Modern Times Blu-ray Review

Charlie Chaplin's seminal work, "Modern Times," has been meticulously presented on Blu-ray by Criterion, showcasing an unparalleled restoration effort that breathes new life into the 1936 classic. Benefitting from a rigorous 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encoded transfer, framed at the historically accurate aspect ratio of 1.33:1, the visual fidelity retains a remarkable clarity and richness that surpasses prior releases. Derived from a 2K resolution scan on an ARRISCAN digital scanner from a 35mm fine-grain master positive—which, in turn, was wetgated from the original camera negative—the attention to preservation is evident. Noteworthy is the utilization of systems like Assimilate's Scratch and Pixel Farm's PFClean for color correction and restoration, deftly handled by a skilled team led by Lee Kline and supported by Immagine Ritrovata's adept technicians. The restoration not only eliminates myriad signs of age, such as dirt and debris, but also stabilizes the film to negate flicker, warps, and jitter, offering an authenticity that respects Roland Totheroh’s original cinematography.

The meticulous care in the video transfer manifests through superb contrast levels and fine object detail that reveal the texture and depth of the film's diverse scenes. The grayscale sees significant improvement, balancing a variety of blacks, grays, and whites with finesse, thereby enhancing the visual narrative without overwhelming it. While traces of mild edge enhancement and sharpening were noted, these are minor and largely mitigated by the overall quality of the transfer. Scenes with potential for mild background flicker have seen improvement over previous iterations, like the Park Circus release, underscoring Criterion’s commitment to excellence.

Criterion's release emphasizes not only technical prowess but also a dedication to film preservation. The blacks are notably rich and devoid of crush, affording a dynamic contrast that heightens the visual experience. Textural details are vivid in close-ups and wide shots alike, from the nuanced appearances of denim fabrics to the intricate architectural features of buildings. Despite some inevitable wear signs and grain presence, particularly in title cards, the inherent character of "Modern Times" is preserved, enhanced by a stable image that avoids serious stability concerns or digital artifacts. This Blu-ray edition offers an impeccable viewing experience that honors Chapin's legacy and ensures "Modern Times" remains a visually stunning cinematic delight for contemporary audiences.

The audio presentation of the "Modern Times" Blu-ray exhibits an impressively clean and authentically restored monaural soundtrack. Distributed in English LPCM 1.0, the track emanates from a meticulously remastered 24-bit process based upon the original 35mm soundtrack print. The restoration involved rigorous manual removal of auditory imperfections, such as clicks, thumps, hiss, and hum, employing advanced tools like Pro Tools HD for precision, while crackle attenuation was adeptly handled using AudioCube's integrated workstation. This painstaking attention to detail ensures that the audio is free of distracting pops, cracks, hissings, or dropouts, offering an unblemished listening experience.

The sound quality delivered through the LPCM 1.0 track is notably strong, showcasing a pleasing albeit limited dynamic range. All components, from the seminal music score composed by Chaplin himself to the sparse yet significant dialogue, are relayed with clarity and stability. The music—encompassing popular songs and the original score—flaunts the breadth of available dynamism despite the inherent constraints of bass output associated with the monaural format. Special mention goes to Chaplin's singing; it pierces the era's technological limitations to deliver a performance that is both clear and endearing without the mediation of contemporary audio devices.

Criterion's provision of optional English SDH subtitles for the main feature reinforces its commitment to accessibility, while the overall balance of elements within the track underscores a meticulous blend between music and spoken word segments. Although the bass levels naturally reflect the era's technological constraints—particularly in terms of LFE output—the audio experience remains robust and intricately balanced, ensuring that all elements coalesce harmoniously for a strong and immersive sound stage that faithfully honors the cinematic classic's legacy.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray extras for "Modern Times" offer a comprehensive and enlightening look into the making and legacy of Charlie Chaplin's masterpiece. The included commentary by Chaplin biographer David Robinson and the visual essays, notably Jeffrey Vance's detailed exploration of the film's production, provide deep insights into the socio-political context, Chaplin's creative process, and his collaboration with Paulette Goddard. The technical aspects of the film are dissected through discussions of visual and sound effects in "A Bucket of Water and a Glass Matte", complemented by "Silent Traces: Modern Times", which delves into the film’s locations. David Raksin's reflections on composing the score alongside Chaplin add a poignant layer to our understanding of Chaplin’s artistic vision. Rare deleted scenes and the inclusion of "The Rink" offer fans glimpses into the editing decisions and Chaplin’s earlier work. The package is rounded off with international trailers, a unique home movie in "All at Sea", and documentaries like "Chaplin Today: Modern Times", enriching our appreciation of Chaplin's enduring relevance in cinema history.

Extras included in this disc:

• Commentary: An informative audio commentary by David Robinson.
• Modern Times: A Closer Look: A visual essay by Jeffrey Vance.
• A Bucket of Water and a Glass Matte: A discussion on Chaplin's visual and sound effects.
• Silent Traces: Modern Times: Exploration of the film’s locations through a visual essay.
• David Raksin and the Score: An interview with composer David Raksin, including a piece of the original orchestral track.
• Two Bits: Included deleted scenes "Crossing the Street" and "The Tramp's Song, unedited".
• Three Trailers: U.S., France, and Germany versions.
• All at Sea: A silent film by Alistair Cooke with an optional score, paired with an interview with Susan Cooke Kittredge.
• The Rink: A short film featuring Chaplin as The Tramp.
• For the First Time: A short documentary by Octavio Cortazar.
• Chaplin Today: Modern Times: An analysis documentary by Jean-Pierre and Luc Dardenne.
• Booklet: Contains essays by Saul Austerlitz and Lisa Stein.

Modern Times" marks a significant milestone in cinematic history, being the last silent film by the legendary Charlie Chaplin and featuring the final appearance of his beloved Tramp character. This 1936 masterpiece, now presented in an immaculate Blu-ray edition by Criterion, not only showcases Chapin's genius in blending comedy with a poignant social commentary but also explores themes of industrialization, automation, and the impact of the Great Depression on the working class. Through the Tramp’s adventures—ranging from a stint in a mechanized factory that leads to a hilarious breakdown, to his encounters with the law, and efforts to build a modest life with the gamine (Paulette Goddard)—Chaplin crafts a narrative both timeless and reflective of his era's socio-economic challenges.

Chaplin's decision to keep the film largely silent, apart from creative uses of sound effects and a memorable gibberish song by the Tramp, emphasizes his skepticism about the necessity of spoken dialogue in cinema and preserves the universal appeal of his character. Despite integrating modern technology in its production, "Modern Times" remains a critical yet comic observation of society’s relentless march towards progress, often at the expense of humanity and personal happiness. It navigates through the dehumanizing aspects of industrial labor, societal indifference, and the fragility of human connections in times of hardship, juxtaposed with moments of slapstick humor and tenderness between the Tramp and the gamine.

Contributing to this Blu-ray's significance are meticulously curated supplemental features, including historical insights, interviews with experts, and critical essays that enrich the viewing experience. This release not only commemorates Chaplin's brilliant fusion of entertainment and critique but also invites contemporary audiences to reflect on the ongoing relevances of its themes. As such, "Modern Times" endures not only as a testament to Chaplin’s artistic vision and versatility but also as a profound commentary on the human condition that continues to resonate nearly a century after its initial release.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of "Modern Times" by Charlie Chaplin delivers an experience that can only be described as exceptional, living up to the high expectations set by both the film's enduring legacy and Criterion's own reputation for quality. This edition showcases the classic film in a presentation that not only leverages modern technological advances to enhance picture and sound but also includes a comprehensive set of supplemental features that enrich the viewer's understanding and appreciation of the film and its iconic creator. The release aptly demonstrates Criterion's commitment to preserving cinema classics with the utmost care and respect.

Beyond the technical prowess of the restoration, which breathes new life into Chaplin's masterpiece without betraying its original essence, the selection of special features stands out as particularly commendable. These features offer a deep dive into not just the film itself, but also its historical context and Chaplin's creative process, making it an invaluable resource for cinephiles and historians alike. The enthusiasm expressed for the possibility of bringing more of Chaplin's films, previously released in Europe, to the United States underscores the importance of such efforts in making cinema history accessible and relevant to contemporary audiences.

In conclusion, Criterion's Blu-ray release of "Modern Times" is a triumph, setting a gold standard for the presentation and preservation of classic cinema. It serves not only as a testament to Charlie Chaplin's genius but also to Criterion's dedication to excellence in film restoration and distribution. The blend of superior technical quality and enlightening supplemental materials makes this release highly recommended for anyone looking to experience one of cinema's greatest works in the best possible format. This effort surely cements "Modern Times" as a timeless piece that continues to resonate with audiences today, underscoring its place in the pantheon of must-see films.