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I was surprised that this MGM box set came out in 2004, 2 years before Fox started releasing their CHAN films in boxes. Everyone dismisses Monogram compared to Fox, but these films, while low-budget and with fewer "name" actors, are fun, and I'm glad Sidney Toley got ahold of the CHAN film rights in order to continue the series as he did. Mantan Moreland, who I feel is every bit as funny onscreen as Lou Costello, adds comedy even when the quality of the mysteries was dropping off. One might compare this to the 2nd season of the Adam West "BATMAN", compared to the 1st. A quick look reveals EXCELLENT picture quality, better than anything I ever saw broadcast on local stations, although the sound isn't quite up to that level. Clearly MGM did little or no restoration on these, and there's no extras apart from chapter lists and subtitles in English, Spanish or French. If I have any complaint, it's that it would have been nice if MGM could have come up with a 6-disc box about a 1/3rd the size of this one (it's just a slipcase holding 6 previously-released individual movie boxes). Before I looked this up, I rather envisioned something like the MPI Basil Rathbone SHERLOCK HOLMES set, which would have all 12 Monogram-Toler CHANs in a single box MUCH smaller than this one. (Oh well, maybe some day.) I usually go for "Brand New" where I can afford it. Consaidering these were Monograms, "Used" was fine-- especially as it was ONE-FIFTH the cost! That was a huge difference.Read full review
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
This is an expensive 6 DVD box set and is available individually. Made by B Studio Monogram during WII, these tales are more cautionary probably due to Anti-Oriental feeling at the time. Sidney Toler (the first box sex containing the successor to Warner Oland), spouts many Patriotic lines, as he is now working for the US Secret Service. And all the plots revolve around something missing that is vital to national security. As with most of the Chan films, the sleuth has one of his sons playing amateur detective (mainly Benson Fong in this series with the exception of #4 son Edwin Luke (brother of famous Keye Luke) in his only motion picture. Mantan Moreland has been added for comic relief and is always funny but unfortunately a victim of Hollywood stereotype so atypical of the time for an actor of color. This is not the best of the Toler series of Chan movies. Chanthology should have covered the years prior to the War when #2 son, Victor Sun Yen (who found fame later as the Chinese cook on Bonanza) dominate the series. He was much more lively and prone to getting into mischief than Fong. But the blane for these films cannot be blamed on any of the actors, but more on the times. The fun has gone out of the series, but are still great to watch. Due to the low budgets, I was quite surprised at the transfers. The picture quality is great, however the sound is too low and tends to waiver on a surround sound system. All these titles were released prior on MGM and can still be found and this set at retail usually runs around a whopping $70. That may not seem like much but bear in mind each of these flix only run around 65 minutes (most of the Chan films never ran more than 70). Since many of the Oland, Toler movies have fallen into Public Domain, they are not available on on legitimate DVDs. Also this set has been released in Asia is frequently advertised for sale. I do not know the quality of these imports, but this American box set is far from perfect so I can only imagine what the counterparts are like. Sometimes entertaining, but certainly not the best Toler outings. Fans however, will love them! And that's what counts.Read full review
This Charlie Chan DVD's were perfect. The only problem with delivery is that 2 of the DVD's had a cracked center piece where the disc sits and we were lucky it did not cause the product to get scratches on the two DVD's from slipping around in the cases. I changed the cases into new cases and they are fine. I think they should be making those cases better so they don't crack so easily, this has happened to me several times before and the outcome was not as good. I love the Charlie Chan series and this collection had completed my collection of the Sidney Toler set. Thanks!
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Sidney Toler’s first Monogram studios Chan movies, plus I got it for a great price. While the Chan movies here generate controversy, they are always entertaining for fans of light mystery “B” movies from the 30’s and 40’s.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
A very good deal for the price. Very reasonable for the amount of movies you receive. The picture quality isn't perfect, but still pretty good. Very happy with this purchase and enjoying the movies. From what i read about other Charlie Chan DVDS quality out there, these are definitely a better quality DVD.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: New
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