration efforts for this series are evident; The Masters of Cinema series has revitalized these classic films with 2K restorations, making their debut on Blu-ray in the UK. This upgrade enhances the visual fidelity and maintains the original films' authentic charm, bridging past and present cinematic experiences.

Moreover, adding musical scores by various silent film composers further enriches the films, underscoring the duo’s antics' timelessness and enhancing the shorts' overall emotional impact.

This edition has enriching features for those looking to delve deeper into Laurel and Hardy's historical and cultural impact. Expert audio commentaries dissect the nuances of their performances, and interviews with icons in the industry offer more profound insights into their creative process. Additionally, Super 8 versions of select shorts, accompanied by commentaries, provide a unique viewing experience that adds to the collection’s value.

The films are complemented by a collector's booklet, a treasure trove of essays and notes penned by esteemed writers and comedians. This booklet is an essential resource for fans and scholars, offering fresh perspectives on the duo’s contributions to film and comedy.

LAUREL & HARDY: THE SILENT YEARS is an expansive tribute to the comedic giants, celebrating their enduring legacy and the joy they’ve brought to audiences around the globe. This collection is an indispensable addition for those who cherish classic cinema's artistry and these comedy pioneers' innovative spirit.

SPECIAL FEATURES
Limited edition O-Card slipcase featuring new artwork by Scott Saslow
1080p HD presentations on Blu-ray from new 2K restorations
Scores by a variety of silent film composers, including Neil Brand, Antonio Coppola, Eric le Guen, and Donald Sosin
Brand new audio commentaries on Lucky Dog, 45 Minutes From Hollywood, Duck Soup, Slipping Wives, and Love ‘em and Weep by film historian and writer David Kalat
Brand new audio commentaries on Why Girls Love Sailors, With Love and Hisses, Sailors Beware, and The Second 100 Years by Patrick Vasey, editor of The Laurel & Hardy Magazine and host of The Laurel & Hardy Podcast
Brand new audio commentaries on Do Detectives Think? and The Battle of the Century by film writer Chris Seguin and Kyp Harness (The Art of Laurel & Hardy: Graceful Calamity in the films)
Brand new audio commentaries on Flying Elephants, Sugar Daddies, Call of the Cuckoo, and Putting Pants on Philip by Glenn Mitchell (The Laurel & Hardy Encyclopedia)
Brand new audio commentaries on The Second 100 Years and The Battle of the Century by silent film accompanist Neil Brand
Alternate Robert Youngson score on Putting Pants on Philip, newly restored by Stephen C. Horne
Brand new interview with Neil Brand
Laurel & Hardy in the UK – 1932 recording by Laurel and Hardy to promote their UK tour, featuring footage of the duo visiting Tynemouth
Turning Point: Stan Laurel – Extensive interview with Stan Laurel from 1957
Stan Laurel talks to Tony Thomas – 1959 interview, featuring footage of Laurel & Hardy visiting Edinburgh as part of their 1932 UK tour.
Sailors Beware – Super 8 version with audio commentary by Chris Seguin and Glenn Mitchell.
The Bulldog Breed – Super 8 version of Do Detectives Think? with audio commentary by Chris Seguin and Glenn Mitchell
The Mad Butler – Super 8 version of Do Detectives Think? with audio commentary by Chris Seguin and Glenn Mitchell
The Battle of the Century Pie Fight – Super 8 version with audio commentary by Chris Seguin
Stills Galleries for each short
A collector’s booklet featuring newly written notes on each film by writer and comedian Paul Merton and a new essay by silent cinema expert Imogen Sara Smith

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[photo courtesy of EUREKA ENTERTAINMENT]

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