The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)
by Rupert Julian, Ernst Laemmle
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DVD details
Actor: Arthur Edmund Carewe, Joseph Belmont, Lon Chaney, Olive Ann Alcorn, Roy CoulsonDirector: Ernst Laemmle, Rupert Julian
Primary Contributor: Lon Chaney
Primary Contributor: Mary Philbin
DVD: Region Code 1
Audio: English (Original Language)
Format: Black & White, DVD-Video, NTSC
Picture Format: 1.33:1
Running Time: 93 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2003-09-09
Audience Rating: Unrated
Studio: Image Entertainment
DVD Reviews of The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)
DVD Review: Lon Cheney as the Phantom
Summary: 3 Stars
Though I'm not a fan of silent movies, I found that I truly enjoyed this version of a modern movie I love. Not that many years ago I would have never admitted to even liking opera, but a group from work went to see a live production of The Phantom and I have been an addict, er uh fan ever since!DVD Review: Lon Chaney's finest Hour.
Summary: 5 Stars
The ultimate edition of The Phantom of the Opera(1925) is certainly true to it's word offering the definitive DVD of this Horror film masterpiece.
Two versions are offered of the classic including a restored,practically pristine,tinted edition of the 1929 reissue version(the most widely available version)which features an excellent new Musical score and an optional audio track with synchronized sound.
The second is the VERY rare,original 1925 version offered in a rough,but viewable version in Black and White.
This one is a huge treat as it offers alternate footage and extended scenes not available in the reissue.
The extras also include good commentary by Scott Macqueen on the film(he also did commentary on the 1943 remake) and script and film comparsions,as well as the original theatrical trailer!
The film itself is somewhat creaky,but is still full of gothic wonder,featuring one of the all time great Horror film performances in the form of the legendary Lon Chaney as the definitive Phantom.
Several unforgettable scenes include the classic unmasking scene,the chandelier scene and the great,technicolor Masque Ball with Chaney arriving as the Red Death.
Chaney's defiant final end as the Phantom is one,truly great moment of screen villiany.
Forget the public domain prints and get this Classic as soon as you can.
It's worth it.
DVD Review: Phantom--The Definitive Movie version
Summary: 5 Stars
I think many Phantom of the Opera fans (myself included) were inspired by the magnificent Andrew Lloyd Webber musical. After seeing the musical, I became obsessed with seeing the Lon Chaney silent film version from 1925.
Over the years, along with many other silent classics,this film has fallen into the public domain, meaning that its copyright has expired. Because of this, many video companies have been able to cheaply re-release the film on VHS and DVD. The problem with these versions is that they tend to have poor picture quality and backround music tacked-on that does not match the film at all.
At last, someone got it right. This two-disc set, released by Milestone, includes both versions of the classic with Lon Chaney in the titular role. Not only does it have the 1929 restored re-release that most people are familiar with, but also the rare 1925 original version with additional scenes that were edited out later. Also, Milestone had a musical score composed especially for the film that adds a new level of excitement to it. This is the proper way to release a silent film and I'm glad some smart movie studios have finally caught on to it. Also, included are a variety of interesting bonus features that accompany the film well.
My only complaint is that the 1925 film, while I can't deny that I am happy they included it, was not restored in the same way that the 1929 version was. Given the fact that the original film is over eighty years old and that the the version on the DVD is based on the only 16 millimeter print available, this is understandable. I feel like a bratty kid for complaining, but don't worry, it is hardly unwatchable because of this.
Overall, this film is still considered to be one of the best adaptations of Gaston Leroux's novel, it is arguably the best performance of Lon Chaney's career. The Milestone edition is probably the best version of the film out there, so I highly recommend it for any Phantom fan.
DVD Review: KINO is the best way to go for silent films, but this movie stands well on its own...
Summary: 4 Stars
I find the one problem with this dvd is the color tinting - I understand that it may have been done simply to provide some definition when some of the scenes had too much black in them. It's to be expected in a silent film, but I got spoiled on KINO's new updates on silent films that are always top notch and of excellent quality. Still, that is not to say that this film is lacking. If you like silent films, then you must have this film in your collection. Lon Chaney gives a performance never to be forgotten, and this film hits all the right notes for what you would expect in a silent film. The suspense builds, the score is beautiful, and what I love about the film is it sticks, for the most part, to the original storyline of the book - with the inclusion of Faust and all. The score even goes so far as to include the arias from Faust that were mentioned in the book, which only adds to the acting of this movie. Unfortunately, the female lead (who I have seen in many other movies, where she has done incredibly well) seems to flounder a bit in this role. But if you were to see her in "The Man Who Laughs", you would not believe it was the same person.
In short, despite minor flaws, this is a must-see for silent movie buffs and general film buffs alike.
DVD Review: Who needs dialogue?
Summary: 4 Stars
The 1924 silent classic stands tall among the bevy of imitators.
The combination of music, shadows and color tinting of a black & white film work to render any dialogue an impediment to this film.
Lon Chaney's hideous face and his body language are more than enough to keep any viewer on the edge of their seat. Simply stated, the film is worth watching again and again so as to better understand all the theatrics apart from dialogue that make a film a classic. Hitchcock realized this as many of his films went minutes without a spoken word.
Take a hint producer's of today. If we want to be read to, we'll listen to audio books. If we want to see actors act, we will watch The Phantom of the Opera, 1924
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