i just returned from seeing the 1926 version of Phantom of the Opera @ the cedar lane movie theater. I am a big fan of the phantom of the opera, i have seen it on broadway as well as the newest version of it on film. I am taken back by this version though; i always wanted to see this version because of the scary look of the phantoms face in it; and tonite was a perfect oppurtunity for low cost. i am very pleased with the film. i thought it was beautiful; i didnt expect it to be a silent film though; but it only made it more authentic. during the film there was an organist playing the organ for the movie live in front of us which i thought was really cool; & he was very talented at what he did. Another thing that was very special about the film was that it was shot in color; the owner of the actual film talked to us before the showing & told us that it was shot in two strips of technicolor; along with other things. The film was not black in white but shot in blue, yellow, red, and orange tones, this created a more eerie feeling for the film. The masquerade ball was shot in technicolor though; and it was beautiful, the different colors were vibrant and visible ; which makes this film unique [especially for the time it was made]. the only complaint i have about it was the ending where they threw the phantom into the water.. it was too sad compared to the most recent film where they show that the phantom lives within christine forever, giving a sense as if he never dies at all. either way i love the story of this classic film; and tonite was a good experience and im glad i took advantage of it.