Topper / Topper Returns ( Double Feature) (1941) [DVD]

The DVD arrived promptly and in great condition. It was a real bargain! Highly recommend this seller.

OK folks: Below this review, you'll see mostly positive reviews and 1 negative review (by a person that has since been dubbed the "Disgusted Hal Roach Fan") for this Artisan/Hallmark release. The negative review claims that the picture and sound are "flat," tells us what that means, and how it came to be. That reviewer is absolutely correct about the *technical details* of this release, especially with the comparison of this release to the Nostalgia Merchant release of Topper in 1984 (I own a copy of that, too). I do not agree with that reviewer's other perspectives though. Regardless of the deficiencies, it's still a good release: the picture and sound are not the best, but they are good enough to delight the average viewer. The more discerning viewer will notice the issues discussed by the "Disgusted Hal Roach Fan," but this release is good enough not to be a distraction. I recommend this release with 3.5 stars, but I would have given 5 stars (I really do love these films) if the producers had found the original film elements for the DVD transfer, as the difference between an original black and white verses a flat black and white are substantial - the world becomes almost completely two-dimensional in a flat film. For comparison, I just watched The Criterion Collection's version of Hitchcock's film Notorious. It's a black and white film that was restored from the best nitrate originals and passionately supervised by leading film historians. I was stunned by the clarity and depth of the picture. If you think you'll enjoy these films, buy this DVD - if there is to be a restored edition, it is probably 2 years away._____D.P.B.

I remember seeing both of these movies on TV when I was a kid.Buying this DVD marked my first time seeing these films in years.It was worth it too."Topper"came out in 1937.Billie Burke is quite memorable as Cosmo Topper's ditsy wife.You can tell that this film was made at Hal Roach Studios by some of the background music we hear."Nightfall"is the name of the instramental melody heard during the scene where Cosmo is taken to the Kirbys'penthouse by the ghosts of the couple themselves.Which was also heard in the Laurel & Hardy feature"Way Out West"and the Our Gang short"Bear Facts"."Strange And Mysterious"is the tune we hear during the scene where all the policeman join hands and cautiously search the hotel foyer for the cause of strange goings on.This same music was also heard in the Laurel & Hardy feature"Way Out West",the Our Gang short"Night'N'Gales",and the Laurel & Hardy feature"Swiss Miss"."Topper Returns"came out four years later(1941).A very well balanced combination of a chillingly spooky atmosphere and hilarious slapstick comedy.Eddie"Rochester"Anderson,who in this film serves as Cosmo's chauffer,is probably my favourite part of the film.Accidently entering the mansion cellar by way of a revolving wall,and falling head first into a pool of water,where he encounters a Seal,of all things.Actresses Joan Blondell and Carole Landis are most memorable as well.I highly recommend this DVD,not just for Topper fans,but for fans of movies from this era in general.

I couldn't even get through Topper and it skipped and paused so many time I gave up. It's going back because granted it was sealed, it had blemishes/light scratches. Enough to be causing the problem.

The movies were great but they were not on individual discs so not great definition and no close captions!

It's a revelation to me how effective the ghost-like special effects in "Topper" were eighty years ago; just a few short years after sound was introduced into movies. I would always much rather have a Cary Grant, with relatively dated film technologies, than any of the many contemporary movie celebrities, with special effects undreamed of at the time "Topper" was being filmed. As far as I know, "Topper Returns" is the only sequel Cary Grant ever did. Sean Connery was only cast in "Dr. No" after Cary Grant turned the role down. And the only reason he turned down the opportunity to play James Bond was that he knew in advance that sequels were already planned. If you do it right the first time, said Cary, sequels are unnecessary. Buy the double feature "Topper / Topper Returns" to see if Cary Grant was right or wrong about doing sequels..

3. Tease the hell out of the living.A slightly unusual DVD release in that you get the first and third films in a series. TOPPER TAKES A TRIP is the direct sequal to TOPPER and is, as far as I know, currently unavailable on DVD. But the two films here act as a fascinating contrast. TOPPER is a typical, high-lit thirties farce where much of the humour arises out of the vacuity of the rich and the social aspirations of the middle-classes. TOPPER RETURNS, on the other hand, is a wild, self-referential satire on the old-dark house thriller (at one point, the delightful Eddie Anderson rues the fact he ever left Jack Benny). Both films are excellent examples of their type; but RETURNS has a playful inventiveness of a medium newly intoxicated with the possiblities presented by CITIZEN KANE, while the first film is an expertly played combination of slapstick and light, social comedy.I found the DVD transfer perfectly acceptable. The sound seems to have been cleaned up, and the print sources are good. There are no extras; but considering you get two excellent films on one disc, asking for more seems churlish.

Although 1940's black and white they are both toe curling in enjoyment.

This was a great black and white classic with some star acting in it that makes it a hit and enjoyable to watch. Anyone who likes comedy would enjoy this film with Cary Grant who gave a brilliant performance. Highly recommend.

This DVD was in excellent condition. It was shipped immediately upon my order and was delivered quickly. Woody's Books also followed up both during and after the purchase to ensure I was completely satisfied. This was an excellent shopping experience.

A great movie. Loved it. A must see for classic movie fans. Clean, holism and a movie for the whole Family

AS expected!