The John Wayne Ultimate Collection [DVD]

The films in chronological order are as follows:-

1 "Hondo"(53) directed by John Farrow. A very fine western, with Wayne as an Indian scout in conflict with the Apache. A film I have already reviewed in detail.
2) "Island in the Sky"(53) directed by William Wellman. Wayne plays a chief pilot of a plane that ditches in the wild wastes of Labrador during WW11. A routine action picture with Wayne going through the motions. One of the big mans lesser known films.
3) "The High and the Mighty"(54) directed by William Wellman. Wayne plays a co-pilot haunted by his past. A film that was commercially successful and was the "Airport" of the fifties. Also starred Robert Stack and Clair Trevor
4) "Hatari"(62)directed Howard Hawks. Spills and thrills galore as Wayne and friends capture big game in Africa for zoos. A film I have already reviewed.
5) "The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance"(62) directed by John Ford. A superb elegiac western by the master Ford. Also stars James Stewart and a very bad Lee Marvin.
6) "Donovan's Reef"(63) directed John Ford. Wayne and Lee Marvin have rumbustious fun in the South sea's.
7) "McLintock"(63) directed by Andrew V McLaglen. Wayne has fun with old sparring partner Maureen O'Hara in this comedy western. Good light hearted fun and a film I have already reviewed in detail.
8) "In Harm's Way"(65) directed by Otto Preminger. Second World War naval drama also starring Kirk Douglas and Pat Neal. A rather disappointing big budget picture.
9) "The Son's of Katie Elder"(65) directed by Henry Hathaway. A good solid western from the veteran Hathaway. Wayne's first outing after his bout with cancer. Also starred Dean Martin.
10) "El Dorado"(67) directed by Howard Hawks. A less successful remake of the classic western "Rio Bravo". Co starred Robert Mitchum in what is none the less a good entertaining western.
11) "True Grit"(69) directed by Henry Hathaway. Wayne grabs an oscar at last for his portrayal of irascible one eyed sheriff Rooster Cogburn. An entertaining romp with Kim Darby and Glenn Campbell on board. Wayne probably made better films, but the oscar was well earned in a long and illustrious Hollywood career.
12) "Rio Lobo" directed by Howard Hawks. The director's powers are shown to be fading in this lesser western set in the aftermath of the Civil War. A lesser film for both Hawk's and Wayne.
13) "Big Jake" directed by old serial stalwart George Sherman. A very routine western that falls back on Wayne's massive screen persona. It also reunites Wayne once again with Maureen O'Hara. The big guy is just going through the motions once again!
14) "The Shootist"(76) directed by Don Siegal. Wayne's last film and one that takes him out of his usual comfort zone. A downbeat story of an old gunfighter dying of cancer and his attempts to go out on his own terms. A poignant and fine ending to a glittering career. Also starred the great James Stewart and Lauren Bacall.

Overall, considering the reasonable price that this collection can be purchased for at the time of this review, it represents a good buy. The collection is a varied mix in both subject and quality, but gives the opportunity of also acquiring some of Wayne's more forgotten films. Some might argue they are better off staying that way! Certainly worth a shout for Wayne fans.

Firstly, if you are looking at this boxset then I imagine you are already a John Wayne Fan; you will not be disappointed by the set, it's superb.... BUT!

A very brief review of the contents:
The DVD transfers are very good indeed and the special editions included (Mclintock! and Hondo) are un-edited; earlier releases of Mclintock had a huge 20 mins of footage cut unbelievably. El Dorado is also uncut, including in this release is the infamous James Caan flowerpot, Chinese impression which has been missing from some previous releases. This is a must have boxset for all John Wayne fans or lovers of classic Hollywood films when life was simpler and less cynical.

The problem:
The physical slip case is so flimsy that mine arrived crushed like a pancake, not helped by the fact Amazon sent it in a Jiffy bag rather than a box! Secondly the actual design of the foldout inner sleeve means the DVDs are tucked into D cuts in the card rather than on sprockets so they slip out if the box is turned upside down. Inevitably the box being upside down happens in the post resulting in all the DVD coming loose and rattling around in the box. Some of the DVDs had slipped around so much in transit that the scratches on them rendered the DVDs unplayable which is a huge disappointment. I have reluctantly returned the box set and would advise buying one in person if at all possible to ensure everything is as should be.

Being a family of avid John Wayne fans I jumped at the chance of buying this set from Amazon for my husband. I had seen it in the shops at a higher price but as always Amazon beat them all. My husband can now get rid of the taped and purchased videos. CDs take up so much less room and where else can you watch your favourite 'Duke' films without someone walking in front of the screen blocking out the 'best bits'.

Item came really well packaged so the content box did not even have a slight 'dent'.

Amazon does it again.