Rating: 
Summary: Rathbone Is Good
Review: I have seen most of the films made with Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce as Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, respectively. Rathbone is very good as Sherlock Holmes. Unfortunately, someone in the
production aspects of this series decided to portray Dr. Watson as somewhat of a bumbler. Also, the decision to move the series into the 1940s from the original setting was very unwise. Another bad decision was to re-write the stories into a nearly unrecognizable new tale. Nigel Bruce was a fine actor. This still comes through, although at Dr. Watson's expense. The only way to watch these films is to view them as very well acted and well filmed mysteries far removed from Sherlock Holmes.
Rating: 
Summary: A good start
Review: I just finished watching the movies in this collection, and over all I am very pleased. The restoration was very well done. The picture is clear and sharp, and the sound is excellent, especially when you compare it to the other Basil Rathbone Sherlock Holmes DVDs that were previously available. There is not much to say about the extras, as there is not much in the way of extras. The first three movies are of the ultra patriotic Holmes V.S. the Nazi variety, and those have never been my favorites. The last film in this collection is much better, and while it is set in "modern times" (That is to say 1942) the war is in the background and it's the mystery and detective work that is on display. While all the movies are not my favorites I do like all of the series and I am very pleased that these sets are finally being released, as it brings back memories of the Saturday afternoon movie matinees on the local independent station from when I was a kid. If you are a fan of the Basil Rathbone\Nigel Bruce films this is a must buy for you.
Rating:
Summary: A Crisp, Clean, Classic !!
Review: I was nervous to part with my Key Video copies of the Sherlock Holmes movies - but this set certainly exceeded my expectations. The prints are crisp and clean, you can pick up all the subtle nuances in the black and white photography that adds to the atmosphere of the mysteries. Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce are always a joy. Highly recommend this set
Rating:
Summary: Great prints but goofy subtitles
Review: I've purchased all three volumes, and I have seen the first two. The prints are absolutely gorgeous, but the subtitles seemed to have been done by folks who don't use english as their first language. There are all sorts of spelling and punctuation errors. All the same, if you are a fan, get the sets. I've got all the "other" sets, and these are by far the best. And the subtitles are just funny.
Rating:
Summary: Timeless Sherlock Holmes Restored to Life
Review: In 1942 Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce - the definitive Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson - stepped out of Victorian England to battle the Nazis in Universal's "Sherlock Holmes and the Voice of Terror." Three years prior the duo of Rathbone and Bruce had collaborated in what are generally regarded as the finest film adaptations of the legendary Sherlock Holmes adventures, Fox Studio's "The Hound of the Baskervilles" and "The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes." The former, in particular, brilliantly captures the mood, mystery, and magic that has made the great detective such a compelling figure. Rathbone was perfect. Tall, with angular features and a unique singular intensity, Rathbone looked perfect carping through the fog draped Moor clutching a lantern in a deerskin cap and cloak. Nigel Bruce, too, was at his best here, conjuring up the loyal, gentlemanly, though intellectually ordinary compatriot, Dr. Watson. The chemistry between the stars was evident, and the two made 14 feature films as Holmes and Watson in addition to more than 240 radio episodes and stage productions.
The 12 films that make up the Universal series never achieved the same critical acclaim as the Fox classics - though the Scarlet Claw is certainly a worthy entry - but the films have nevertheless achieved a certain cult status thanks to the impeccable performance of Rathbone as Holmes, the undeniable chemistry between Bruce and Rathbone, and the otherworldly gothic atmosphere Director Roy Hill creates. The rather obvious use of low-budget rear screen projection in some scenes, stock footage, and relatively short running times of these films give them an unmistakable B flavor. And yet the memorable turns by veteran characters acors - perennial heavies like George Zucco, Lionell Atwell, and Henry Daniel - stylish direction, and atmospheric settings still stir the imagination. The film have, however, been long out of print, or available only in second rate DVD or VHS versions. MPI has remedied that with this restoration series.
Several years ago Key Video set the standard with the release of the entire Holmes series on VHS. Now MPI exceeds that high standard by a notch. The restoration, culled from the surviving 35mm prints and portions from second and third generation duplicates - is sharp, vivid, with great contrast and clear sound. The original Universal titles have been restored, as has the war bond tag that accompanied the films during their original theatrical runs. Though a few flaws remain this is probably the best anyone could have hoped for with these films given their age and the condition of the surviving film elements.
The DVD extras included with this set are satisfying but not as generous as one might have hoped for. The sixteen page booklet included with the set is the best of the Bonus Material featuring well-written commentary and production notes on each of the individual films. The text includes interesting background on the films, its stars, snippets from reviews, and personal reminiscences. Also included is an account of the restoration process. The remaining Bonus material is included only on the "Sherlock Holmes Faces Death" disk. Author Davis Stuart Davies' commentary is informed, edifying, though he sheds little light on the principles, Rathbone and Bruce. A short video montage of Sherlock Holmes posters and stills rounds out the extras. Considering that MPI's packaging boasts "Loaded with DVD extras" the actual amount of Bonus material is a bit of a letdown. MPI has yet to release the next two volumes in their set, so perhaps there is still time to remedy this issue by including biographies, filmographies, trailers, and other DVD goodies. As it stands this set deserves a solid Five Stars. Video and sound quality is everything one could want, the DVD extras leave one hoping for more.
Rating:
Summary: Closed-captions......YES
Review: Many British films have neither subtitles nor closed captions. This set does.....so those of us with hearing deficits can enjoy these wonderful mysteries, too.
Rating:
Summary: The Sherlock Holmes
Review: No one can play Sherlock Holmes like Basil Rathbone. Although these movies are set outside the original time period for Mr Holmes they are none the less excellent. The DVD format adds to the quality of these movies.
Rating:
Summary: Rathbone - The Perfect Holmes
Review: Note - I have not yet seen these DVD versions. I don't know what the quality level is like. I do know these are very entertaining films. There was a regularly scheduled showing of one of these every sunday on TV when I was growing up, and I never missed it. Of all the actors I've seen portray Sherlock Holmes Basil Rathbone was the best. He brought the eccentricities of the character as well as a human touch. The next best, in my opinion, was Peter Cushing. Jeremy Brett is an excellent actor, but his portrayal is a little too cold and eccentric. That said, the films themselves are entertaining. Hollywood, in its haste to boost wartime morale, made a mistake shifting the time frame from Victorian England to the 1940's. The first two entries in the series, among them "The Hound of The Baskervilles", are the best. I hope they come out on DVD soon. But the following films are very fun and entertaining. Basil Rathbone and Nigel Bruce were terrific together. It says a lot when you can name both actors. Frankly, who can off the top of their heads remember who portrayed Dr. Watson in any other version?
Rating:
Summary: Sherlock Holmes Faces Restoration
Review: Noted Sherlock Holmes Scholar, Andrew Kemp, was not kidding when he said that these are the best reproductions of these films since their original theatrical release. Digitally restored in 35MM from the UCLA Film Archives prints, they are a joy to behold for those of us who have had to make do with ratty and incomplete public domain copies. MPI has again done Holmes fans a great service by making this fine and popular film series available once more. I say "again," because they have also released the much respected Granada TV series featuring Jeremy Brett. Previous reviewers have already commented on how Universal moved Holmes ahead into the WWII era, and had him chasing down Nazi's, spys, and assorted modern "evil-doers." Never-the-less, the series appeal lies not in the historical context, but in the charisma of Rathbone and Bruce as the series' Holmes and Watson. These films are not great cinematic milestones, but they are great fun - pure entertainment, and as each new generation discovers Holmes, they always key in on this series as the all-time favorite. If you haven't seen these films before, or even if it's been awhile since you saw them on TV as a kid, do yourself a favor and pick this set up - you won't regret it.
Rating:
Summary: Holmes collection Vol. 1
Review: Picture, sound and everything was well done. I was extremely happy with this purchase.
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