Like the first collection, the second is billed as a "fan favorite" collection of Stooges shorts, this time spanning from 1937 to 1939. While the shorts featured in the second volume aren't as groundbreaking as the first, the quality of the shorts is more consistent and without some of the experimental aspects seen in the first volume. It's easy to see that the engine is finally beginning to hit full speed, which should lead to a really memorable third volume once it hits.
Some of the real standout episodes in the collection are "Playing the Ponies", starring a horse that only runs fast if it eats hot chili peppers; "Three Sappy People", which features one of the more memorable Stooge pie fights; and "Violent is the Word for Curly", where the boys pose as Yale professors. As with most early Stooge shorts, Curly takes center stage as the group's laugh factor while Larry and Moe flip-flop in the role of straight man. The only thing to watch out for - and this is only if you're the type who gets overly worked up over this sort of thing - are the dated racial jokes. Half of the things the guys pull off probably wouldn't float nowadays, but that doesn't make them any less funny.
Similar to the first volume, the two-disc set is devoid of any extras, which is a real shame since I'm sure there's some sort of backstage footage floating around somewhere. At the very least, there has to be some sort of "Stoogeologist" bouncing between Stooge Conventions dying for a chance to shine. One bonus, if it can be considered a bonus, are re-mastered visuals, which look excellent. The picture quality is incredibly sharp with few noticeable visual flaws. Sound gets a little bumpy in some segments, but overall, the collection sounds great.
The Three Stooges Collection: Volume Two: 1937 - 1939 is a great pick up for any fan of the Stooges. Not only is there more consistency as far as the quality of the material, it's a fun watch that's great for those days where you just want to eye-poke your boss and need a laugh.
