The Kid Blu-ray Review

Presented in its original aspect ratio of 1.33:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC, and granted a stunning 1080p transfer, Charlie Chaplin's "The Kid" arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion. This restoration was created from a 35mm first-generation 1921 element preserved by Cineteca di Bologna, and scanned in 4K resolution on an ARRISCAN film scanner. Severely decayed portions of the film were supplemented with a first-generation fine grain from Roy Export's collection. The original monaural soundtrack was remastered at 24-bit using Pro Tools HD and iZotope RX4 to remove various audio imperfections.

The new restoration of "The Kid" is nothing short of spectacular. Improvements in detail and depth are dramatic, with outdoor footage previously plagued by edge-enhancement now presenting vibrant and clean visuals. Close-ups benefit notably from the restoration, displaying much better detail. The overall video quality has a significantly better balanced and organic appearance with enhanced contrast and brightness levels. While some density fluctuations and minor shaky transitions remain due to inherent source limitations, overall image stability is excellent. Damage marks, debris, scratches, and other age-related imperfections have been minimized as much as possible, making this a definitive home video presentation.

The grayscale balance is particularly well-executed, providing bright whites and deep blacks that enhance the film's natural nuances. Although not perfect, the occasional signs of age like scratches and stability fluctuations are minimal and do not detract from the overall viewing experience. The retention of a rich layer of grain preserves the cinematic look without resorting to excessive noise reduction. Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Kid" offers a breathtakingly beautiful and vibrant restoration that will set a benchmark for home video presentations of classic films.

The Blu-ray release of "The Kid" features a single audio track in Music LPCM 1.0, with English intertitles seamlessly integrated. Chaplin's stirring original score is the crux of the auditory experience, presented with impeccable clarity and crispness. Notably, stabilization work has enhanced balance and fluidity, eliminating any potential audio dropouts, pops, or digital distortions.

The LPCM mono mix truly excels, showcasing the score's emotional breadth—from cheery, comical passages to its poignant central theme. The music's fidelity and presence significantly heighten the film’s emotional impact without overshadowing Chaplin's visuals. While primarily music-driven, the track does include some well-placed sound effects, such as the sound of breaking windows, adding subtle yet effective auditory texture. Overall, this technically sound mono music track impeccably complements the visual narrative, ensuring a richly immersive viewing experience.

Criterion has curated an exceptional array of bonus features for "The Kid" Blu-ray that will delight aficionados with its detailed exploration of Chaplin's work and the film's history. Key highlights include an insightful commentary by Charlie Chaplin scholar Charles Maland, elucidating production nuances, scene deletions, and visual styles. The extensive interviews with cast and crew provide intimate recollections and contextualize Chaplin's creative genius. Supplementary materials, such as the video essays and featurettes on technical elements like undercranking, offer a comprehensive understanding of silent-film techniques. The historical footage and deleted scenes enrich the viewer’s appreciation of both the 1921 and 1971 versions, making this package invaluable for Chaplin enthusiasts.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: Analysis by Charles Maland on production trivia, deleted scenes, and shooting locations.
• Interviews: Insightful discussions with Jackie Coogan, Lita Grey Chaplin, Rollie Totheroh, and Mo Rothman.
• Jackie Coogan: The First Child Star: Video essay by Lisa Haven on Coogan’s career and relationship with Chaplin.
• A Study in Undercranking: Ben Model explores silent-film gags and cranking speeds.
• Charlie Chaplin Conducts The Kid: Footage of Chaplin conducting the 1971 score.
• From the 1921 Version: Deleted scenes and original titles from the 1921 version.
• Charlie on the Ocean: 1921 newsreel of Chaplin's return to Europe.
• Nice and Friendly (1922): Short film starring Chaplin and Coogan.
• Trailers: Trailers from the US, Germany, and Netherlands for the 1972 reissue.

Charlie Chaplin's 1921 silent film masterpiece, The Kid, arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Criterion, reintroducing audiences to a classic that seamlessly blends comedy and drama to perfection. Through sophisticated storytelling and poignant performances, the film presents a touching narrative of the iconic Tramp (Chaplin) who adopts an abandoned boy, ingeniously acted by the talented six-year-old Jackie Coogan. The tale unfolds as these two castaways form an unbreakable bond, only to face numerous challenges, including legal authorities attempting to tear them apart.

Chaplin's intricate juxtaposition of humor and sadness allows for a natural flow of emotional highs and lows, reflecting the nuances of real life. The film's memorable sequences, such as the duo's window-breaking scam and a slapstick street brawl, showcase Chaplin’s expertise in comedic timing and blocking. However, The Kid is not merely a comedy but also excels in delivering heart-wrenching drama. The moments where the kid is taken away by the police, bolstered by Chaplin's masterful use of framing and editing, become some of the most affecting scenes in cinema history. This masterfully created contrast elevates the narrative, cementing its place in Chaplin's evolving filmography.

What sets The Kid apart is its balance of emotional depth and light-hearted comedy. In this mixture lies its true genius—whether through the heart-breaking realization of the child's mother or the whimsical dream sequence filled with flying angels and troublesome devils. The film succeeds in delivering powerful visual storytelling with minimal intertitles, resonating deeply with audiences past and present. Criterion’s Blu-ray release ensures this timeless classic continues to be celebrated, preserving its legacy while providing an insightful array of supplemental features that enrich our understanding of both the film and Chaplin's monumental career.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of "The Kid" showcases Charlie Chaplin's enduring classic in an impressive 4K restoration that was meticulously completed at L’immagine Ritrovata laboratory. This restoration breathes new life into a timeless film, accentuating its delightful balance of comedy and drama. The transfer quality is stellar, with impeccably preserved detail and contrast that amplifies Chaplin's visual storytelling prowess. Additionally, the audio presentation of Chaplin's evocative score is pristine, further enhancing the viewing experience.

This release is comprehensive in its supplemental features, providing significant value for both casual viewers and silent-film enthusiasts. Highlights include a detailed commentary, as well as interviews and a new program featuring silent-film specialist Ben Model. These features offer fascinating insights into the film’s production and Chaplin’s creative process, elevating the educational aspect of this release.

In summary, Criterion's Blu-ray edition of "The Kid" is an authoritative presentation of Chaplin's most personal film. The technical excellence of the 4K restoration, alongside the exceptional supplemental content, ensures this release will undoubtedly be celebrated and recognized in numerous prestigious collections. This edition is highly recommended and a must-own for aficionados of classic cinema and silent films.