The Gold Rush Blu-ray Review

The new digital restoration of the original 1925 version of "The Gold Rush" by Cineteca di Bologna at L'immagine Ritrovata and Criterion stands out as highly impressive. Despite occasional fluctuations in clarity between different source materials, the 1925 version exhibits balanced visuals with a notably stable grain structure. The mild sharpening apparent in the 1942 version has been adeptly minimized here, enhancing both depth and fluidity, and providing a more organic appearance to the film. The improved color balance further enriches the viewing experience, making this restoration superior in high-definition compared to previous efforts. It is worth noting that past releases, such as those by Park Circus, included a longer 96-minute restoration whereas Criterion's runs for approximately 89 minutes.

In contrast, the 1942 version, while visually appealing, shows only minor improvements over previous releases. The high-definition transfer by Criterion closely mirrors the one used in Park Circus' UK Blu-ray release, with subtle enhancements in contrast and color reproduction. The blacks appear richer and compression issues are less frequent. However, detail and clarity remain virtually the same, and mild sharpening persists. Despite these improvements, the 1942 version cannot match the newly restored 1925 version in terms of overall visual fidelity. Notably, digital artifacts and aliasing are absent, and any noise reduction applied doesn't detract from the viewing experience.

In summary, while both versions offer high-quality 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 encodes, the 1925 version’s meticulous restoration reveals a more convincingly organic look despite its inherent damage and variations. On the other hand, the well-preserved 1942 version benefits from Chaplin's original reworking and Criterion's adept clean-up, offering a cleaner transfer with minimal digital interference.

The Blu-ray release of "The Gold Rush" presents two distinct audio experiences tailored to each version of the film: the 1925 silent edition and the 1942 sound re-release. For the 1925 version, we are treated to a DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track featuring a freshly recorded score adapted from Chaplin's original music by Timothy Brock. This new score is skillfully mixed and creates an atmosphere akin to having a live orchestra present in the room. The fidelity and richness of the strings, complemented by clearly distinguishable woodwinds and exquisite flute solos, enhance the immersive experience. It should be noted there are no audio dropouts or distortions in this masterful track.

In contrast, the 1942 version employs an English LPCM 1.0 mono track, delivering Chaplin's narration and dialogue with remarkable clarity and stability, although with an inherently more limited dynamic range. Chaplin’s voice serves both as a narrator and the occasional voice of characters, providing a unique storytelling experience reminiscent of an audiobook. The lossless track maintains a high level of quality throughout, with only a solitary minor audio defect noted at the 20:37 mark. Despite this minimal flaw, the track remains almost pristine, devoid of hiss, crackles, or other typical aging artifacts.

Overall, both audio tracks offer distinct yet equally valuable listening experiences, preserving the historical integrity of "The Gold Rush" while showcasing advances in audio restoration and mixing techniques.

The Blu-ray extras of "The Gold Rush" are a treasure trove of well-curated content that delves into various dimensions of Chaplin's classic. Highlights include insightful commentary by biographer Jeffrey Vance offering profound technical and historical analysis, and an engrossing documentary "Chaplin Today: The Gold Rush," exploring the film's impact through director Idrissa Ouedraogo's lens. The feature "A Time of Innovation: Visual Effects in 'The Gold Rush'" provides an expert breakdown of the film’s groundbreaking effects, complemented by a detailed interview on Chaplin’s musical genius in "Music by Charles Chaplin." For enthusiasts, "Presenting The Gold Rush" recounts the meticulous reconstruction of the silent version, while archival trailers and a booklet enrich the viewer's understanding of this cinematic masterpiece.

Extras included in this disc:

• Four Trailers: Trailers for the film’s release in various countries.
• Music by Charles Chaplin: Interview with Timothy Brock on Chaplin’s musical scores.
• A Time of Innovation: Visual Effects in The Gold Rush: Discussion on visual effects with Craig Barron.
• Chaplin Today: The Gold Rush: Documentary on the film's impact and production history.
• Presenting The Gold Rush: Insights on the reconstruction of the original silent version.
• Commentary: Audio commentary by Jeffrey Vance.
• Booklet: An illustrated booklet with essays and reviews.

Charlie Chaplin's "The Gold Rush" is masterfully presented on Blu-ray by Criterion with both the 1925 original silent version and Chaplin’s preferred 1942 sound re-cut. This dual-format release is notable for its new 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio score for the 1925 version and Chaplin's narration for the 1942 re-edit. Chaplin ingeniously utilized alternative takes for the 1942 edit due to the deterioration of the original negatives, preserving the film's integrity and introducing his comedic voice-over, akin to the Marx Brothers, which adds a distinct narrative rhythm. The 1942 version flows better and provides a fitting conclusion, embodying what Chaplin envisioned originally.

The film itself is a quintessential Chaplin comedy that transcends time. Set against the harsh backdrop of the Klondike Gold Rush of 1898, it tells the story of the Tramp, an endearing yet aimless prospector who braves formidable elements and hazardous encounters with outlaws, transforming these trials into moments of comedic brilliance. Iconic sequences such as the “dancing dinner rolls” and the Tramp being perceived as a giant chicken during Big Jim's hallucinations highlight Chaplin’s genius in blending humor with pathos. The Gold Rush delves deeply into themes of survival, love, and the corrupting influence of greed, making it both one of Chaplin’s funniest and saddest films.

Criterion’s package includes invaluable supplementary features: European trailers, insightful interviews, a documentary short, an essay by Luc Sante, and James Agee’s review of the 1942 version, enriching the context for chaplin scholars and enthusiasts alike. The presentation is meticulous, offering English SDH subtitles and maintaining high fidelity in both visual restoration and audio enhancement. Overall, Criterion’s treatment of "The Gold Rush" is a celebration of Chaplin’s enduring legacy and a testament to its timeless appeal across generations.

The Criterion Collection's Blu-ray release of Charlie Chaplin’s "The Gold Rush" is nothing short of spectacular. The new restoration, particularly the 1925 version, elevates this classic film to a new level of visual and auditory excellence. The digital restoration by Cineteca di Bologna at L'immagine Ritrovata, in collaboration with Criterion, results in a crisp, clear picture that enhances every frame. The high-definition transfer captures the nuances of Chaplin's performance and the meticulously crafted practical effects that continue to charm and amuse to this day.

In addition to the exceptional restoration, Criterion has packed this release with an array of supplemental material that offers a deeper understanding and appreciation of Chaplin’s genius. Of particular interest is a new interview with composer and conductor Timothy Brock, who provides insightful commentary on the film’s score and the restoration process. This educational content enriches the viewing experience, making it not just a film to watch but a piece to study and admire.

The inclusion of the new restoration and reconstruction of the 1925 version of "The Gold Rush" in high-definition makes Criterion's Blu-ray release a clear winner. I personally prefer the 1925 version of the film over the definitive 1942 version and could not be any more pleased with its new digital restoration by Cineteca di Bologna at L'immagine Ritrovata and Criterion. It looks great. As expected, the disc also contains plenty of supplemental material, including a very interesting new interview with composer and conductor Timothy Brock. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.