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The Best Arbuckle/Keaton Collection
Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle was a nimble 300-pounder with a charming, boyish face and the physical agility of a circus clown. For years he was an international household name and, second only to Charlie Chaplin, the world's most famous screen comedian before a sex scandal in 1921 made him the first actor blacklisted by Hollywood. This two-disc set from Image Enertainment goes a long way to bringing Fatty Abuckle back into the spotlight where he belongs. The twelve short silent comedies on tap here were made between 1917 and 1920, the height of Arbuckle's popularity. Presented chronologically, they showcase his talents as a performer and skills as a director, and chronicle screen legend Buster Keaton's evolution from a bit player in Arbuckle's repertory company to full partner as both men honed their comedic skills. The DVD production from David Shepard and associates delivers these vintage classics in as good a condition as you're likely to find. They were gathered from international archives and private collections, and have been digitally mastered from 35mm sources, some directly from the nitrate originals. Splendid new music scoring enhances the experience. It's all proof that when you're genuinely funny, you'll always be funny, no matter if the bastards try to slap you down.
—Mark Bourne
