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Phantom of the Opera (The) (Blu-ray) (1925)
The greatest horror film of modern cinema!Director: Rupert Julian (Lon Chaney, Ernst Laemmle, Edward Sedgwick, Lois Weber: uncredited)
Year of Copyright: 1925
Year of Production: 1924-25
OVERALL: Draw-
OVERALL: Draw
The US Kino Lorber release has three versions of the film and lengthy extras, including some exclusives. Note the 1925 version is in standard definition.
The UK BFI release has two versions of the film including exclusively the Photoplay restoration of the 1929 version, plus a lengthy documentary. Note the 1925 version is also exclusively in high definition 1080p.
Also note the German release has a few exclusive extras.
The following versions of the movie are known:
(1.) The original theatrical silent 1925 version, which is so far available in low quality reconstructed from 16mm elements.
(2.) A shorter, reworked silent version released in 1929, of which two main variants are known:
-- The "Blackhawk" version, originally released on DVD by Image in 2001, and featuring an opening scene with a "lantern man" saying something to the audience in the sewers,
-- The "Restored Photoplay" version (1996 restoration), originally released on DVD by Milestone in 2003, in which the previous scene is missing, but that also offers more shots in Technicolor during the Bal Masque scene - this version is said to have the best picture quality. This is actually the 1930 version.
(3.) The 1929 talkie re-release. A hybrid of the 1925 silent version with some scenes reshot with actors reprising their roles with synchronized sound, added voice over narration and newly added scenes.
The complete film is lost and all versions are most likely cut in some way.
For additional information on the differing versions of the film and technical details of discs, see Nerdly Pleasures' "Versions and Sources of the Phantom of the Opera" blog entry.
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CUTS:
- Blu-ray A America- Image Entertainment - Includes the 1925 version (114:24), the 1929 reissue (Blackhawk version) at 20fps (91:51) and 24fps (78:21).
- Blu-ray A America- Kino Lorber - Includes the 1925 version (114:08), the 1929 reissue (Blackhawk version) at 20fps (91:57) and 24fps (78:04).
- Blu-ray ALL 3-Disc Dual Format Edition United Kingdom- British Film Institute - Includes the 1925 version (103:12) and the 1929 reissue (Photoplay restoration) (90:43).
- Blu-ray B Germany- Great Movies - No cuts - Presumably the 1929 reissue at 20fps, either with German intertitles (91:15) or with English ones (91:37). The latter is slightly longer due to extended credits
- Blu-ray B 2-Disc Ultimate Editon United Kingdom- Park Circus - No cuts - Includes the 1925 version (114:11 NTSC), the 1929 reissue (Blackhawk version) at 20fps (91:35) and 24fps (78:01)
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Comparison added by Vincent_Bouche on 03/12/13
Comparison last updated by Rick_Curzon on 27/03/22UPDATE LOG:
03/12/13: Initial entry.
Please ensure you read our disclaimer.
07/12/13: Addition of German edition.
02/01/14: Addition of notes regarding the different versions of the movie.
13/02/14: BFI release added.
30/09/15: Added Kino release.
01/02/17: Fixed typo.
04/03/18: Updated info on 1929 talkie, DVDBeaver link, winner notes.
07/07/19: Blog link.
06/03/22: Added detail to the 3-disc BFI.
07/03/22: Typo.
27/03/22: Added additional uncredited director.
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