Slapstick Masters

Of all the silent-comedy compilations released by Image Entertainment and Kino Video, Slapstick Masters is a perfect primer for new students of the genre. It's timelessly accessible, serving up three classic "two-reelers" from acknowledged comedy greats (Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, Laurel & Hardy) while shining a deserved spotlight on the lesser-known Monty Banks in "Chasing Choo-Choos," excerpted from the 1927 slapstick feature Play Safe, and featuring one of the zaniest, most incredibly dangerous chase scenes of the silent era. And while each of these films has been improved from previous DVD releases (with corrected intertitles, better source materials, and digital mastering), the selling point is the accompanying music by the Alloy Orchestra, a Boston-based trio specializing in new, jauntily percussive scores for vintage films. Alloy's playful work here is absolutely marvelous, honoring the traditions of silent-movie music while vastly improving its musical parameters. The films are great by themselves, but with music by the Alloy Orchestra, they're masterpieces to be enjoyed by anyone, anywhere, any time. --Jeff Shannon