There will be no numerical grade for image, as I’m pleased to have anything on this film, which has been seen in the past in almost unviewable states.
The source element is an original 16mm print, worn, occasional splices, but with far more image clarity than I’ve ever seen.
That’s the good news.
There is no bad news.
This (for the uninformed) is the original Lon Chaney version of the film. Mr. Chaney started in the cinema 1912-13, making a number of short films for director Allan Dwan. He made numerous films for Rex, Victor and Bison, before joining The Universal Film Manufacturing Company in 1916, and remaining there for some of his greatest achievements, with loan-outs or side ventures with a few other major production entries including Goldwyn and Paramount until he joined M-G-M in 1924, returning to Universal in ’25 for The Phantom of the Opera.
The synchronized score works beautifully, and is in stereo.
With the exception of the Flicker Alley release, old home video releases on the film are now officially coasters.
Please support film restoration, Universal and Kino by adding a copy to your library.
Image – n/a
Audio – n/a
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
Very Highly Recommended
RAH
Robert has been known in the film industry for his unmatched skill and passion in film preservation. Growing up around photography, his first home theater experience began at age ten with 16mm. Years later he was running 35 and 70mm at home.
His restoration projects have breathed new life into classic films like Lawrence of Arabia, Vertigo, My Fair Lady, Spartacus, and The Godfather series. Beyond his restoration work, he has also shared his expertise through publications, contributing to the academic discourse on film restoration. The Academy Film Archive houses the Robert A. Harris Collection, a testament to his significant contributions to film preservation.
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