The Frank Sinatra 5-Film Collection on Blu-Ray makes an excellent gift for the holidays or any time of the year, especially for the fan who can’t get enough of old blue eyes in some of his most popular roles. The films gathered here showcase a young Frank who can be seen as a skinny young sailor in Anchor’s Away and On the Town, a thirty-ish friendly gangland leader in Guys and Dolls and a slightly older one in Robin and the Seven Hoods, and as an irresistibly charming and youthfully middle-aged thief in Ocean’s 11. With a 32-page photo book this package deal is sure to please the Sinatra admirer and attract the attention of classic film fans alike.
Unless you live under a rock you’ve probably noticed a lot of attention being paid to the 100th birthday of Frank Sinatra. In fact, December 12, 2015 marked the songsmith’s century anniversary and what better way to remember the occasion than to bask in some of the entertainer’s most beloved films, three of which are available for the first time on Blu-Ray and Digital HD, newly re-mastered for this release. Honestly, the Technicolor is so overwhelmingly gorgeous in these beautifully produced Blu-Rays, with a depth of color I’ve never seen even in a projected presentation. And Frank’s voice never sounded better coming across a TV speaker system. Included in each disc are the usual bonus features such as special guest commentary tracks, Hanna & Barbera featurettes, MGM Shorts, cartoons and original theatrical trailers.
There is one draw back to this collection that I think can’t be overlooked, and that’s the one lemon placed among an otherwise stellar bunch. When it comes down to the quality of the individual movies themselves I have to say that I’m honestly not much of a fan of Robin and the Seven Hoods, not even for nostalgia sake. It looks like it was made on a shoestring budget with sets that could fall down with a strong sneeze. The story line is a bit of a mess and relies way too much on the loosest connection to the Robin Hood fable. And Frank really seems likes he’s just calling it in, lacking any real energy to a very wooden performance.
However, the other four films include some very impressive star power worth their weight in gold, and Frank’s work with them stands as a pillar to his undeniable screen talent. He dances, and sings while holding his own with the ridiculously versatile Gene Kelly in two films. He performs circles around Marlon Brando and the rest of the cast in a classic Broadway musical. And of course, Frank shines as the undeniable leader of the legendary rat pack in a timeless heist movie. Having this much entertainment in one collection is impressive and well worth the cost of the suggested retail price of about $69.96. With the exception of From Here to Eternity, you have the essential Frank Sinatra movie career in one package, and in a fabulous presentation that will satisfy the senses. With all that’s going for the Frank Sinatra: 5-Film Collection you should get one as a gift for yourself. I can’t imagine anyone more deserving.