The Ladykillers (DVD 2004)

When the recent version of THE LADYKILLERS with Tom Hanks came out, I was apprehensive to begin with. Why re-make a classic? What is there to add to a movie that's already perfect?
The original is still sublime, not outright ha-ha funny, but thoughtful funny. The cast, subdued British to the core, included two newcomers who would go on to further glory: Peter Sellers and Herbert Lom. Bother are outstanding.
The various formats show little difference, although the laserdisc has a crisper image than the VHS, and the sound, especially in ambient noises like traffic, is clearer too. Recently in England, a free DVD version was distributed with a daily newspaper, but it's just slightly fuzzy, the result of a cheaper production process perhaps.
This is probably one of my "desert island movies" in any of its formats.

Transported back to'that' time period. I remember seeing the film as a boy and it is great to watch it again.

Great british comedy. I remembered watching this as a child and found it very funny. I found it just as funny this time round. Not belly laughs, but great soft humour and a marvellous story with wonderful characters.

I haven't seen the newer Tom Hanks version, but it would be hard pushed to come anywhere near this Alec Guinness original. It transports you back to a bygone age of friendly police, steam trains, lovely dear old ladies etc.

A great British cast stage a robbery and hide out as orchestral musicians in a boarding house near King's Cross station. They start doubting and double crossing each other.

It's wonderful, full of gentle and sardonic humour, with a clever ending. A classic comedy and a must see.

We bought this because a was a good old film and the old ones don't offend with bad language or sex scenes. We were not dissapointed, it is a good laugh which is just how we want to be entertained.