Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #16909 in DVD
• Released on: 2006-05-08
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Format: PAL
• Original language: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 150 minutes

Customer Reviews

The Essence of Genius, a Must-See for ANY Film Enthusiast
Film enthusiasts are totally indebted to Network, Thames and Fremantle for providing on DVD not only this unbelievably valuable compendium on the artistry of one of the greats of the silent film era, but also for its releasing the work of another giant of the time (Buster Keaton).

To be able to glimpse the thought processes and evolution behind some of the most famous of Chaplin's films is truly to glimpse something of the creative process that most people do not know of or can scarcely imagine. Yet as this excellent series demonstrates, the most 'natural' or 'spontanaeous' scenes are the result of incredible amounts of hard work, and demonstrate what happens to make something truly classic, and irreplaceable.

As valuable as the outtakes comprising Part 1 are, it is Part 2 that will illustrate most vividly what made such classics as 'The Gold Rush' 'The Kid', and most of all, 'City Lights' so memorable and innovative. Part 3 is entitled 'Hidden Treasures' and says it all.

In addition to excellent behind-the-scenes additional features, this features excellent narration from James Mason and an absolutely unforgettable adaptation of Chaplin's own music by the brilliant Carl Davis, a composer long underappreciated in the United States.

If you are in doubt about whether to get this or not, see the last ten minutes of Part 2 where the final scene of 'City Lights' is shown, followed by a segue to the credits that will bring tears to the eyes of ANY film enthusiast with ANY hint of romanticism in their soul! I last saw this special about 15 years ago but had always remembered this moment, and it remains as compelling and magical as ever.

a dream come true for any chaplin fan.
included on this d.v.d for the first and only time, is a selection of outtakes from charlie chaplin's early two-reelers.
at the time, chaplin gave strict instructions that any remaining footage that wasn't needed be destroyed. thank goodness some of it wasn't. what you are seeing, is the rarest of chaplin ever to be found anywhere in the world. to see footage of the man himself directing, rehearsing and auditioning throughout this three-part series made in the early 80s is simply unbelievable.
the makers of this programme made by thames television(kevin brownlow and david gill) were lucky to find anything, as the footage they acquired was not in the best condition.
during the programmes, you will notice how committed chaplin was at producing the best possible results - even if he had to shoot the same scene several hundred times, he would do it.
the special features could have been more, but that doesn't matter. there's an interview with kevin brownlow about the making of the series; more outtakes from chaplin's film "the count" plus another short film.
a truly fascinating series that shows a different side and a deeper understanding of chaplin's filmmaking methods.

A master at work
This excellent DVD gives a true insight into the genius of Charlie Chaplin. In all there are three episodes featured with many extremely rare filmed extracts. See Charlie develop scenes as he was filming,see him lose his temper as extras push him a little to forcibly. It really is an absolute must for any fan of this legend of cinema and fascinating stuff.

Superbly researched and featuring the soothing tones of James Mason,I rate this as a must buy especially at the very low price it is currently on sale for. Essential and important for anyone with an interest in the history of cinema.