A Few Words About A few words about...™ The Phantom of the Opera (1962) - in Blu-ray (1 Viewer)

[Robert Harris]

Another Shout release from the Hammer catalog, which will be applauded by fans for the audio commentaries and extras.

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

 

[aPhil]

Despite being in 2.00:1 aspect ratio on Universal’s 8 Hammer Film Blu-ray collection, the movie looks perfect, and the tighter aspect ratio does not harm the film at all.
I’m bothered by the low number (3.75) Image in your review.
Will Shout Factory Blu-ray appear lesser to me than the Universal Blu-ray?

 

[RICK BOND]

I pre-ordered mine from Amazon over a Month

ago. Hammer's version is my Favorite ! Herbert Lom is a Perfect Phantom. The 1943 Universal version is my 2nd Favorite version.

 

[warnerbro]

This is the first version I ever saw and it is my favorite. It is truly horrifying and scary as well as offering true pathos. The cast, script, and production is impeccable. I remember when I saw it on TV it had a border of vines on the top and bottom during the opening scene where the camera moves through the opera house and then through the sewer. This makes me think that 1.66:1 is the full frame, which is what I want to see. The 2:1 on the Universal box blu ray set looks beautiful, but it is severely cropped on top and bottom. I'm hoping we will finally get the full frame so I can see the full set, even though it may not be correct.