The Phantom of the Opera lives again with a new restoration by Redwood Creek Films
Redwood Creek Films has emerged as a passionate force in the restoration of silent-era classics—dedicated to preserving neglected masterpieces and bringing them to modern audiences via beautifully restored Blu-rays. Their recent restorations (Morn To Midnight, The Fall of the House of Usher or The Student of Prague) have collectively raised a great deal of interest worldwide, signaling strong support from silent-film fans.
Kickstarter campaigns consistently emphasize new 4K transfers and soundtracks, with backers praising the results. Reviewers noted that Redwood Creek’s work on The Magician delivered “amazing!” results, highlighting tangible improvements in image fidelity. The indie and exclusive label has access to rare films . Many of these titles, such as The Gallery of Monsters, lack mainstream Blu-ray editions. Redwood Creek Films fills that niche, making obscure silent films available for collectors and scholars. And they’re dedicated to the community : the label’s crowdfunding model creates a direct line between restorers and enthusiasts. Their transparency about sourcing and restoration builds trust with a committed audience base. Their blu-rays shine thanks to exclusive contents and each release is a limited edition, expertly curated for collectors.
The Archival attention is constant, their restorations preserve cosmetics like tinting and original intertitles wherever possible. And cinematic authenticity is preserved. Combining 4K scans with proper frame rates and musical accompaniment remains central to their ethos. Their new limited release for The Phantom of the Opera is no exception. As The Phantom of the Opera turns 100 this year, it’s only fitting that this silent-era masterpiece receives a restoration worthy of its legacy and Redwood Creek Films has delivered exactly that. Their new black & white restoration is not just a gift to the Phantom, but to cinephiles everywhere. Gone are the murky shadows and flickering frames of older prints. In their place, we find an image that breathes new life into Lon Chaney’s unforgettable performance. The detail in his makeup, the grotesque contours that once sent 1920s audiences into fainting spells, has never looked more haunting. Every velvet curtain of the Paris Opera House, every desperate glance from Mary Philbin’s Christine, now radiates with a clarity that feels both timeless and immediate.
Redwood Creek Films has approached this centennial edition with reverence and precision. The film grain is intact, yet the contrast is sharpened beautifully, restoring the mood and menace of Rupert Julian’s original vision. Accompanied by a freshly recorded piano score that respects the grandeur and pathos of the story, this version becomes a full-bodied experience rather than a historical artifact.
This restoration doesn’t just preserve a film, it resurrects it. A hundred years on, The Phantom of the Opera emerges from the depths of the past with more power than ever. It reminds us why we fell in love with cinema in the first place. In 2025, the Phantom still haunts us and this centennial restoration is the tribute he deserves. Bravo, Redwood Creek Films.
