The first time I saw "Phantom of the Opera", it was when I was 12 years old. A friend had a 15 minute "highlight" reel that showcased several of the most important scenes. I think my friend had ordered it from an ad in the back of a comic book. The film was grainy and was badly edited but after it was over, I knew I had seen something great.

Years later, I was delighted when "Phantom" was released on DVD. This is a real gem and I think even people who today are turned off by silent films will appreciate this one.

Lon Chaney gives the performance of his life in this and all of his talents, from make-up to pantomime, are on display. His character is tragic and frightening and as you watch, you will find Chaney taking you from revulsion to sympathy and back again.

"Phantom" has all the elements of a true horror film but it is so much more than that. It is also a love story, a drama and perhaps even, a black comedy.

I encourage film students and film lovers to add this classic to their DVD library.

This has to be one of the greatest silent movies of all time, as well as one of the best horror movies ever made! Lon Chaney is perfect in his role of Erik, the deformed man who brings terror to an opera house... all to bring fame to the understudy he has fallen for. The DVD isn't that bad, some scenes it gets really dark and scratchy. But the DVD still has the colorized scene. All in all, worth the small amount the charge for it!