Fox has put quite a bit of time and effort in cleaning up their Chan films, and the results are very positive.
For the uninitiated, many of the original negatives were either destoryed or damaged, along with whatever dupe materials that existed at the time.
What this means is that the films have not looked good in many, many years.
The image quality on the new discs is a major step forward, which will only be obvious to those who have seen the old elements.
One of my early jobs in the industry was creating an archaeology of the entire Chan series, tracking film elements, rights, etc., so finally seeing these wonderfully entertaining films about the life of the brilliant "Swedish" detective is extremely welcome.
The films in Volume One... Egypt, London, Paris and Shanghai, four of sixteen Chan films starring Mr. Oland, represent his work toward the middle of the series, and are essential Chan.
Oddly typecast as Chinese, Mr. Oland also played Dr. Fu Manchu.
Oddly typecast as Jewish, Mr. Oland also played the role of Al Jolson's father, Cantor Rabinowitz in The Jazz Singer (1927).
My two favorite performances in his long list of characters are that of Henry Chang in Shanghai Express, and Dr. Yogami in Werewolf of London.
My one negative comment about the series, is that Fox should have gone with slim cases and at least two films on each disc for the shorter films. Rather than a large four disc boxed set, this initial offering could easily have in a single case holding two discs.
Other than the space issue, the set comes very recommended. The pure entertainment value of these films has not deminished over the decades.
RAH
For the uninitiated, many of the original negatives were either destoryed or damaged, along with whatever dupe materials that existed at the time.
What this means is that the films have not looked good in many, many years.
The image quality on the new discs is a major step forward, which will only be obvious to those who have seen the old elements.
One of my early jobs in the industry was creating an archaeology of the entire Chan series, tracking film elements, rights, etc., so finally seeing these wonderfully entertaining films about the life of the brilliant "Swedish" detective is extremely welcome.
The films in Volume One... Egypt, London, Paris and Shanghai, four of sixteen Chan films starring Mr. Oland, represent his work toward the middle of the series, and are essential Chan.
Oddly typecast as Chinese, Mr. Oland also played Dr. Fu Manchu.
Oddly typecast as Jewish, Mr. Oland also played the role of Al Jolson's father, Cantor Rabinowitz in The Jazz Singer (1927).
My two favorite performances in his long list of characters are that of Henry Chang in Shanghai Express, and Dr. Yogami in Werewolf of London.
My one negative comment about the series, is that Fox should have gone with slim cases and at least two films on each disc for the shorter films. Rather than a large four disc boxed set, this initial offering could easily have in a single case holding two discs.
Other than the space issue, the set comes very recommended. The pure entertainment value of these films has not deminished over the decades.
RAH
