❉ A comprehensive collection of 16 films, fully restored in High Definition.
On 23 January 2017, the BFI release ‘Charlie Chaplin: The Essanay Comedies’, which will be presented on both Blu-ray and DVD formats in 2-disc sets. This 16-film collection includes ‘The Tramp’, ‘The Bank’ and ‘The Champion’ and is the result of a 12-year restoration project led by Lobster Films and Cineteca di Bologna. Each set includes a wealth of exclusive special features never before released in the UK, and also contains exclusive special features never before released in the UK, including a 1951 version of ‘A Burlesque on Carmen’ voiced by comedian Peter Sellers.
These comprehensive collections are the result of a 12-year project led by Lobster Films and Cineteca di Bologna to fully restore the films, which are:
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 and Triple Trouble.
Special features
❉ All films fully restored in High Definition
❉ Charlie Chaplin: The Long Year at Essanay (2016, 23 mins): newly produced 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 a commentary by comedian Peter Sellers, 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
❉ Illustrated booklet with essays by Frank Scheide, new writing by Glenn Mitchell and Vic Pratt, and full film credits
‘The Essanay Comedies’ will be launched at the Cinema Museum, 2 Dugard Way (off Renfrew Road), London SE11 on Friday 20 January 2017 at 6.30pm. A selection of films from the collection will be screened, followed by a Q&A with the BFI’s Douglas Weir, who produced this release, and the writer, broadcaster and Chaplin specialist Glenn Mitchell. More details will be posted here: www.cinemamuseum.org.uk
❉ ‘Charlie Chaplin: The Essanay Comedies’ is released by BFI on 23 January 2017. Blu-ray RRP £29.99, DVD RRP £24.99
