Interesting: the same cover art as the Kino Blu-ray.
I wonder if this is for the new Universal restoration of the film.
Both derived from original poster art.
I have yet to see anything concrete that Universal is doing a restoration of the film (preferably the actual 1925 version). When I brought up the subject in Robert Harris’ review of the recent restoration of Hunchback over at Home Theater Forum, he seemed pretty sure that there were no quality elements outside of those have served as the basis for the previous restorations of the 1929 reissue version, though I have heard that some more Technicolor footage has turned up in recent years.
Whoa, now THIS comes out of nowhere; I did not even know Craig Safan wrote a new score for the classic PHANTOM OF THE OPERA movie. I'm already sold on the idea. (And will get this recording.)
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA - NEW MUSIC FOR THE 1925 FILM Composed and Conducted by Craig Safan
New original score for 1925 silent film classic! Craig Safan creates all-new score for Universal’s silent film masterpiece in 2019 update. Nearly 100 years old at time of Safan’s contribution, he brings his unique musical vernacular to Universal horror and romance tale. Rupert Julian directs, Lon Chaney, Mary Philbin, Norman Kerry star. Safan brings considerable experience to scoring silent film classics, having previously been commissioned to create new music for Charlie Chaplin’s 1917 film The Kid. For the Phantom Of The Opera update, Safan composed and conducted a large tapestry featuring Gothic shadings, beautiful romance, tortured suspense, requisite organ and a plethora of quieter passages for solo instruments including a medieval dance. Safan first performed the score with the Del Rey Symphony live to picture in Chace Park for a 2019 premiere with some 2000 in attendance. This new recording on Intrada features the Miles End Symphony with vocal soloist Sonia Kazarova, under the baton of the composer. Exciting and evocative music for more than 76 minutes! Craig Safan conducts
01. Phantom Main Title (2:10) 02. The Grand Ballet (3:09) 03. A Scare (5:21) 04. Christine & Raul (4:15) 05. The Chandelier (4:16) 06. I Am Ready, Master! (5:48) 07. The Gondola/Phantom’s Love (5:44) 08. Christine In The Phantom’s Lair (4:33) 09. Phantom Unmasked! (3:30) 10. The Bal Masqué De L’Opéra (3:00) 11. Lovers On The Opera Roof (3:36) 12. Plans To Escape (4:04) 13. Murder/Christine Abducted (4:26) 14. Into The Tunnels (4:13) 15. Searching/The Phantom Underwater (4:15) 16. The Room Of Fire (4:40) 17. Christine’s Impossible Choice (3:29) 18. Wild Ride/The End Of The Phantom (5:17)
Oh yeah, I’m definitely getting this. I’ve been holding out on buying Naxos’ new releases, including the silent version of The Thief of Bagdad and this is the perfect compliment. Intrada continues to surprise!
I’m sure we’ll get an interview on release confirming what he did, but I suspect he remotely recorded the instruments one at a time and then put it all together himself.
Safan’s earliest composer promos from the mid 90s were on the ‘Miles End’ label.
Was Craig Safan’s score supposed to be reminiscent of the times?
Because it felt a little jarring at some points when the score didn’t seem to quite fit what was happening on screen.
I agree. A little too melodramatic for me. When you are the original composer to a movie your music lives with the film. When others have taken a crack at it before you... I'm not sure if Safan is referencing the 1920's or the influence of other silent film composers. With this film it is tough to get away from the organ music.
Oh yeah, I’m definitely getting this. I’ve been holding out on buying Naxos’ new releases, including the silent version of The Thief of Bagdad and this is the perfect compliment. Intrada continues to surprise!
Thief of Bagdad isn't on Naxos, it's on a label called First Hand.
Oh yeah, I’m definitely getting this. I’ve been holding out on buying Naxos’ new releases, including the silent version of The Thief of Bagdad and this is the perfect compliment. Intrada continues to surprise!
Thief of Bagdad isn't on Naxos, it's on a label called First Hand.
Which is distributed by Naxos of America in the USA and Canada (and worldwide for streaming/digital). Probably that's why JRP mistook this as a Naxos release.
