Lynn,
This is a difficult question to ask us!!

Why?! Because there is no "Best Of" Chan movie! It just depends on what each of us perfers, the kind of stories we are in the mood for at any given moment, even what kind of weather we're having (because some of the Chans are spookier than others!).

Some of us (including me) feel that the only bad Chan movies are NO Chan movies!

Fortunately, Rush has - not an answer - a guide to help you decide. Two actually. Scroll up and hit the "Return to Website". You can check out the "Film" Section (http://charliechanfamily.tripod.com/id73.html) that tells you everything you want to know about each movie.

There is also the gallery section at http://charliechanfamily.tripod.com/id70.html to "see" each picture from the incredible collection that Rush has put together.

Having said all that . . . The fifth Boxed Set, the one that has the last seven Fox/Toler Chans, just has the films . . . and they've been put on both sides of each DVD. Personally, I'm tickled that we finally got them. Do I like that this set doesn't have all the "bells and whistles" of the other sets? No, because the added featurettes add a mind-boggling background to the films, not to mention that most of the featurettes include our own Rush Glick!

I know this is a very "talky" answer but it's a very open-ended question!

If possible, you might like to come to our Chat Room on Monday Nights-you will be very welcome whether you have that night's movie and you can ask several of us that question or any others you might have. Rush's Chat Room is at http://charliechanfamily.tripod.com/id17.html.

Virginia

I would say start at the First set! This would give him the chance to work into completing the series collection by purchasing a set each month or so. And hopefully the rest of the Monograms will show up. Hope this is a help

I would suggest starting with Vol 2. These 4 films (Circus, Opera, Racetrack, Olypics) represent the quintisential Chan films in my opinion. All have great interplay between Oland and Keye Luke; all have great casts and atmposphere; and all are great mysteries to boot.

If someone was new to Chan I would start them off with this set and I'd almost guarantee they'd be hooked for life on Charlie Chan.

Truth be told all the Fox Chan films are delightful and Vol 5 does give quite a bit of bang for the buck so that would probably be my second recommendation.

Agree that vol 2 gives the best feel for the humor, craft, technique and fun of the 30's with emphasis on the family. Vol 1 is quite theatrical. Personally, it's a knockout for film buffs, but the pace is slower, not as much humor, etc. Lots of film history. If only one is to be given, go with vol 2. As the series went on, there was more humor, more appealing to kids. Keep in mind that young kids today can sit and watch this material (vol 2 and later) just as I did 50 years ago on TV.
Best regards to all.

Hello . . .
I just discovered this site . . . and if you have a Costco store near you or are a member . . . you can purchase all the Fox Vol.1-5 releases from them for a very reasonable price . . I just bought the whole collection myself. I really like all the extra stuff included in this release . . . lots of great background info I never knew!!

Dear HCFD,
Welcome!
Have you also tried www.charliechan.net with it's message board? Definitely worth your time . . . .

As is Rush's Chat Room on Monday Nights!!

I hope you can make it when you can!

I also have a little website with a Chan page. The link is above if you have time to check it out . . . okay, this is a blatant plug because I (Maven) also have a Recipe Page over there!

Virginia

This was great information! I needed to go to two different Costco stores to find them - apparently not all the Costco locations receive the same mix of holiday dvd's. It was hard to choose which boxed set to purchase, but I'm sure my brother will love any of them. Thanks for the tip!

Lynn