The Chaplin Collection, Vol. 1 (Modern Times / The Great Dictator / The Gold Rush / Limelight)

Before I bought this collection, I'd only ever seen one Chaplin film, "The Great Dictator". I liked it so much, I wanted a copy and at the time, this little set was on sale for half-off. I'd heard good things about "Limelight" and "Modern Times" as well, and so I figured,"What the heck?" and ordered the box set.

What an excellent choice!

In this set you get four fantastic films; the previously mentioend titles and "The Gold Rush", which I thought was the weakest of the set, but still brilliant and contains one of Chaplin's best-known routines.

These aren't dumbed-down versions of the special edition sets, either. If you buy this set, the version of "The Great Dictator" that you get is the same as one you get by buying The Great Dictator (2 Disc Special Edition), so you aren't getting ripped or anything.

Four great movies, one great price. No reason not to get this set!

Chaplin is one of the greatest silent comedians/film makers only behind Buster Keaton and Roscoe Arbuckle (In my opinion.) If your looking for some Charles Chaplin films look no further this is by far the best quality out of all the other sets.

I had the pleasure over the last few months of watching all of Chaplin's films in the Chaplin Collection, volumes 1 and 2, and I am a richer man for it. I came away having discovered Chaplin the mime, Chaplin the songwriter, Chaplin the comedian, Chaplin the satirist, Chaplin the peacemonger, and Chaplin the free spirit who was, I see now, the greatest artist in American cinema.

I thought the films looked great, and enjoyed the late-career additions of music and film edits that Charlie made. Chaplin's singing at the beginning of "The Circus" was delightful. It was fascinating to see how his films were made, and how he put the finishing touches on them later in life. I thought the extras were very informative, though often not so interesting.

But the simplicity, the directness and the power of his work was the real discovery here, with its consistent message of peace, love and understanding. And the courage to maintain those principles despite enormous opposition. What artist can claim higher principles than that?

Thank you, Charlie.

Difficult product to find and Amazon had it... Excellent DVD collection for any cinephile - a "must-have". As always, Amazon delivered promptly, regardless of being out of the U.S. and the package arrived just as shown. Amazon is the best!

I purchased this for a birthday gift for my partner.
He loved it and I have enjoyed watching movies I have never seen before.
The collection is excellent and the quality of the films in general is very good, especially considering the time the originals were produced.

The Great Dictator is definitely a must see.
I loved how in all Chaplin's film he displayed a range of emotions with out saying a word or even changing expression (except the Dictator of course). All communication was through movement.

How I wish we as a society can create change with the strength and simplicity of emotion and movement of Chaplin.