( 6 reviews )
-
( 2 of 2 found this review helpful ) Posted: 03-14-2008
It's strange to think that both of these films - "The General" and "Steamboat Bill Jr." flopped at the box office when they appeared in 1927 and 1928 respectively. Today both are highly regarded silent films and "The General" is considered Keaton's finest film and perhaps the greatest silent film ever made. What bothered 1927 audiences about "The General" is what makes the film great today - it is an artful combination of suspense and comedy. However, 1920's audiences just weren't willing to accept Buster in anything but a completely comic role. "Steamboat Bill Jr." was Keaton's last film as an independent filmmaker. In fact, the most famous scene from the movie - the one with Keaton standing still as the side of a house falls around him during a hurricane with just a small window in the wall fitting over him as it falls - was the result of Keaton learning about the decision of his benefactor, Joe Schenck, to close down Keaton's studio. Keaton often said he wouldn't have done this dangerous stunt if he hadn't been so angry and upset at the time. I personally thought the video transfer on this set bordered on being too fuzzy. I'd stick with the Kino copy if you have the money. However, if you want a quick and cheap introduction to Keaton's best silents, I'd say that this copy is satisfactory, but nothing more. If public domain quality is OK with you, then I might suggest the even more cost effective Buster Keaton Collection - 15 Shorts, 5 Movies. For only ten dollars you get both of these films at about the same quality, maybe a little better, plus three other features and 15 of Buster's silent short films.
