The Our Gang Collection Review

• Release Date: September 1st, 2009
• Publisher: Warner Home Video
• Price: $34.95
• Run Time: 572 Minutes
• Special Features: None
• Starring: Billie “Buckwheat” Thomas, Billy “Froggy” Laughlin, Carl “Alfalfa” Switzer, Darla “Darla” Hood, Darwood “Waldo” Kaye, Eugene “Porky” Lee, George “Spanky” Mcfarland, Henry “Spike” Lee, Leonard “Percy” Landy, Sidney “Woim” Kibrick, Tommy “Butch” Bond
• Genre: Classics

Back in the 1930’s and 1940’s a group of short films were created which went by the name of Our Gang. These films eventually were repackaged as the show The Little Rascals in the 1950’s. I honestly don’t remember if I have ever seen any of the Little Rascals episodes but I am pretty familiar with the franchise. Now fans of the Our Gang short films or The Little Rascal shows from the 1950’s can relive all the films in this five disc collection. While the films show their age, fans of the franchise should enjoy this DVD collection.

For those not familiar with Our Gang or The Little Rascals it follows a group of poor kids and all the hijinks they encounter. Join characters such as Spanky, Alfalfa, Buckwheat, Porky, Darla, Mickey, Waldo and Froggy in their adventures. Our Gang is a classic 1930’s and 1940’s comedy with a majority of it being slapstick type comedy. This five disc collection includes 52 short films that are mostly around 10 minutes long.

You would think that Our Gang would be good for children but there are two reasons why it is not really for children. First the films are close to 70 years old. They are all in black and white. I don’t see children being entertained for very long since they probably can’t really connect to what is going on. The second reason these films aren’t for children is because they are a little “racist/stereotypical”. During its time period the films were quite progressive but for today they are not totally politically correct. Most of the characters are based off of stereotypes from the 1930’s and I don’t know if they are something I would want to subject a smaller child to.

Since this collection is not really for children, its audience is mostly classic film fans and fans of the franchise. Overall I thought the films were not bad even though they felt a little old. I guess all 70 year old films are going to feel old. The films are a little cheesy and meant more for children of the 1930’s and 40’s but I could still get some enjoyment out of them. Classic comedy fans should especially enjoy the films.

You don’t get any special features in this DVD collection which is disappointing but expected. The shorts were created between 1938 and 1942 so it is surprising enough that the films themselves have lasted this long. While it would have been nice to have interviews about either people’s memories of the film or some of the cast or crew that are still alive. While some special features would have been nice, it doesn’t really ruin the DVD collection.

The Our Gang Collection is not your typical DVD release. You will not be able to purchase this collection from any retailer. This DVD release is actually a new service that Warner Bros has called WarnerArchive.com. Warner is releasing some of their older and less popular films on their website where you can order a copy. Besides having to purchase the DVD set from their website, not much is different. Not as much work was put into these DVDs but this is most likely the only place you will ever be able to pick up these films. You can order the Our Gang Collection from this link. If you are a fan of the franchise or fan of classic comedy you should look into picking up the Our Gang Collection.