The 1925 version of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, starring the brilliant Lon Chaney, is coming to Blu-ray for the first time ever this November. And it sounds like Image Entertainment has spared no expense with the transfer and goodies…
The Blu-ray features 3 versions of the film – assembled together for the first time in a single release — including a brand-new high definition digital transfer from the 35mm negative, plus Gaylord Carter’s famous theatre organ score, released for the first time as recorded in stereo.
Here are the official specs:
– Brand-new HD digital transfer of the 24fps version of 1929 reissue (Academy Aspect Ratio; 16×9 pillar-boxed) from the 35mm negative, with tinted sequences including the Bal Masque sequence in two-strip Technicolor. Featuring a brand new music score by Alloy Orchestra, plus Gaylord Carter’s famous theatre organ score, released for the first time in stereo
– Brand-new HD transfer of 20fps version of 1929 reissue with tinting, Technicolor and hand-coloring. Symphonic score composed by Gabriel Thibaudeau, performed by I Musici de Montreal, conducted by Yuri Turovsky with Claudine Cote, soprano presented in stereo, along with a new full-length audio essay by Dr. Jon Mirsalis
– Standard definition presentation of the original 1925 release from a 16mm tinted source copy. Accompanied by a new piano score by Dr. Frederick Hodges.
Also included are the Theatrical trailer, a Photo Gallery, The complete Phantom Script and Phantom Souvenir Program Reproduction.
In case you’re completely in the dark on what this film is about (and if you are, you should fix that with a viewing it, ASAP), here’s the synopsis: Chaney stars as Erik, the “Phantom” who lives deep within the twisting catacombs and dungeons beneath the 19th century Paris Opera House. The singers all speak of a ghost who walks the halls, yet no one has ever seen him. But when Erik falls in love with the beautiful aspiring singer Christine, rumor becomes reality when he kidnaps her and holds her hostage in his lair. Hoping, praying that she might see beyond the mask and the disfigurement hiding under it…
Pre-order your copy of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA right HERE. It arrives on NOVEMBER 1st.
Emmy Rossum, from Joel Schumacher’s musical version of PHANTOM