Charlie Chaplin: The Essanay Comedies Blu-ray and DVD - British Comedy Guide (original) (raw)
In 1914, the great Charlie Chaplin signed a one-year contract with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company for what was then an unprecedented salary. Shooting in its California and Chicago studios, he went on to make 16 films that established him as the world's favourite screen comedian.
Unlike other screen stars at the time, Chaplin retained complete creative control over his films, from writing to casting and directing. Despite the strain that put on his relationship with Essanay, this fruitful period of his career saw him evolve his style, resulting in seminal works such as The Tramp, The Bank and The Champion.
The result of a 12 year project led by Lobster Films and the Cineteca di Bologna, this comprehensive two-disc Blu-ray collection features all 16 films, fully restored, presented alongside exclusive special features never before released in the UK.
Films:
His New Job
A Night Out
The Champion
In the Park
A Jitney Elopement
The Tramp
By the Sea
His Regeneration
Work
A Woman
The Bank
Shanghaied
A Night in the Show
A Burlesque on Carmen
Police!
Triple Trouble
First released: Monday 23rd January 2017
Extra features
- All films fully restored (and presented in high definition on Blu-ray)
- Charlie Chaplin: The Long Year at Essanay (2016, 23 mins): newly recorded video essay presented by writer and broadcaster Glenn Mitchell
- Charlie's Triple Trouble (c1944,15 mins): the re-released British version of Chaplin's 1918 film Triple Trouble
- A Burlesque on Carmen (1951, 36 mins): containing additional footage filmed after Chaplin's departure from Essanay. This version features commentary by comedian Peter Selleers, which was used for the film's British re-release
- Charlie Butts In (c1920, 10 mins): short compilation of out-takes and alternative shots from Chaplin's 1915 film A Night Out
- Fully illustrated booklet with essays by Frank Scheide, new writing by Glenn Mitchell and Vic Pratt, and full film credits
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