Charlie Chaplin: Limelight [Blu-ray]

The film tells the story of an ageing and fading music hall star, and his efforts to help a young ballet dancer to progress successfully in life. Starring Charlie Chaplin's son Sidney Chaplin, and Claire Bloom, this moving film also has a classic comedy duet with Chaplin and Buster Keaton

Charlie Chaplin had a gift to make people laugh, but he also had one other skill that seldom gets mentioned. ..he could tear your heart out with a look. And there are plenty of those looks here in this story of a an old stage comic past his prime but not past his dreams. I don't think this film could ever be called a comedy (there are never moments that make you laugh), but it is a bittersweet look at life in showbiz of Calvero, a man who had reached the top but is now just a historical footnote. Indeed, it is a look at the stage performers of Chaplin's past.There is a poignancy between Calvero (Chaplin), the washed-up comic, and the young ballerina (Claire Bloom in a beautiful performance) he nurses back to health. A good supporting cast aids the story, including Buster Keaton in a small role (the only time both were in the same film). But, make no mistake, this is Chaplin's movie, and you can see him in a rich performance that encompasses both sorrow and dignity.The quality of the video in Blu-ray is excellent, and since there is a DVD in this two-disc release, you can see the immediate improvement in quality on the Blu-ray. And if you compare it to the horrendous DVD release from Warner Bros. several years ago, you will see the Blu is a miracle. Audio is also excellent.One other important thing to note about the difference between the U.S. DVD release and the UK Blu release is the running time. It's the same film but the UK runs about 8 minutes longer due to the U.S. WB DVD release being speeded up because they used a PAL version.However, the WB release from several years ago does have a distinct advantage over this release, and that is in the Extras section. There are none on the Blu-ray disc itself, and what extras there are are relegated to the DVD in this Blu/DVD combo:"Chaplin Today - Limelight" (20 min.)Introduction by David Robinson (6 min.)Deleted scene (4 min.)Footlights (two readings running a total of 3 min.).BADLY MISSING from the Warner Bros. release from several years ago:Home movies (16 min.)Photo gallery of about 200 picturesPoster galleryTwo theaterical trailersThe Professor (7 min. of an uncompleted silent era short featuring a character like in the flea circus sketch onLimelight")Original isolated film score23 min. of scenes from films in the Chaplin collectionAlso missing in this Blu/DVD combo release is the French audio that was on the WB DVD.The Blu video is the way to go...and if you can pick up the WB DVD release cheap, do so for the extras disc.This is a Region B locked release for both discs.

I have been looking for this DVD for so many years and am delighted since Charlie Chaplin made a film that is so beautifully interpretated- so touching. I saw this film way back in 1952 with my mother whilst in England - we lived in Africa - a shiort time before she died too, so it has strong memories of being introduced to such a famous man and his talent for seeing life in so many different ways - and the music written by him!

Great example of how Chaplin utilised his great knowledge of silent film making and created a truly wonderful and touching movie which lends much to his experiences in music hall.Look out to for his double act routine with another silent star, Buster Keaton.The climax is well directed and acted by Chaplin and guaranteed to induce a tear to the eye.

i loved the song limelight i saw it years ago and still liked it

brilliant film good picture and sound pity charlie Chaplin did not do more serious films. Very quick and efficient service from seller thanks. Graham.

A wonderful Chaplin classic with an unforgettable theme. Charlie Chaplin was a superb actor and writer. Great film. Could watch it over and over.

a fantastic classic movie , Charlie Chaplin as you may never have seen him before, great movie great buy..