Does the original version of The Kid exist?

[GishFan]

I recently got the Criterion release, and had forgotten that Chaplin reissued it with scenes cut out and a new score. This includes the deleted scenes in the Special Features, but it got me wondering if the 1921 version existed, and if so, why Criterion didn't include it.

BTW, I know it must exist, but I meant has it been publicly released? Mainly just wondering what the differences in the scores are.

[WaverBoy]

The uncut (and far superior IMO) version was released on laserdisc and DVD by David Shepard through Image, with Chaplin’s reissue score edited to fit. It’s the only version I will ever watch. There was no earlier recorded score for it; I have no idea which music was contained in the original cue sheets, but perhaps some of the knowledgeable folks here might know.

[GishFan]

Thanks. So, the laserdisc had it, but none of the DVD/Blu-rays have? That's odd. Rights issue? I had a lot of silent laserdiscs, but not that one unfortunately. Sorry, just saw you did say the Image DVD had it. I think I recently got rid of that when I ordered the BR. Ugh.

[Rick Lanham]

According to SilentEra, the DVD is the one from 2000, the one they call the CBS/Fox Home Video version on this page:

http://www.silentera.com/video/kidHV.html

There are some currently on eBay.

Rick

[Scoundrel]

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/6305760047

[GishFan]

Thanks, but after rooting around, it turns out that I did not get rid of my Image DVD of it. Hurrah.

[BarneyS]

While the Criterion is the 1971 edit the image quality is nothing short of breathtaking. I have all the David Shepard DVDs from 2000 for completeness (as well as the ReelClassicDVDs of The Kid and Shoulder Arms which have entirely different takes) but I thought it was money well spent on the Criterion.