The PHANTOM OF THE OPERA with Lon Chaney that most everyone knows is not the original version of the film. It is a 1929 reissue with several changes made to accomodate the addition of sound. Ironic that one of the most famous silent films of all time should be known from a sound version that lost its voice. New footage was shot, characters were changed and most important of all whole scenes were rearranged or eliminated altogether. This makes the storyline much harder to follow and interrupts the flow of the film when compared with the original which sticks much closer to Gaston Leroux’s novella except for the rousing chase scene added at the end by the studio (shades of FATAL ATTRACTION!). Now thanks to Milestone with this handsome 2 DVD set you can have both versions and make the comparison for yourself. As the 1929 film is discussed in much greater detail in other reviews, I shall focus on the original 1925 version.
The biggest problem with it is that it hasn’t been restored. The film exists only in a 16mm reduction made for the home market back in the 1920’s. While the quality will never be that of the 1929 version which exists in 35mm, it is possible as in the case of MERRY-GO-ROUND (which was also directed by Rupert Julian and discussed by me in a review of that film) to significantly improve the picture quality. I shall look forward to that day as I much prefer the 1925 version not only for a clearer storyline and better motivated characters (Raoul and Christine have more depth and Inspector Ledoux of the Secret Police actually makes sense) but for its more expressive title cards and overall pace. While longer than the 1929 reissue it seems shorter due to the way it unfolds drawing the viewer in more. It is a true silent film rather than one reedited for sound.
Until the restored version of the original appears this one will have to do. Here’s a tip to maximize your viewing experience. Decrease the brightness mode on your TV along with the contrast as this reduces the overall stark quality by softening the image. In closing special thanks should be given to Jon C. Mirsalis for creating a fine score to accompany the 1925 version. While not as sumptuous as the Carl Davis score for the other, it does set the mood perfectly.
The Capsule Critic 