Blu-ray Review: Chaplin Section of Criterion Collection Now Includes ‘City Lights’

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CHICAGO – Charlie Chaplin’s “City Lights” used to be more widely considered to be one of the best films ever made. In early editions of the Sight & Sound poll (the every-decade poll of film historians and critics), it appeared in the top ten regularly. Its esteem seems to have slipped a bit over the decades as some now prefer other Chaplin to “Lights” (me, I adore “Great Dictator” and “Gold Rush,” both available in Criterion Blu-ray editions as well) but the new Criterion edition reminds one why so many people consider this one of the best. It’s still a glorious gem.

HollywoodChicago.com Blu-ray rating: 5.0/5.0
Rating: 5.0/5.0

I think one of the reasons that “City Lights” maintained such esteemfor so long is the fact that it’s UNDENIABLY one of the most influential films ever made. When one thinks of Chaplin, the mind first goes to his tramp character, who was arguably never more deftly used than Chaplin did so here in this brilliant blend of social commentary and physical comedy. “City Lights” is still so remarkably entertaining, something that can appeal to all ages and social demos. That’s what’s so important about Chaplin — he tapped into something timeless. When I was younger, I think I dismissed his brand of performance and humor as something easier than what modern comedians were doing with more tools (like sound) at their disposal. I couldn’t have been more wrong. He was, is, and always will be one of cinema’s best.

And, as they have with past Chaplin films, Criterion has treated this work expertly, restoring it with a refined but not overly polished HD transfer, and accompanying the film with fascinating, essential special features. That’s the best word for the Criterion Chaplin releases — they’re essential for any true film lover.

City Lights was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 12, 2013
City Lights was released on Blu-ray and DVD on November 12, 2013
Photo credit: Courtesy of the Criterion Collection

Synopsis:
City Lights, the most cherished film by Charlie Chaplin, is also his ultimate Little Tramp chronicle. The writer-director-star achieved new levels of grace, in both physical comedy and dramatic poignancy, with this silent tale of a lovable vagrant falling for a young blind woman who sells flowers on the street (a magical Virginia Cherrill) and mistakes him for a millionaire. Though this Depression-era smash was made after the advent of sound, Chaplin remained steadfast in his love for the expressive beauty of the pre-talkie form. The result was the epitome of his art and the crowning achievement of silent comedy.

Special Features:
o New Audio Commentary By Charlie Chaplin Biographer Jeffrey Vance
o Chaplin Today: City Lights, a 2003 Documentary On The Film, Featuring Aardman Animations Cofounder Peter Lord.
o Chaplin Studios: Creative Freedom By Design, A New Interview Program Featuring Visual Effects Expert Craig Barron
o Archival Footage From The Production Of City Lights, Including Film From The Set, With Audio Commentary By Chaplin Historian Hooman Mehran; A Costume Test; A Rehearsal; And A Complete Scene Not Used In The Film
o Excerpt From Chaplin’s Short Film The Champion (1915), Along With Footage Of The Director With Boxing Stars At Chaplin Studios in 1918
o Trailers
o Booklet Featuring An Essay By Critic Gary Giddins and a 1966 Interview With Chaplin

“City Lights” was released in Blu-ray/DVD Combo Pack form on November 12, 2013.

HollywoodChicago.com content director Brian Tallerico

By BRIAN TALLERICO
Content Director
HollywoodChicago.com
brian@hollywoodchicago.com

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