Search - City Lights on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Movie Release: 1931 DVD Release: 02/01/2000 Format: DVD - Black and White Audio Tracks: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 1 hrs 27 mins Studio: Image Entertainment Members Wishing: 12 Genres: Comedy Drama, Romance, Romantic Drama, Melodrama, Urban Comedy See Also: City Lights, City Lights

Charles Chaplin was deep into production of his silent City Lights when Hollywood was overwhelmed by the talkie revolution. After months of anguished contemplation, Chaplin decided to finish the film as it began--in silence, save for a musical score and an occasional sound effect. Once again cast as the Little Tramp, Chaplin makes the acquaintance of a blind flower girl (Virginia Cherrill), who through a series of coincidences has gotten the impression that the shabby tramp is a millionaire. A second storyline begins when the tramp rescues a genuine millionaire (Harry Myers) from committing suicide. When drunk, the millionaire expansively treats the tramp as a friend and equal; when sober, he doesn't even recognize him. The two plots come together when the tramp attempts to raise enough money for the blind girl to have an eye operation. Highlights include an extended boxing sequence pitting scrawny Chaplin against muscle-bound Hank Mann, and the poignant final scene in which the now-sighted flower girl sees her impoverished benefactor for the first time. Chaplin's decision to release the silent City Lights three years into the talkie era was partially vindicated when more than one critic singled out this "comedy in pantomime" as the best picture of 1931. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide

Charles Chaplin - The Tramp
Virginia Cherrill - The Blind Girl
Harry Myers - The Millionaire
Allan Garcia - The Millionaire's Butler
Hank Mann - The Boxer
Florence Lee - Blind Girl's Grandmother

While the City Lights DVD does not include a large number of extras, it does contain several interesting features. The highlight is a 15-minute interview with composer Carl Davis, who conducted the re-recording of the score for the film in 1989 in conjunction with the Chaplin centennial. The interview focuses on Davis' diligent efforts to match Charlie Chaplin's original score from 1931. Other extras include Chaplin's original story notes, promotional pieces, and business information on the film. The impressive visual transfer is far superior to the video release; it is bright and clear, with a level of detail and definition seldom seen in films from this time period. There are some minor defects that signal the limitations of the time period, but they don't detract too much from the exceptional images of the film.
This DVD includes two vastly different audio soundtracks. Purists may choose Chaplin's original 1931 score for the film, recorded on a mono track. It includes all of the key sound effects and music from the film, but lacks the clarity of even basic stereo soundtracks of today. The second option is a PCM stereo score conducted by Carl Davis in 1989. The improvements in sound technology helped Davis to form an unbelievable recreation of Chaplin's original vision. Music and effects play a critical role in City Lights, and the new track heightens their impact on the film. ~ Dan Heaton, All Movie Guide