Recently I got a call from my mom, who happened to be babysitting my 4-year old daughter. She wanted to tell me that my little girl was watching some old Abbott and Costello movies and loving them. I also learned that she has become a big fan of "I Love Lucy." For this, I have to really thank my mom. She introduced me to the same types of entertainment when I was younger, and it made me a very well-rounded person as far as what I like to do and watch. I love old movies every bit as I enjoy newer ones, can get into almost every genre and can even enjoy music from just about every style. I can appreciate the simplicity of the older film styles and get just as much out of them as audiences of the day. It kept me from pigeonholing myself and I hope it will do the same for my daughter.

I'm going to do my part by introducing her to some of the old Mickey Rooney / Judy Garland movies which I'm going to do with the help of my friends at Warner Home Entertainment.

Those brilliant folks realize there is still a need for classic entertainment and recently released a 5-disc set of films that include "Babes in Arms", "Strike up the Band", "Babes on Broadway" and "Girl Crazy." They even threw in that 5th disc to allow for a slew of special features. I've already watched all the movies myself, but am planning to start my daughter on them this weekend. I have no doubt she'll love them every bit as much as I do.

When this new set came in to review, I was completely blown away by the quality all the way around. The films themselves aren't perfect in terms of the transfer, but they still look great. Even the sound, which is still a mono track, comes across very clear. The packaging is what really impressed me. When I opened it up the digipak, which was housed in a very sturdy cardboard case, you are treated to quite a bit of artwork and the 4 of the 5 discs. The only thing I didn’t like was that two of the discs overlapped two of the other discs, but I realize that this has become kind of a standard for multiple disc releases in order to keep the packaging size small.

The case also holds a package of wonderful behind the scenes photographs and a 50 page booklet with tons of additional photos and details about all of the films (and the 5th disc of bonus materials. It is a truly spectacular looking collection. The special features are way too numerous to get into, so instead I listed them al below just so you could get a feeling for what you get in this DVD set.

This weekend is fast approaching and I cannot tell you how much I'm looking forward to watching these movies with my daughter. She can learn to appreciate them without the stigma of being told they are campy or 'uncool' by her friends. I will absolutely enjoy seeing them again through the eyes of a little girl for whom they will still be new, vibrant, fun and exciting.

Movies (and extra features on each disc):
Babes in Arms (1939)
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Commentary by historian John Fricke
Vintage Our Gang short Duel Personalities
Classic cartoon The Mad Maestro
1939 Newsreel with Mickey and Judy
Audio-only bonuses:
Leo Is on the Air radio promo
3 different radio shows with Rooney and Garland
Theatrical Trailer

Strike up the Band (1940)
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Pete Smith specialty comedy short Wedding Bills
Classic cartoon Romeo in Rhythm
Do the La Conga" stereo remix version
Audio-only bonuses:
Leo Is on the Air radio promo
Millions for Defense radio special with Mickey and Judy
Additional radio show with Rooney and Garland
Theatrical Trailer

Babes on Broadway (1941)
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Pete Smith Specialty comedy short How to Hold Your Husband Back
Classic cartoon Dance of the Weed
Audio-only bonuses:
Two Leo Is on the Air Radio Promos
Radio Show Adaptation of Merton of the Movies with Rooney and Garland
Chin Up! Cheerio! Carry On Song Demo performed by composer Burton Lane
Theatrical Trailer

Girl Crazy (1943)
Introduction by Mickey Rooney
Commentary by historian John Fricke
Vintage short Hollywood Daredevils
Classic cartoon The Early Bird Dood It
I Got Rhythm stereo remix version
Audio-only bonus: Bronco Busters Outtake
Theatrical Trailer

Bonus disc:
Private Screenings with Mickey Rooney - 1996 TCM special hosted by Robert Osborne
The Judy Garland Songbook- A superb collection of 21 complete, magical Judy Garland musical numbers spanning her many films from 1936-1954
Mickey and Judy Trailer Gallery

Extras: New Introductions to Each Movie by Mickey Rooney, Commentaries by Historian John Fricke, Vintage Comedy and Musical Shorts, Mickey & Judy Radio Appearances, Private Screenings with Mickey Rooney Hosted by TCM's Robert Osborne, The Judy Garland Songbook, Portfolio of 20 Behind the Scenes Photos, Deluxe Collector's Booklet
Studio: Warner Brothers
Release Date: 9/25/2007
Region 1
MPAA Rating: NR
Website

We'll give The Mickey Rooney & Judy Garland Collection an A.