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Alastair Sim - The Comic Icons Collection [1951]
![Alastair Sim - The Comic Icons Collection [1951]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51acPDZNUSL._SL160_.jpg)
RRP: £34.99
Our Price: £16.45 (subject to change)
Editorial
Synopsis
Collection of five films starring the iconic Alastair Sim. Includes THE GREEN MAN, FOLLY TO BE WISE, GEORDIE, LEFT RIGHT AND CENTRE and LAUGHTER IN PARADISE.
Average dvd transfer given to masterpieces
Review date: 2008-06-29 Rating: 6 out of 10
We have to hope some dvd company like Criterion will restore the masterful performances of Alastair Sim to their full glory. He deserves that much.
The transfers in this collection are nothing special, and as for Extras, forget about it: don't even go looking for trailers. This box set is only worth buying at a sale price, not full price.
FOLLY TO BE WISE, to pick a title, is an exquisite ensemble piece. You'll see such wondrous sights as a three-shot covering three awesome screen and theatrical chatacter actors: Miles Malleson, Martita Hunt & Alastair Sim.
Miles Malleson practically cornered the market in bumbling and a-couple-of-shorts-over-the-odds British eccentrics. Hammer Films even brought him in to relieve the tension in films like Hound of the Baskervilles.
Martita Hunt reigned for decades in theatre, but she brought the house down on screen as Mrs Haversham in Great Expectations, and she did it again in an amazing performance for Hammer Films as Baroness Meinster in Brides of Dracula.
And of course Alastair Sim was unique, unforgettable and irreplaceable.
Any film that lines up three actors of that calibre in a three shot that any other film would kill for is pure gold to me.
So when are the BFI going to respect their heritage and research the original negatives, make a restored print and a high bit-rate transfer, and put out a dvd box set that gives Alastair Sim and the theatrical tradition of great British character actors the tribute they all deserve?
I'm afraid this isn't it.
I should add, there is one great dvd transfer in this collection: LEFT, RIGHT & CENTRE.
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Reviews
Excellent collection
Review date: 2008-06-24 Rating: 10 out of 10
It's good to see that some excellent Alastair Sim films are out showing his comedy brilliance beyond St Trinians. Although virtually everyone will have seen these films at some point they can be watched again and again. For me they are perfect wet Sunday afternoon viewing.
At the reduced Amazon price I can't recommend this collection enough.
some of the best of Alastair Sim
Review date: 2007-12-10 Rating: 8 out of 10
Great to have this collection. Shame that "The Happiest Years of Your Life" isn't included. Most of these are already available individually. It seems daft not to take this opportunity to bring out more of his work that is so important. The original "headmaster/headmistress" Searle influenced film made before the St. Trinians series. Personally one of my favorite films, currently changing hands on old video for ridiculous amounts of money. Still obviously fantastic for people who haven't already bought most of the content on individual disc. Quite expensive if all you want is "Laughter in Paradise".
At Last, Laughter In Paradise On DVD
Review date: 2007-11-01 Rating: 10 out of 10
I have been looking for Laughter In Paradise on DVD for a long time after my VHS version wore out and it is not shown on television that often. Unfortunately, so far it is only available in this box set.
Although The Green Man is also worth watching as it is an Alistair Sim classic, Laughter In Paradise is my favourite with a clever twist at the end. These two films make the price worth paying.
Underated comedy
Review date: 2007-09-02 Rating: 8 out of 10
It is good to see some of Alistair Sim's films (in addition to his work on the St Trinians series) being issued on DVD. I'm particularly pleased to see Laughter In Paradise issued. This is one of Sim's best and funniest films with good performances all round and, apart from the social setting, it hasn't seemed to have dated-dealing as it does in a very humourous way with issues of greed and justice.Recommended.
Product Details/Specifications
Actor(s):
Alastair Sim
Creators:
Alastair Sim (Primary Contributor)
Recording label: Optimum Home Entertainment
Manufacturer: Optimum Home Entertainment
EAN: 5055201801104
Binding: DVD
Number of items: 5
Format: Box set, Black & White, Colour, PAL,
Release date: 2007-10-29
Audience rating: Parental Guidance
Region code: 2
Running time: 447 minutes
Theatrical release date: 1951
Language: English (Original Language)