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Wednesday, 24 January 2007 |
Preston Sturges: The Filmmaker Collection
 Preston Sturges: The Filmmaker Collection
Preston Struges reminds us of Woody Allen, only without the self-pity. Both are merciless in their depiction of the foibles of their fellows, and both use comedy to make a point. Where Sturges excels is in a manic energy that makes everything happening seem sensible and inevitable—though we all know too well it cannot be.
This is a broad collection that is well suited for introducing the novice, as well as the devoted viewer. Hail the Conquering Hero (a cockeyed comic tale of patriotism and pride) hasn’t been on DVD before, and neither has The Great Moment(a serious turn on the story of Dr. William Morton, who pioneered the use of ether). Add the powerful yet funny The Great McGinty and the lighthearted Christmas in July, then pepper with Sullivan’s Travels and The Lady Eve. Add our all-time favorite, The Palm Beach Story, for an incredibly comedic turn at love and laughter—in which Claudette Colbert is delightful, Rudy Vallee a riot, and Mary Astor amazingly daffy. All we can say is “Hail The Ale and Quail Club” (you’ll know what we’re referring to soon enough).
Fans (and fans-in-themaking) must look elsewhere for further details about the director. Still, if the movies make the man, then this collection shows us just what a powerhouse Preston Sturges was—and still is through his films.
| Studio: |
Universal Studios Home Entertainment |
| Format: |
Widescreen, Dolby Digital Monophonic |
| Audio Quality: |
B |
| Video Quality: |
B |
| Ratting: |
Not Rated |
| Running Time: |
596 minutes | |
