The Great Dictator (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray] by Criterion Collection by Charlie Chaplin

Not only was I very pleased to have this film again, I was more than impressed with the service I got from the seller. Even though the list of contents was in Czech the seller included a translation of the chapter titles etc to make it easier to navigate, and to get rid of any subtitles. They wrote to me ahead of sending it to make sure I didn't mind a dvd with foriegn language chapter headings, then when I confirmed that was no problem they wrote again to let me know they had posted it. It turned up very promptly...in fact more quickly than HMV could have got it.Regarding the film itself. In parts it's the funniest thing ever, but, rather like another Charles (Dickens) Chaplin mixes the humour with some slightly heavy handed moralising. Still, for all that it's refreshingly satirical, and the comedy continues to shine. I'm not sure which is funniest, the Hitler figure Hinkle's bizarre diatribe in pseudo German (I love the moment when after a wild rant the "translator's" voice drily comments, "he has referred to the Jewish people") or the romantic dance with a floating globe (my son nearly died laughing when Hinkle ran up the curtain like a cat.)Apparently Hitler hated this film, but couldn't stop watching it. By making Hitler ridiculous Chaplin really did encourage people to continue the struggle against nazism. This particular film has a place in history, and should be required viewing, even despite it's ocassionally clumsy moralising.

I enjoyed a lot of the silent and early films that used to get played but this one alluded me for years.Chaplin was supposedly king of Silent comedy, but his genius at comedy and its use to raise a awareness of the futility of following a repressive regime was at the time seen as strike at fascism.But this film could still hold water today when looking at the political scene in North America and Europe today with a inspirational classic speech for freedom and morality.Brilliant.

one of the greatest films I have ever seen!! 6*. it goes from silly, the most spine tingling speech in modern history, you can actually see the emotion in Chaplins face

excellent product, as advertised

Excellent

Charlie Chaplin was amazing re his ability to be really funny, helped by his acrobatic skills. Old movies like this in many ways surpass some modern productions.

Brilliant

beautiful picture and relevant for nowadays. Good service from amazon.com