BUSTER KEATON: THE NAVIGATOR / SEVEN CHANCES / BATTLING BUTLER (Masters of Cinema)

Not too long ago, I decided to take a gamble on a Buster Keaton box-set. This was the previous Masters of Cinema release featuring The General and other famous films. I found that Keaton's style of slapstick humour really agrees with me and I really enjoyed watching it with my sons. With this genuine love of Buster Keaton's work growing, I didn't hesitate to pick up this brand new box-set.This fantastic looking collection is a nice new addition to the previously released bluray material. The three features included in this box-set are The Navigator (1924), Seven Chances (1925) and Battling Butler (1926). The films are held together in a fairly standard bluray case but comes with a very attractive looking slipcase and a nicely detailed book. These two features are limited edition and were only printed for 3,000 copies. Next to these limited goodies is a whole selection of extras, some right beauties. Included is a good number of audio interviews with Buster Keaton himself, most of which are from his later days coming from the years 1945-1960. You'll also find a short documentary for The Navigator, a video essay by David Cairns covering all three films and last but not least, a new audio commentaries for both Seven Chances and The Navigator.Moving the extra features to the side for a bit, it's safe to say that this box-set would be worth it even if they weren't here. The three movies are all presented with new high definition 1080p transfers sourced from Cohen Film Collection's 4K restorations as well as musical scores from Robert Israel. There's a lot of depth and clarity in the pictures. The work done to preserve the picture quality is impressive. There is so much detail retained. It's incredible to think just how old some of these movies are. You will find the expected print damage with a few white lines, scratches and some spots. The first minute or so of Seven Chances has a fair bit of wear and tear. But once that opening sequence is done for, the overall quality of the picture is superb.The only thing left to really talk about is what I actually thought of the films. I personally found them all consistently good. They all have great stunts and gags that made me laugh out loud. I enjoyed the pacing of each film. They are all roughly an hour long and they come and go very quickly. There's no room for filler material. Each film seems very tight and very focused. My son and I went through them very quickly without realising it. I wouldn't say I enjoyed them as much as I did The General or Steamboat Bill, but they're definitely on the same level as the amusing Sherlock Jr.If you're a fan of Buster Keaton, there's really no reason why you wouldn't pick this up. It's the same high quality that was found in the previous bluray sets and if you have those, you should consider this one also. The transfers, the packaging and extras are all excellent. It's all around a superb package and a must for any fan.

I am not well versed in silent film, considering I've only seen around 20-30. Buster Keaton as a creator is someone i truly admire and love to watch.This set includes three films that are impeccably restored and look absolutely gorgeous.THE NAVIGATORKeaton finds himself on a cruise liner with a woman and no-one else. You get to watch these two pampered individuals trying to survive. I loved watching them trying to make a meal! The stand out scene was the attack odf an island's indigenous tribe.SEVEN CHANCESKeaton will inherit seven million if he can be married before 7 pm that evening. Cue hijinks of him hopelessly trying to find a wife, anyone will do. Starting off with a leisurely pace this moves to the chaotic and stunt Layden finale. My favorite scene was the massive amount of extras wearing wedding dresses chasing down Keaton.BATTLING BUTLERKeaton is a pampered rich boy who goes camping in the woods to become a man, while there he discovers two things. One that there is a boxer who shares his name with Keaton's Character and Two, a woman he falls in love with. Of course, her family isn't that pleased until he pretends to be the boxer and through circumstances ends up having to take part in a fight.A great set that is well produced with stunning transfers that has taken pride of place in my collection.

A great collection of Buster Keaton films. A "must have" for anyone that loves silent films. Keaton, Roscoe "Fatty" Arbuckle, Charlie Chaplin and Harold Lloyd ruled the comedy shorts of the 1910s and 1920s.

Arrived earlier than expected. Thank you Amazon. If this Boxset is anywhere near as good as the previous one Eureka released I am going to be very happy.

very very kind thanks

Impeccable movie making......blu ray presentation is excellent.....the age of the movies and the fact that they are silent just don't matter.....they thoroughly entertain....get this and the other volumes.....Busters short films in blu ray, many of which feature the unique and much copied Fatty Arbuckle are priceless.