ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has released "THE THREE MUSKETEERS" and "THE FOUR MUSKETEERS." Both films are available separately or as a complete set. For this review, we've reviewed the set, "THE COMPLETE MUSKETEERS."

Both films have been available on dvd through WELLSPRING, but those transfers were average at best!  Neither had 16:9 enhancement, and colors were extremely dull.  ANCHOR BAY ENTERTAINMENT has obviously put a lot of time and effort into this release.  The image is strikingly rich, evident in the opening credit sequence of "THE THREE MUSKETEERS," wherein we watch a young "D'Artagnan practice his swordsmanship. 

While director Mark Lester made these films with an obvious amount of respect for Dumas' writing, he's also added enough slapstick and bawdiness to make his stamp evident throughout.

Some of the best directors state that the biggest part of their job is in the casting, and Lester's selections seem to support this idea.  Everyone in this film is excellent!  A very young Michael York is completely believable as D'Artagnan, and Oliver Reed gives what may be his best performance here as fellow musketeer, Porthos.  The film holds up perfectly, in spite its lack of modern day surround effects and CGI. 

Viewing these films with the youngsters allowed this reviewer to share the same kind of emotional thrills experienced during its initial release decades ago. It was also delightful to hear a 10 year old, pointing at the widescreen tv, exclaiming: "WHO'S THAT?" as Raquel Welch first appears as the strikingly beautiful, if not overly bright Constance. Writer William Goldman has written that at one period in time, everyone went to Hollywood to become a Director so they could --- Raquel Welch. Well, her beautiful face alone helps explain that comment. Both films demonstrate why Ms. Welch was considered such a sex symbol. While there are "suggestive" scenes, there's never anything explicit, so young and old can enjoy this together.

Both films share a lavish production design, although they were shot on a modest budget.  One scene in particular, wherein servants of the court act as live chess pieces, is but one amazing example of what has been achieved here.

While we're a bit saddened that the soundmix hasn't been revamped for Dolby Digital 5.1, the original monaural mix is included. It sounds fine, with decent fidelity and no distortion.  The music is excellent, however, and would've benefited from a remix.

There are various extras, including trailers for both films, and featurettes. The interviews are great, offering present-day recollections from Michael York, Raquel Welch and others.  Their comments are typically entertaining, and while they all seem to have fond memories of the production, many suggest that Ms. Welch was quite a pain to deal with.