Charlie Chaplin: The Essanay Comedies [Blu-ray]

These are far from Charlie's best films, but the Tramp is still captivating even in shorts that are subpar. The quality of restoration here is superb, patchy but such is the nature of the subject matter. The music accompaniments are wonderful, and throughout these films you can get a great feel for Chaplin's development as a filmmaker. It goes without saying that this is not the place to start with Chaplin, you should be watching the feature films first (any of the silents except A Woman of Paris) and then his later shorts at Mutual and First National, or perhaps his talkies (Limelight is a stunning film.) Overall though this is a fantastic collection, and as long as you know what to expect then I doubt you will be disappointed.

The main feature film "Triple Trouble" is an obvious upscale from DVD/SD material (the bonus UK version "Charlie's Triple Trouble" interestingly is a proper HD restored film). Confirmed by BFI. So not all are restored films.The first pressings came with a slipcover that had incorrectly "with music by Carl Davis" printed on it.

Here it is Chaplin and his essanay years with his tramp character at its best. The picture quality is so outstanding that the films look like they were made yesterday or though their black and white they have been restored so well that you can't even see one dot or line from the negatives or original reel they just look brand new I would highly recommend this to any Chaplin fan that wants to bring him into the 21st century

Complete collection restored but very uneven quality. Better was to follow

Unfortunately not as comprehensive as the mutual box, No commentaries on the films apart from two special ones. No score choice either. But you do get a really good picture quality early chaplin experience and the master doesnt dissapoint.

This is good!

Can't go wrong. Excellent quality restorations. Brilliant short films. Good value for money.

perfect