There are few people who make others laugh on a consistent level. They are a rare breed that can take a worrisome day, a blue mood or a downright terrible evening and turn it around with a smile. Mel Brooks is one such person.
Having started years ago in the early days of television, Brooks was able to parlay his experience into a life behind and in front of the camera on the big screen as well. His movies are long awaited and fans of the hits he’s made in the past watch his works again and again. So for the person walking into the world of blu-ray this Christmas, they have the chance to experience Mel Brooks all over again with THE MEL BROOKS COLLECTION.
Essentially what you are presented with here is a package that contains Mel Brooks best films presented in blu-ray format for the first time altogether. And these are indeed some of the funniest movies ever made. Brooks has been the mastermind behind the parody genre, making those who have followed look lame at times. But in some of the films presented here, you get the idea that the folks behind such things as Mad Magazine have had the chance to grab a camera.
Along with nine of Brooks best films you get a 120 page book entitled “It’s Good to Be the King”, a reference all fans will understand right away. And for those who don’t watch one of the films included in the package, HISTORY OF THE WORLD PART 1.
The set opens with a seldom seen Brooks’s film, THE TWELVE CHAIRS. Made in 1970, this film is more straightforward comedy as opposed to parody, telling the story of an ex-nobleman from Russia who returns to seek out the family jewels that were hidden in one of 12 chairs. Not one of Brooks more popular films, it is still funnier than any number of comedies released today and stars a Ron Moody, Frank Langella and Dom DeLuise.
Next is the classic BLAZING SADDLES. This was the film that put Brooks on the map. A send up of classic westerns that we’ve all seen for ages, here we have the evil railroad men trying to take over a small town. With the help of the governor, they have a new sheriff installed, one they think will fail. Did I mention that this sheriff is black? Racial stereotyping and jokes are mingled with genre ideas in a full twist. The film was also co-written by a young Richard Pryor.
The next genre to be tackled by Brooks, along with co-writer and start Gene Wilder, was YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. This has always been my favorite Brooks film, using every convention seen in all of the classic Frankenstein movies to give them a humorous bend that has to be seen to be believed. Everything from the little girl with the flowers being tossed into the water to the bride of the monster is fair game and Brooks does parody better than anyone.
Who would have thought that in today’s age a movie without vocals could be funny? Brooks proved it was possible with his SILENT MOVIE, a film where the only word spoken is done so by famous mime Marcel Marceau. Filled with cameos, it features Brooks as a film director intent on making a silent movie and the studio conglomerate that attempts to stop him.
Brooks goes back to parody with HIGH ANXIETY wherein he offers a does of Hitchcock done with laughs. Playing a psychiatrist who takes over an asylum where all is not as it seems, Brooks does a commendable job before as well as behind the camera. And again, there are lines that will stick with you long after the first viewing. “I got it…I got it…I ain’t got it.”
Moving forward, or backward, Brooks takes a look at several periods in history with the aforementioned HISTORY OF THE WORLD. Never one to back away from a possible touch of notoriety, Brooks does a take on the inquisition that made the Jewish community quite upset, even if he does belong. Brooks make a point to take a stab at political correctness and does it well.
TO BE OR NOT TO BE was Brooks return to a straight comedy as opposed to parody, remaking the classic Jack Benny/Carole Lombard film about a Polish theater company trying to stay afloat during the Nazi occupation. Somewhere along the line, Brooks is recruited to replace Adolf Hitler. How can this not turn out funny?
With STAR WARS all the rage, it was only natural for Brooks to take on the sci-fi genre with SPACEBALLS. Making fun of all things STAR WARS, Brooks returns to parody once again with ease and delights another generation with his irreverent and hilarious talent.
Finishing the set is ROBIN HOODL MEN IN TIGHTS, made during the craze in Hollywood to tell the tale of Robin Hood all over again. While not his best film to date, it gave Brooks a chance to revisit the merry men he made fun of on TV with his series WHEN THINGS WERE ROTTEN. The laughs are here and as always, cameos and irreverent humor wins the day.
The box set features all of these films in glorious blu-ray for the cleanest, clearest picture ever. It includes the book. It has 7 featurettes as well as 6 new for blu-ray featurettes. Commentaries, interviews, trivia tracks, galleries…what more could you want?
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