Mr. Moto Collection Volume 2
20th Century Fox Home Entertainment
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Peter Lorre returns as the self-effacing Japanese sleuth in this four-disc collection of mysteries. Originally intended as a Charlie Chan adventure, "Mr. Moto's Gamble" (1938) finds the detective trying to find out who poisoned a boxer. Keye Luke co-stars as Lee Chan. In "Mr. Moto in Danger Island" (1939), he's sent by the U.S. government to Puerto Rico to bust up some diamond smugglers who've already killed one investigator. "Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation" (1939) but must go to work anyway, guarding the recently discovered crown of the Queen of Sheba from a group of criminals out to steal it. Lionel Atwill also stars. Finally, in "Mr. Moto's Last Warning" (1939), he must foil a plot to sabotage the French fleet as it passes through the Suez Canal.

Most films today are filled with all sorts of glitz and pizzazz. The major studios churn out films based on celebrity sexiness and action. For better or worse, that's what sells. In another era stars were still king but the pace and tempo seemed a lot quieter, more deliberate.

Take then films in Fox's second collection of the Mr. Moto series starring Peter Lorre. He's a small and smart Japanese detective who goes about and cracks case after case. There's no monsters, ninjas or exploding buildings, just simple logic and cartoon caricatures.

The four primary features in this set (Mr. Moto in Danger Island, Mr. Moto's Last Warning, Mr. Moto's Gamble and Mr. Moto Takes a Vacation) are all strung together in a similar formula but held together by the stellar portrayal of the title character by Lorre. He truly does transcend the source material that quite often borders on stereotypical racism (much like the Charlie Chan series from the same era).

From a historical perspective, I found these films to be interesting. Comparing them to today's mysteries helps you see how film, and the industry, has evolved. From an entertainment perspective, I found the films to be somewhat dry and formulaic. Because times have changed and film has evolved, so has tastes and expectations. I'd like to think we're beyond surface stereotypes, although you still do see them regularly. I also think as film viewers we have become more savvy in these sorts of mysteries where we expect more. And because it takes more convincing, characters today need better motivation than simply wanting a jewel. Normally there's some sort of power that goes along with it.
Video: How's it look?
All of the films come in their original full frame (1.33:1 aspect ratio) format. Each has been restored, although not to perfection. There is regular signs of the film's age via scratches, bleeding off the edges and dirt. However, the overall look is very strong and sharp.

Audio: How's it sound?
Each feature has both stereo and mono sound. Hey, they're from the 1930s. Expecting more might be asking a little much.

Extras: What additional goodies are included?

• The final Mr. Moto film The Return of Mr. Moto is featured as an extra. Made years later and with Henry Silva in the title role, it is a nice book end to the collection although not a great film. Silva also provides an optional commentary track.
• Each disc includes a restoration comparison to show what the film used to look like as to what the restored versions look like now.
•  "Mr. Moto Meets Mr. Chan: the Making of Mr. Moto's Gamble" explores how the film went from origination as a Charlie Chan mystery and switched over to Mr. Moto after the death of Chan's star.
• "Mr. Moto's Creator: The Late John P. Marquand" is a tribute summed up by its title.
• "Meet Mr. Moto" explores the character and what he represents.
• "Moto is Missing" focuses on the decline of the character's popularity over the course of WWII where the Japanese were vilified by the American public.
• Trailers for several other Mr. Moto films.

Closing Thoughts
From a strictly historical perspective, fans of classic cinema will definitely want to pick up this collection. It's got a fine set of films that are very different from today's thrillers both cinematically and politically. For the history alone, it's worth it. Add to that an eclectic and focused mix of extras and you've got one of the better box sets available for old-time film.


Review brought to you by our friend Ryan @ Movie-Views.com