Tweet Somerville, MA: 'Phantom' in 35mm on Sunday, Oct. 21

In case you need an infusion of Halloween spirit: on Sunday, Oct. 21 at 2 p.m., we're screening a 35mm print of 'Phantom of the Opera' (1925) at the Somerville Theatre, 55 Davis Square, in Somerville, Mass. The print is being supplied by noted film preservation expert David Shepard. (Live music is by yours truly.) Admission $15 per person.

I'm really looking forward to this screening, first because the Somerville's film projection and presentation quality is top notch, so it's a rare chance to see this classic picture on film and on the big screen and really done right. Although they've installed digital for first-run films, the Somerville has kept their 35mm booth in place under the guidance of projectionist David Kornfeld, who is something of a legend in the Boston area.

Check out this recent profile of David in the Boston Phoenix, which captures his fanaticism perfectly:

http://thephoenix.com/boston/movies/141 ... high-noon/" target="_blank" target="_blank" target="_blank

Also, for this screening of 'Phantom,' we'll try patching my keyboard into the theater's house sound, which should be a fun adventure. If things work, it will take the experience to a new level of sonic nirvana, at least for me. If not, we can still use my own speakers, which in previous screenings have done a fine job filling up the Somerville's big 900-seat "House 1" main theater.

So I hope all New England film fans will join us to experience this great silent classic the way it should be shown: on the big screen, from a tinted 35mm print, in a big theater, with live music, and with a real audience. Do your part and come help us fill up those 900 seats!

And afterwards, say hi and we'll all go out to dinner. Yes, all 900 of us.

Hi Jeff,

I may be seeing you there.
Looking forward to hearing what you play for "The Phantom".
Thanks too for that link to the article on David Kornfeld. Somehow I'd missed it when it was first puplished. I have had the privelege of attending some of his private screenings and can confirm that if there's a best way to project a film, David will figure it out and do it! Watching A David Kornfeld show is watching an artist at work!