Offered in both 1.66 and 1.85 aspect ratios, Terence Fisher’s Phantom of the Opera is quintessential early ’60s Hammer.
Mr. Fisher entered the industry as an editor, active from the mid 1930s, and made the move to direction in 1948.
His So Long at the Fair, which he made for Gainsborough, is a personal favorite of mine. He joined Hammer in 1952, and five years later became their top filmmaker of the era, with a host of fan favorites, beginning in 1957 with The Curse of Frankenstein.
He follows up with Horror of Dracula, Revenge of Frankenstein, Hound of the Baskervilles, The Mummy, Brides of Dracula and Curse of the Werewolf, before the subject of these words.
As a Blu-ray, the Phantom is far better than okay, while not appearing recent or from a prime element. Color is occasionally weak, but never to a point of being problematic.
It’s just fine, but nothing special. Audio, likewise is okay for the purpose.
The extras are what makes the package special.
Image – 3.75
Audio – 4
Pass / Fail – Pass
Upgrade from DVD – Yes
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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