4 Film Favorites: Ocean's Collection (Ocean's 11 (1960), Ocean's Eleven (2001), Ocean's Twelve, Ocean's Thirteen)

Lewis Milestone’s original “Ocean’s 11” released in 1960, starring Peter Lawford, Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin, Sammy Davis, Jr., and Joey Bishop with appearances from Cesar Romero, Henry Silva, Normal Fell, Red Skelton, and more. The story focuses on veterans of the World War II 82nd Airborne reuniting to simultaneously rob five casinos: the Sahara, Riviera, Desert Inn, Sands, and Flamingo. At the time of its release, some critics derided the film since it didn’t explicitly condemn the men’s criminal actions, instead treating them with a detached irony. That tone, however, fits the public image of the Rat Pack entertainers. A lot of the interactions are based on in-jokes from their other stage shows and performances and the on-location filming in the Las Vegas of the 1960s is a nice treat for those interested in Americana. Supposedly, Frank Sinatra’s reaction upon hearing the film’s story was, “Forget the movie, let’s pull the job!” The original film will primarily appeal to those interested in 1960s popular culture and film historians. Much like “The Italian Job” (1969) or “Gone in 60 Seconds” (1974), this mostly shares a premise and title with its remake.Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s Eleven” released in 2001, staring George Clooney, Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Andy García, Bernie Mac, and Julia Roberts. It shares a title and some character names with the original 1960 film, but the story itself is almost completely different. The story focuses on Danny Ocean (Clooney) meeting up with his partner Rusty Ryan (Pitt) to assemble a crew and simultaneously rob the Bellagio, the Mirage, and the MGM Grand casinos, all of which are owned by Terry Benedict (García). Not only will this result in a big payday, but it offers an opportunity for Ocean to reunite with his ex-wife, Tess (Roberts), who is currently dating Benedict. The story is fun and a good heist film with a great cast.Soderbergh followed up with “Ocean’s Twelve” in 2004. In addition to the original cast, the sequel adds Catherine Zeta-Jones, Vincent Cassel, Albert Finney, Eddie Izzard, and more. Terry Benedict (Andy García) brings together Ocean’s crew to demand they return the money they stole plus interest. The group plans a European heist to make up the money and avoid U.S. authorities. Ocean’s gang must outwit a wealthy European baron and a European detective. The characters are fun, but the plot is overly complicated even for a heist film and often contradicts itself. Those who enjoy the actors and these particular characters will probably find it fun, but it doesn’t stand on its own as well as its predecessor or successor.The final entry from Soderbergh, “Ocean’s Thirteen,” released in 2007. The film once again reunites the original Eleven, adding in Elliot Gould, Al Pacino, and Ellen Barkin. In this final film of the Ocean’s Trilogy, one of Danny’s friends builds a massive new casino, only to have his business partner coerce him into signing away his rights to the property. Ocean and his crew must work with Tony Benedict against a common foe. The film is more of a return to form following the second in the series and includes some great scenes as befitting a proper heist movie. It strikes the right notes for the final film with this group, though it’s a pity the filmmakers couldn’t find roles for Julia Roberts and Catherine Zeta-Jones to reprise their characters. Following the passing of Bernie Mac in 2008, Soderbergh and Clooney decided not to make an “Ocean’s Fourteen,” opening the path for the 2018 spin-off, “Ocean’s 8.”This DVD set is a great way to get the original film and Soderbergh’s Ocean’s Trilogy all in one case, though the manufacturers’ decision to stack all four discs on one hub is a little cramped.

I love it when a series of movies are available on 1 disc. This one was priced at a reasonable price and arrived when promised.

Well, blimey mate, I gotta tell ya, "Ocean's Eleven" is a right proper cracker of a flick! It's a bloomin' masterpiece, it is! The cast is top-notch, the script is cleverer than a fox in a henhouse, and the action is smoother than a pint of Guinness!Don Cheadle's cockney accent alone is worth the price of admission! The way he spouts off all that rhyming slang is enough to make any East Ender proud! And speaking of the cast, they're all bloody brilliant! George Clooney is as charming as ever, Brad Pitt is as cool as a cucumber, and Matt Damon is as sharp as a razor!But it's not just the cast that makes this film a corker. The heist itself is a real humdinger, with more twists and turns than a rollercoaster! And the way it all comes together at the end is pure genius! I won't spoil it for ya, but let's just say that I was on the edge of my seat the whole time!Overall, "Ocean's Eleven" is a bloody fantastic film, and I'd recommend it to anyone who's looking for a bit of good old-fashioned fun at the movies! It's a proper diamond in the rough, it is!

OK I hope haven't got to watch it.

Want to get this order

I was streaming an old movie that I had never seen before. This was the original movie of Ocean's Eleven. I don't usually like the really old versions of movies, but this one had me emerged into it within minutes. It had an all star cast and is very well done. I had to get it. All the better to be able to get all 4 movies in the series all in just one DVD.

These are all good movies...Enjoy.

Love this collection