Six 'Andy Hardy' films released in DVD box set

Fans of MGM's classic "Andy Hardy" franchise will be happy to see six films from the series on DVD for the first time, along with many other long-requested vintage titles released this week.

"The Andy Hardy Collection, Volume 1" (Warner Archive, 1938-41, b/w, $59.95). Mickey Rooney is the title character, of course, in these wartime family comedies about young Andy Hardy growing up in small-town America with his father, Judge Hardy, offering sound advice whenever he goes astray — which is never very far.

The early films in the series focus on the entire family with serious attempts at dealing with social issues but the series quickly morphs into light romantic comedies focusing on Andy and his awkward attempts at romance. There were 16 films over 20 years, many serving to launch such MGM talent as Judy Garland (in three films), Lana Turner, Donna Reed, Kathryn Grayson and Esther Williams, among others.

For some reason this set does not include the first six films in the series, but rather has Nos. 2, 5 and 8-11. A chronological set would have been preferable, especially since Rooney literally grew up in the role. But fans won't complain; these films have been a long time coming and it's nice to at last see some of them on DVD.

Extras: full frame, six films, trailers (available at www.WarnerArchive.com)

"Medea" (eOne/Blu-ray, 1969, $39.98). To star in his adaptation of the Greek tragedy "Medea," controversial Italian filmmaker Pier Paolo Pasolini persuaded the great Maria Callas (herself no stranger to controversy) to take on the non-singing title role of what proved to be her only motion picture.

The second half of the film adapts the Euripides play, preceded by a lengthy retelling of Jason and his pursuit of the Golden Fleece, aided by Medea, who is as barbaric and primal as her tribe, demonstrated by a gory human sacrifice. This provides foreshadowing for the rage and savagery that will drive Medea's response to Jason's ultimate betrayal.

The film is slow — there are long stretches without dialogue — and was filmed primarily on raw, barren landscapes that take advantage of Pasolini's widescreen compositions. Purists may complain about certain license taken by Pasolini but no one can fault his casting.

Callas is a formidable figure, towering over the proceedings with a startling screen presence, epitomizing a famous line from another play: "Love has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned." One can only wonder what kind of film career she might have had if "Medea" had found box-office success and cinema came calling.