The world became a little less funny on August 29th when Gene Wilder passed away at the age of 83. Wilder is most remembered for his work with Mel Brooks, first in The Producers (1967) as Leo Bloom, and then for his roles in 1974’s comedy double feature of Blazing Saddles and Young Frankenstein. Sandwiched in the center of these Brooks’ classics was his spectacular turn as the titular character in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory (1971), directed by Mel Stuart and written by the author of the book, Roald Dahl.

Last weekend, in commemoration of Wilder’s passing, both films were back in select theaters, and my wife and I took my son to see them.

Gene Wilder, the actor best known for his headlining roles in such films as Willy Wonka and The Chocolate Factory, Young Frankenstein, Stir Crazy, Blazing Saddles, and The Producers, died today at his at home in Stamford, CT, of complications from Alzheimer’s disease, according to Variety. He had also been diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in 1989.

Wilder was the star of many beloved classics and helped pave the way for “pure imagination” to many of today’s creative artists, whether they are directors, actors, or music performers.

As part of Amazon’s weekly deals, The Mel Brooks Collection Blu-ray box set is on sale for only $22.99 (that’s 67% off the list price of $69.99).

This 9-disc Blu-ray box set comes with 9 Mel Brooks comedies: Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, History Of The World Part 1, Robin Hood Men In Tights, Silent Movie, To Be Or Not To Be, Twelve Chairs.

The DVD version, which comes with all the aforementioned films except Spaceballs, is also on sale this week for the discounted price of $20.49 (that’s 66% off the list price of $59.98).

The Gold Box spotlight deal of the day over at Amazon today is The Mel Brooks Collection Blu-ray box set for only $22.99 (that’s 67% off the list price of $69.99).

This 9-disc Blu-ray box set comes with 9 Mel Brooks comedies: Blazing Saddles, Spaceballs, Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, History Of The World Part 1, Robin Hood Men In Tights, Silent Movie, To Be Or Not To Be, Twelve Chairs.

The DVD version, which comes with all the aforementioned films except Spaceballs, is also on sale today for the discount price of $19.99 (that’s 67% off the list price of $59.98).

Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities
Vol. 3: The Orm of Loch Ness
Trade Paperback
Written by Eric Powell and Kyle Hotz
Illustrated by Kyle Hotz
Colored by Dan Brown
Lettered by Nate Piekos of Blambot
Cover by Kyle Hotz and Dan Brown
Dark Horse Comics
Release Date: July 3, 2013
Cover Price: $15.99

The twisted minds of Eric Powell (The Goon) and Kyle Hotz (Evil Ernie) have crafted a new tale of adventure starring their gruff and salty western hero in Billy the Kid’s Old Timey Oddities and the Orm of Loch Ness, the third volume in this brain-bending series from Dark Horse Comics.

Without even cracking the cover, and whether or not you’re familiar with the earlier books in the series, the title alone implies that you’re in for a wild (and strange) ride alongside one eccentric cowboy. Let go of any hold you have on reality right there at page one and let Powell and Hotz sweep you into their bizarre alternate history in which Billy the Kid works as a hired gun to protect a traveling freak show. Trust me, you won’t be disappointed that you did.