Overview: LAUREL & HARDY: THE DEFINITIVE RESTORATIONS Volume 2 returns the beloved comedy duo to their full brilliance in this restored Blu-ray collection.

Sourced from the original 35mm archival elements, this set offers fans an opportunity to see long unavailable original release versions and previously unseen materials - over six hours of timeless laughter!

Included are eight of Laurel & Hardy’s most celebrated short films: •Men O’ War (1929)•Perfect Day (1929)•Blotto (1930)•Another Fine Mess (1930)•Dirty Work (1933)•Going Bye-Bye! (1934)•Them Thar Hills (1934)•Tit for Tat (1935).

Whether you’re a lifelong fan or discovering their brilliance for the first time, Volume 2 is a must-have addition to any film lover’s library. Experience the laughter, fun, and legacy of Laurel & Hardy - restored like never before!

Blu-ray Verdict: Choosing four of the eight to review here, four of my own personal favorites, first up would be Men O’ War (1929) where on shore leave from the Navy, seamen Stanley and Oliver want to treat two attractive single girls to a glass of soda in the park but only have enough change for three sodas.

It’s got the usual slapstick and facial expressions that make the viewer laugh but in addition to that, it’s got some witty dialogue too. The bar scene where Hardy selfishly tries to get out of paying is downright hilarious. The slapstick regarding the boat where the duo try to row out but end up rotating in one spot, drags a little but the sequence thereafter, that leads to a catastrophe is hilarious.

I kept wondering, OK now the boat’s going to sink ... until it eventually does. The underwear confusion in the beginning was another laugh-out-loud sequence and I’m glad they didn’t overdo it by using way too many tired clichés.

Then I like Blotto (1930) where Stan fakes receiving a telegram so he can go to a club with Ollie and a bottle of his unsuspecting wife’s liquor, but she overhears his plans.

Blotto is one of the few underrated Laurel and Hardy shorts. Strange, when you consider that Below Zero, one of their lesser shorts, to be much more highly appreciated. Stan Laurel in his solo scenes with Mrs. Laurel (Anita Garvin) are a revelation.

It is quite surprising, as you would have thought that without the other half of the duo, it wouldn’t really be very funny. With so much talent for solo performances, I wonder why he entered into a partnership with Oliver Hardy? We shall never know, I guess.

Then comes Going Bye-Bye! (1934) where after testifying in court against a dangerous criminal, the boys plan to skip town, but the criminal escapes prison and comes after them.

This is a very simple made Laurel & Hardy short with an almost non-existent and not that great story. However, the gags in the movie are absolutely hilarious and are the reason why this is one of the better Laurel & Hardy comedy shorts. It’s a very consistent movie that remains funny throughout its entire running time. It has some absolute priceless visual jokes in it and a really funny ending.

It’s always fun to see Walter Long in a villainous role in any Laurel & Hardy movie, so this one included. He probably is also one of the reasons that makes this movie oh so fun and hilarious to watch. Also a couple of other Laurel & Hardy regulars show up again.

Lastly I would choose Tit for Tat (1935) where after the events in Them Thar Hills (1934), Stan and Ollie encounter their old nemesis, whose grocery shop is next to their home-appliances store. Nobody can let bygones be bygones, and a war breaks out. Will those tit-for-tat battles ever end?

A hilarious film, one of Stan and Ollie’s best. The battle royal with the grocer is long and very satisfying. Notice the running gag of the little fellow robbing the Boys blind. Charley Hall and Mae Busch play the neighbors.

It’s also a pleasure to see how wise the characters can be under the circumstances of revenge while simultaneously remaining so dumb and foolish throughout the entire time. There’s a great amount of pleasure that comes in watching Laurel and Hardy compete for superiority when the prize is nothing more than another crack in their fragile dignity.

These restored gems showcase the comedic genius of the legendary pair, with enhanced picture and audio that make every gag feel fresh again. But the experience doesn’t stop there - this volume is packed with amazing bonus materials!

BLU-RAY LIMITED EDITION CONTENTS:
Previously lost SILENT VERSIONS of BRATS and BLOTTO with scores by Andrew Earle Simpson
The 1937 Reissue Version of PERFECT DAY
Alternate version of BLOTTO with VOICE & EFFECTS TRACK ONLY
Alternate version of ANOTHER FINE MESS with VOICE & EFFECTS TRACK ONLY
GALAXY OF STARS (1936) MGM Promotional Film
THERE GOES MY HEART (1938) Original Hal Roach Studios trailer and outtakes
Recently rediscovered SHIP’S REPORTER (1952) featuring both Laurel & Hardy THIS IS YOUR LIFE: LAUREL & HARDY (1954) from 35mm kinescope negative HAL ROACH BACKLOT INTERVIEW (1960s) Rare interview and footage of the studio backlot
Also includes ORIGINAL FEATURE FILM TRAILERS, ARCHIVAL MATERIAL GALLERIES, COMMENTARY TRACKS from authors Richard W. Bann and Randy Skretvedt, a full-color booklet with production information, rare photos, restoration notes, and more!

Official Purchase Link