Experience the timeless humor and cinematic genius of Charlie Chaplin in "The Essanay Comedies," a comprehensive Blu-ray collection featuring 16 fully restored silent films from 1915-1916. This 2-disc set, released by the British Film Institute in 2013, showcases Chaplin's early work during his groundbreaking contract with the Essanay Film Manufacturing Company. Presented in black and white with English intertitles and music, the collection runs an impressive 402 minutes in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio, all in high-definition 1080p with PCM 2.0 stereo audio.
This edition includes rare and exclusive special features such as a 23-minute video essay "The Long Year at Essanay" narrated by Glenn Mitchell, the British version of Chaplin's 1918 film "Triple Trouble," and a Peter Sellers-voiced commentary on "A Burlesque on Carmen." Also included are out-takes and alternative shots from Chaplin's 1915 film "A Night Out." The package design by the British Film Institute includes an illustrated booklet with essays and full film credits, making it a must-have for collectors and fans of classic cinema. Region B coded and rated U for universal viewing, this set is a definitive celebration of Chaplin's early comedic artistry.