The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)
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Movie Reviews of The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)
Movie Review: The best Phantom of the Opera
Summary: 5 Stars
I do not mean to criticize the most current incarnation to the screen of the Phantom of the Opera but it is my opinion that the original was far superior.
The silent is truly engrossing and atmospheric and does a phenomenal job inspiring both pity and dread.
Unlike today's movies most of the silent films left much to the imagination and the fact that this version was a silent picture allows the viewer the space to dream the way a good piece of fiction does.
The sets are remarkable. The volence seems mcuh more horrific than without the spurting of blood and dismemberment we find in day's films and the sewers of Paris seem so dankwe can almost feel them.
The center piece of course is Lon Chaney, the man with a thousand faces. Before the days of fancy computerized special effects Lon Chaney perfected movie make up and yet though the gruesome make up he creates for this role his expressive face conveys emotions that many of today's script writers have trouble conveying in words.
We are repulsed by the Phantom and still we feel his isolation and his love for a woman.
When he is pursued as a fiend we find it heartbreaking.
The film is more than just an artifact of history. Even now it is an effective poetic portrayal not only of a disfigured man but of the human condition.
Every love who loves film should enjoy this picture.
Highly recommended.
Jim Connell "Hallstatt Prince"
Movie Review: The Real Phantom
Summary: 5 Stars
After watching the new Phantom of the Opera, and then going back to watching this silent film version for the first time, it made me feel somewhat shocked but relieved that i liked the silent version one much better. Sure, it's a bit too old to be 100% bearable to watch, not to mention that the acting (and the times cringing and horrible music!) is a bit muddled, but i think the best reason to watch the film in general is to see the wonderful and haunting scene when the phantom's mask is revealed. I really almost hid under my blankets because the face was so creepy, haunting, and melancholy to watch! It's truly a classic moment in film history, it's one that's truly memorable, and one which truly makes you feel the heart and soul of the phantom himself. Also, the other classic moment in this film was when the phantom was dressed as the Red Death with his haunting skull face, classic! I just find it unfortunate that every remake of Phantom of the Opera further takes away the haunting and chilling deformity of the phantom's face and replacing it with a more polished looking villian (which has now resorted to an almost handsome and gorgeous looking phantom as it's shown from the 2004 version). Also, the Red Death scene is becoming more and more diminished as it's being replaced with a simple red outfit with a cape! What happened to the real phantom that gives you chills, makes you cringe at his ugliness, and yet makes you sympathize with his sadness? I guess this version is the only one that has and ever will portray the true phantom, and thankfully, this classic silent film still lives on today for us to enjoy, regardless of how outdated it may be. Movie Review: The Phantoming Menace
Summary: 5 Stars
This film is one of the greatest works of cinema ever made because it pulls back the folds, lifts the veil, and shows you just whats inside. It was directed, acted, and filmed within your own blood and on the stage of your own brain - a closet drama that grows in relevance and power with each passing year.
Most of us who come to see the film for the first time think we already know what Lon Cheney's masterwork of a face looks like. But we are wrong. Movie stills and photos in books of the history of horror movies almost hide the secret power lurking in that face exactly the way photographs of Da Vinci's Mona Lisa actually obscure what that particular face is all about. Just as you must fly to Paris and go to the Louvre to behold the true Mona Lisa, so also must you watch Lon Cheney in action.
He is the nightmare figure that haunts us at the bottom of our dreams and through subtlety and crafts perverts our waking hours. The Opera is real, so also are the dark chambers and haunted halls beneathe the Opera.
Watch this film and you will remember all of the things you would like to forget.
Movie Review: He Should Have Stayed In The Cellar...
Summary: 5 Stars
Erik was a normal man until he was horribly disfigured. Now, he lurks within the Paris Opera House, living far below (five sub-basements below) in his underground chamber. He is a legend and boogeyman to the people who work in the theatre, which has just been turned over to a hapless pair of new owners. Alas, if only Eric could have remained in his fortress of solitude, but no, he had to fall in love with an operatic stand-in named Christine (Mary Philbin)! Erik sends threatening notes to the new owners and whispers encouragement to Christine. This is Erik's undoing, as he eventually reveals himself (masked) to her in order to take her to his hidden lair. Once there, the Phantom is unmasked and spirals ever downward into further insanity. Erik goes from love-sick freak to full-blown maniac in short order, crushing and killing those in his way! Lon Chaney is incredible in this movie! His ability to look bizarre and otherworldly is unmatched. His silent scream during the unmasking is an indelible horror image. The Phantom's entrance at the Bal Masque is a true show-stopper! Watching this made me realize how few horror movies come close to this masterpiece of creepy fun. Watch it with NOSFERATU and THE HUNCHBACK OF NOTRE DAME. A must own classic... Movie Review: The Ultimate Phantom DVD -- Milestone Edition
Summary: 5 Stars
When ever one looks in the bargain section of the local Borders or Best Buy, they can always find a copy of this film lurking around. But, the kicker is, the version that they are getting is most likely not the ultimate edition.
You miss out so much when you don't get the chance to see the original cut of a movie. Most of the time an editor or a director can achieve an entire change in plot by simply leaving certain snips of the finished cut out of the released cut. This is what makes the Mileston edition of the Phantom of the Opera so precious.
Not only does the DVD come with the 1929 edition of the film that most people can buy on the bargain shelves, but it also includes the very rare original cut of the film (I believe it was made in 1925). This original cut is several minutes longer than the later cut that has become so much more famous, and includes plot developements excluded from the later cut (such as more scenes concerning Roul and his brother, Phillipe, which make their relationship stronger; the original ending to the film; and several scenes that add both mystery and emotion to the character of the phantom himself).
Take the word of some one who grew up believing that the 1929 version was the best version ever produced of this film, there is so much more to offer with this Mileston edition! It is well worth it, and you'll thank yourself for buying this version.