Colección Harry Langdon (Import) [1924]

There are a couple of issues that I believe are worthwhile to mention in relation to this DVD. Firstly, make sure you select 'play all' and then skip to whatever title you want as not doing so can result in the end of the short being chopped off and, in the worst case, "Plain Clothes" suddenly stops at 5.59 instead of the full 15.43. Secondly, the original English inter-titles have been replaced by a black screen against which either the selected Spanish or English subtitles appear in a basic computer typed lettering. Not a massive problem but if selecting English subtitles they unnecessarily then 'translate' anything English which appears on screen into English subtitles such as a "1,000,000 Reward" poster or a letter etc and this is also done right in the middle of the screen over whatever words are being shown. Those are the two main points but as a final note the titles listed on the back of the case are not in the same order as there presented on the discs themselves. Hope my comments help potential purchasers.

Potential buyers of this set ought to be told that it covers most of the same titles as the far more expensive 'Lost and Found' box, also to be found on this site and so represents quite a saving. I haven't had an opportunity of comparing the respective video qualities of the two boxes, but that found here is reasonably good, although showing no obvious signs of restoration. No matter; those who want a haul of Langdon shorts without paying 3 or 4 times as much need not hesitate at least until someone like Criterion step up to the mark.

Essential viewing for any Langdon fan, or indeed any fan of 1920s silent comedies. Some of the early films feel like generic comedies, but the style and character of his great period can be seen forming here.