Search - Bob Hope MGM Movie Legends Collection (Alias Jesse James/Boy, Did I Get the Wrong Number/The Facts of Life/I'll Take Sweden/The Princess and the Pirate/The Road to Hong Kong/They've Got Me Covered) on DVD

FOX Again Screws Up with Non-Anamorphic Transfers

manwithnoname | Los Angeles, CA | 12/18/2007

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this set because a previous reviewer raved that all but 2 of the films were anamorphic widescreen. Baloney. Once again, FOX has taken old MGM transfers and repackaged them on "I'll Take Sweden" and "The Road to Hong Kong" both of which are NON amamorphic letterboxed. Worse, FOX is deceptive in simply stating "widescreen" on the box and disc cases whether the film is anamorphic or not. Adding to the annoyance is that the three anamorphic discs are flipper discs with full screen versions on the other side. Therefore, you really don't know what you are getting. They did the same thing with their recent 4 disc Elvis set with some anamorphic and some not but all saying simply "widescreen" with repackaged MGM transfers. BLECCH."

Hope Springs Eternal

Gord Wilson | Bellingham, WA USA | 02/14/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I sprang at the chance to get this box set and bought it for far more than Amazon's dirt cheap price from a leading electronics retailer. I'd never heard of most of these films, and for good reason: they've never been on video before. I always find Leonard Maltin's Movie Guide helpful, and so it proved in this case. However, as regards Bob Hope, while both of us are big fans, my sensibilities somewhat differ from his on some of these films. Therefore, I'm listing the seven films, giving Maltin's view when available, and my own view. My overall sense is simply of gratitude that Bob Hope's films have finally made it to DVD. I can't wait to watch them all, and will be reviewing more of them as they are released. I also cannot forget what Bob Hope did for the troops before it was trendy to do so, and how greatly his shows on video contrast with the vulgar comedy and musical groups that now are foisted on the troops. Thanks for the memories, Bob, and thanks that, finally on DVD, Hope springs eternal. Seven discs in individual cases in a slip case with brief notes.



The Road to Hong Kong was the last "Road" picture. A DVD guide I read said they made one too many, and ought to have left this one off. However, this has always been one of my favorites. Leonard Maltin gives it 2.5 stars and says, "while fun, it lacks the carefree spirit of its predecessors". One sided disc, widescreen, 92 minutes, black and white, 1962.



Boy Did I Get a Wrong Number. Leonard Maltin calls this a BOMB, his lowest rating. I agree, although one may want to watch it once anyway. Double sided disc: full screen on one side, widescreen on the other. 99 minutes, color, 1996.



Alias Jesse James. Leonard Maltin gives it three stars and calls it "one of Hope's funniest". The Western theme didn't hold me and I found it a big snooze. Double sided disc: full screen and widescreen. 92 minutes, color, 1959.



The Facts of Life. Leonard Maltin gives it three stars and calls it a "sophisticated comedy". Bob Hope co-stars with Lucille Ball in one of her semi-dramatic roles. Maltin says "The two stars make a good team worth watching". I agree. I'll watch Lucy in anything, and that rather goes for Hope as well. Here's one of those "almost an affair" movies, full of subtle innuendo, before the late 'sixties brought out such bilge as Myra Brekinridge and the so-called sexual revolution which, after failing in society, was later shoehorned into popular culture to shore up the declining quality in TV and movies. Double sided disc: full screen and widescreen. 104 minutes, black and white, 1960.



They Got Me Covered. Leonard Maltin gives it two stars and says it "was topical at the time, awkward now; not up to Hope standards." Here we diverge. I found this spy yarn the most enjoyable film in the set. The writing is almost as scintillating as in My Favorite Brunette. Bob Hope plays a broadly comic, but vulnerable and flawed character, somewhat out of his usual ouvre. One sided, full frame disc. 94 minutes, black and white, 1942.



I'll Take Sweden. Leonard Maltin gives it two stars, calling it a "pseudo-sexy Hope vehicle" with "witless proceedings". Since it's from 1965, it had to be conflicted about relationships, but as with Doris Day's films, it's a comedy by Shakespeare's definition, which means it ends in marriage. A chance to see Tuesday Weld, Frankie Avalon, up and coming stars of the '60s, along with Hope and Dina Merrill, stars of the '50s. Lavish animated titles. One sided disc. 97 minutes, color, 1965.



The Princess and the Pirate. Leonard Maltin gives it three stars and calls it "one of Bob's wackiest". This is the sort of '40s "something for everyone" box office smash that I can't get into. Virginia Mayo is, nonetheless, outstanding. Maltin likes the younger Walter Brennan in this film, in which he plays a pirate; I like the older Brennan much better in The Gnome Mobile and The Real McCoys. One sided disc, full frame. 94 minutes, color, 1944."

Bob Hope collection

Jennifer Starks | 01/07/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The quality was great. I thought it might be grainy ~ but it wasn't. They're great movies with wonderful memories. The quick wit humor without the worry of somebody dropping the F bomb or nudity is fantastic. To be able to watch clever dialog with your kids ~ especially when they are advancing from cartoons. Definately a worth while investment!"

It's Bob Hope!

R. L. Johnson | Lewisville, TX, USA | 02/08/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"What more can I say, It's Bob Hope! These classic movies are a must have for anyone that enjoys classics. From the 50's western stars doing cameos in Alias Jesse James to Phyllis Diller in Boy, did I get a wrong number Bob is just that....Bob!"