Charlie Chaplin DVD/Blu Ray - which versions?

[IndyFanChuck]

I'm interested in getting the best versions of Charlie Chaplin's films to watch with my family, especially my youngest daughter. I've never owned any of Chaplin's films and have no idea which versions to buy or what is the best.

Any recommendations on which collections or discs to buy? I love Chaplin and LOVE documentaries and all that.

Any thoughts, my RPF brothers and sisters?!?

 

[Adam C.]

Personally, I'd recommend these two box-sets to start with.

http://www.amazon.com/Chaplin-Collection-Modern-Dictator-Limelight/dp/B000096IBS/ref=sr_1_16?s=movies-tv&ie=UTF8&qid=1341029812&sr=1-16&keywords=charlie+chaplin

http://www.amazon.com/Chaplin-Collection-Monsieur-Verdoux-Charlie/dp/B00017LVRI/ref=pd_cp_mov_1

They might seem kind of pricey, but the quality is fantastic. (The documentaries that are included as part of each movies two-disc set are incredibly well done, very informative and extremely entertaining as well.)

I know that a couple of Chaplin's films are now out on Blu-Ray, but it's nice to be able to have so many of his classics all in one collection. Just my two-cents. Good luck man! ( P.S. - You might find them for a better price on e-Bay. That's where I got mine.)

View attachment 100625 View attachment 100626 View attachment 100627 View attachment 100628

 

[Treadwell]

Yes, those are the ones! Also seek out the excellent documentary series, Unknown Chaplin.

 

[dcarty]

I have the Criterion editions of The Great Dictator and Modern Times. The extras on The Great Dictator are a bit thin for Criterion: mainly a somewhat over-the-top documentary about the movie that was made on AMC or something--from watching it you would think that Charlie Chaplin fought and won WW2 single handed just because he made a movie that spoofed Hitler (The Great Dictator is a significant movie and I don't want to diminish Chaplin's effort but to me the documentary reeeeeaally oversells the situation falling into hagiography)--there are some snippets of color home movies made behind the scenes on the film but otherwise the extras are limited to an essay and a commentary track. The picture and sound are astounding compared to the previous video releases I've owned.

The supplements on Modern Times are more comprehensive and include a couple of Chaplin shorts as well as a slew of documentaries. There's an interesting, and too brief for me, interview with the composer David Raksin about Chaplin's music.

I wouldn't mind having Gold Rush at some point too. You might check out your local library and see if they have any to borrow. The person in charge of obtaining movies for the Pikes Peak Library District loves Criterion discs.

Good luck and when you're done with Chaplin go on to Buster Keaton!

 

[IndyFanChuck]

Buster Keaton, Chaplin, and the Marx Bros are all on my MUST HAVE SOON list!