While I’m not under any illusion about the quality of the Harold and Kumar films, I still find them humorous enough to enjoy. Guilty pleasures, if you will. not only are there three films, but now they have been collected into a new package for fans. I’m sure it was done as some sort of Christmas gift set package deal or something, but really, it does stand up as its own entity and not a gift-giving gimmick.
Well, alright, it’s still a gimmick. There are pack-ins that aren’t necessary, but some fans will certainly enjoy. A few air fresheners and White Castle coasters are on offer – but I’m wondering how many fans of these films actually use coasters. The Blu-ray package, coasters and air fresheners are housed in a tin box shaped like (and opens like) a lighter. Ha, good one!
At least all the movies are housed on individual discs. While we don’t get the 3D version of A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas, at least it isn’t the flipper disc version that was previously released with the Blu-ray on one side and a DVD copy on the other.
The first film deals with Harold Lee and Kumar Patel, roommates and stoners, and their quest for some snack food, the titular White Castle. It’s a comedy of errors, ridiculous and over the top, raunchy and funny. No, it’s not for everyone. Harold & Kumar Go To White Castle is pretty much the definition of “stoner comedy” and is perhaps the benchmark for the genre today.
Harold & Kumar Go To Guantanamo Bay is the direct sequel, taking place immediately after its predecessor. While there are funny moments, this entry feels much more “heavy handed” and almost forced. There are possibilities present that aren’t followed through on. Some of the characters feel more like caricatures. And some of the humor just fall flat.
Set well after the first two, A Very Harold & Kumar Christmas is much more like “getting the band back together” type of thing, and that works our well. While it doesn’t reach the same heights of humor as the first film, it’s still good, and a far sight better than the second. It’s just a shame that we don’t get the 3D version of the film as there is a lot here designed specifically for 3D.
Alright, so fans probably already have at least the first film. As for the price, I have to admit I don’t think this is worth picking up if you already have two of the three films. The extra pack-ins just aren’t compelling. However, if you liked the first film and wouldn’t mind seeing more, then this 3-movie set is worth picking up.
Oh, special features – it looks like all the special features from the previously released individual discs are here. This shouldn’t sway you either way in favor of or against purchasing this set.