Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Gold Rush’ Gets Stunning 4K Restore for 100th Anniversary Release!

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A refurbished 4K edition of Charlie Chaplin’s iconic silent comedy “The Gold Rush” is scheduled to debut worldwide at the Cannes Film Festival, marking its premiere, and coinciding precisely with the 100th anniversary of its initial screening at the Egyptian Theater in Los Angeles.

As a cinephile, I’m thrilled to share that the masterfully restored 1925 classic, a timeless work of art penned, produced, and directed by the legendary Charlie Chaplin, is set to grace the prestigious stage at Cannes. This iconic film, where Chaplin reprises his unforgettable Tramp character, has been carefully prepared for its grand debut by French film company mk2 Films. It will serve as the opening act for the Cannes Classics section, a fitting introduction to the festival’s celebration of cinema history and heritage.

This year’s Cannes Classics opening film will be the long-awaited 4K restoration of Charlie Chaplin’s ‘The Gold Rush,’ as announced by Thierry Frémaux, festival director. As we honor 130 years since the Lumière brothers invented cinematograph, it is fitting that Chaplin’s cherished classic – a delightful mix of adventure, romance, and comedy – will celebrate its centennial with a unique premiere on the Croisette!

Worldwide cinemas will simultaneously release the recently restored “The Gold Rush” on June 26th, following its debut at Cannes. This global launch is being orchestrated by mk2 and involves over 250 screenings across more than 70 territories. They are collaborating with a network of local distributors including mk2 (France), Janus Films (US and UK), Cineteca di Bologna (Italy), A Contracorriente (Spain), StudioCanal (Germany), Budapest Film (Hungary), Mars Production (Turkey), Lev Cinemas (Israel), Kadokawa (Japan), Cinetopia (Spanish-speaking Latin America) and Yema Distribution (Sub-Saharan Africa). Additionally, various other theatres and cinema networks worldwide such as Broadway Cinematheque (via Edko, Hong Kong), New Horizons (Poland), Cine Paris (via Cinobo, Greece) Kino Moscow (Armenia) will also participate. Further collaborations are expected to be announced.

I’m thrilled to be part of the team revealing a brand-new international poster for our re-release! This fresh design is crafted with the intention of paying tribute to the everlasting image of the Tramp, maintaining its classic charm while breathing new life into it.

Gian Luca Farinelli, head of La Cineteca di Bologna, shared that for nearly three decades we’ve been meticulously examining Chaplin’s body of work. Our aim is to restore the original charm envisioned by its creator in each film. Over time, Chaplin’s feature films have left an indelible mark on the minds, upbringing, and emotional growth of countless generations. Yet, one may wonder what else Chaplin has to offer. To understand this, simply watch his movies and discover that scenes that made people laugh a century ago still resonate with modern audiences.

According to Farinelli’s statement, the recent restoration of “The Gold Rush” is based on Kevin Brownlow’s research. With advancements in technology and the discovery of fresh materials, this restoration aims to bring us even nearer to the original version that was first shown on June 26, 1925.

The 1994 restoration of the film was enhanced through resources provided by Photoplay, Roy Export, BFI National Archive, Blackhawk Films, The Lobster Films Collection, Das Bundesarchiv, Filmoteca de Catalunya, George Eastman Museum, and MoMA – Museum of Modern Art. In simpler terms, these entities contributed to the high-definition restoration process of the film in 1994.

Arnold Lozano, director of Roy Export, expressed his joy as we unveil this centennial release, made possible by our enduring partnership with mk2 Films, Cineteca di Bologna, and L’Immagine Ritrovata. This collaboration guarantees that viewers globally can re-explore the film in exceptional quality,” said Lozano. “Viewers will be immersed in the film’s intricate details, deep emotions, and unique fusion of adventure, comedy, and romance on the big screen, offering an unprecedented viewing experience.

Originally premiered in 1925, “The Gold Rush” – notable for Chaplin’s iconic “roll dance” – was immediately praised by critics. In 1942, a “talkie” version of the film was re-released, complete with sound effects, music, and narration; this version earned two Academy Award nominations (the first four years before the inaugural Oscars). Lastly, in 1992, the Library of Congress, recognizing its cultural, historical, or aesthetic importance, chose to preserve “The Gold Rush” in the National Film Registry.

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2025-04-25 16:20