The Great Dictator Blu-ray Review

Criterion has once again demonstrated their mastery in film restoration with their Blu-ray release of "The Great Dictator," presented in a sharp 1080p transfer and encoded with MPEG-4 AVC in the original 1.33:1 aspect ratio. The meticulous restoration process, involving a combination of a 35mm fine-grain master positive and a 35mm duplicate negative, was executed using the Spirit 2K Datacine. The result is an image free from thousands of instances of dirt, debris, scratches, and flicker, manually corrected via MTI's DRS system and Pixel Farm's PFClean system, while digital Vision’s DVNR system managed dirt, grain, and noise reduction. The restoration team, led by Yannick Folliard, Cecile Cheurlot, and Pierre Hotte from Vdm, Paris, along with sound restoration by L. E. Diapason, Paris, has delivered a stunningly clean picture.

The picture maintains an impressive balance between cleanliness and historical authenticity. Debris is minimized so effectively that the film benefits from a well-preserved appearance without seeming overly manipulated. Criterion’s edition shows minimal differences from MK2’s previously available version but makes appreciable improvements, such as slight contrast adjustments and enhanced black levels that result in richer grays. Edge-enhancement is nearly imperceptible during motion, enhancing the overall satisfactory viewing. Detail is excellent, particularly in daylight scenes, maintaining consistent clarity throughout. Importantly, Criterion's mild corrections have resulted in stabilized visuals without compromising the film’s integrity or grain structure.

Criterion's release stands as a testament to their commitment to quality, offering a visual experience that honors Chaplin’s work while presenting it in the best possible light for contemporary audiences. Chaplin enthusiasts and classic film aficionados will find this release an essential addition, delivering a rejuvenated image that undoubtedly marks the pinnacle of the film’s presentation in its 70-plus year history.

The audio presentation on the Blu-ray release of "The Great Dictator" showcases a single English LPCM 1.0 track. Notably, this monaural soundtrack was meticulously transferred at 24-bit from the original sound negative and underwent thorough restoration using Pro Tools and Cedar by L.E. Diapason. Additional refinement was carried out at Criterion with the manual removal of clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, and the attenuation of crackle via AudioCube's integrated workstation. Optional English SDH subtitles are also provided for accessibility.

Despite being a monaural track, the English LPCM 1.0 audio on this Blu-ray offers impressive clarity and depth. The dynamic range is decent, and the dialogue remains clean, stable, and easily comprehensible throughout the film. The soundtrack demonstrates a commendable balance, particularly in musical sequences where string accompaniments are clear and colorful, though slightly distant. Explosions and other sound effects, while not overwhelmingly powerful, exceed expectations for a film of this vintage. However, a few lines exhibit a minor digital artifact that could have been smoother.

Overall, the restoration work has resulted in an audio track devoid of any distracting imperfections such as hums, rattles, or cracks. The combination of meticulous restoration and thoughtful presentation preserves the original audio's intentions and enhances the overall viewing experience.

The extras on the Blu-ray of "The Great Dictator" thoughtfully complement the film, providing a detailed and deep dive into its history, the creative process behind it, and its cultural significance. Particularly noteworthy is "The Tramp and the Dictator," a thorough documentary that juxtaposes the lives of Charlie Chaplin and Adolf Hitler, adding layers of context to the film. Equally compelling are "Chaplin's Napoleon" and "The Clown Turns Prophet," which unravel Chaplin’s unfulfilled obsession with Napoleon and discuss the making of "The Great Dictator," respectively. The inclusion of Sydney Chaplin’s behind-the-scenes footage offers rare, silent color insight into the film’s production. These extras not only enhance the viewing experience but also enrich the historical narrative surrounding the movie.

Extras included in this disc:

• Trailer: The original theatrical trailer for "The Great Dictator."
• The Tramp and the Dictator: Documentary comparing Chaplin and Hitler.
• Chaplin's Napoleon: A visual essay on Chaplin's interest in Napoleon.
• The Clown Turns Prophet: Biographical insight into making "The Great Dictator."
• Sydney Chaplin's Footage: Behind-the-scenes 16mm color footage.
• King, Queen, Joker: Silent film by Sydney Chaplin.
• Two Shaves: Clips intercutting "King, Queen, Joker" with "The Great Dictator."
• Charlie the Barber: A deleted scene from "Sunnyside."
• Commentary: New audio commentary by Dan Kamin and Hooman Mehran.
• Booklet: Illustrated booklet featuring essays by Michael Wood and Charlie Chaplin.

In "The Great Dictator," Charlie Chaplin delivers a seminal work that seamlessly marries comedy and potent political commentary. This 1940 film, his first "talkie," is anchored by Chaplin's dual performances as the bumbling yet kind-hearted barber and the ruthless dictator Adenoid Hynkel, whose resemblance to Adolf Hitler is anything but coincidental. The plot juxtaposes these two characters to both humorous and poignant effect. The barber, amnesiac after World War I and now operating a shop in a Jewish ghetto, finds himself entangled in the oppressive machinations of Hynkel’s regime. The dichotomy culminates when the barber is mistaken for Hynkel, leading to a climactic speech that echoes Chaplin's impassioned plea for humanity.

The film shines in its technical execution, with notable scenes such as the elaborate barbering routine set to Brahms' Hungarian Dance No. 5 exemplifying Chaplin's mastery of synchronicity and physical comedy. As the faux Hynkel, Chaplin’s mock-German gibberish and exaggerated orations provide a stark satirical parallel to Hitler’s infamous speeches. Meanwhile, the subplot revolving around the oppressed Jewish community anchors the humor with genuine emotional depth, portraying resilience against tyranny.

Technically, "The Great Dictator" is a marvel, balancing slapstick with irony and visual gags. The opening sequence, with its WWI battleground antics, transitions fluidly into darker, more satirical humor as the story progresses into the late 1930s. Through precise camera work and long takes, Chaplin achieves a choreography of comedy that is both intricate and timeless. Although some critics argue that the film suffers from a lack of complexity in its characters and occasional tonal inconsistencies, its enduring relevance and powerful performances ensure that "The Great Dictator" remains a pivotal piece in the annals of cinematic history.

Criterion's Blu-ray release of Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator" exemplifies the standard for classic film restorations. This satire on European political turmoil, delivered through Chaplin's dual performances, retains its contemporary resonance. Criterion's attention to detail ensures that the visual and auditory experience aligns closely with the original theatrical presentation. Enhanced audio clarity and meticulously restored visuals elevate the viewing experience, showcasing Chaplin's timeless craft with robust authenticity.

Accompanying this stellar technical presentation is a wealth of supplemental features. Notably, Kevin Brownlow and Michael Kloft's documentary elucidates the historical significance and production nuances of "The Great Dictator." This inclusion enriches the contextual appreciation of Chaplin's genius, making the Criterion edition stand out among similar releases. Each extra delves deeper, providing viewers both entertainment and insightful commentary that extends the film's value beyond mere screen time.

In conclusion, the supplemental features alone are a good enough reason to enthusiastically recommend Criterion's Blu-ray release of Charlie Chaplin's "The Great Dictator." Kevin Brownlow and Michael Kloft's documentary film, in particular, is outstanding. As far as the technical presentation is concerned, I like Criterion's release slightly more than the one Park Circus produced for the UK market. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.