... Now you can see for yourself! The theatre is far less frequented these days, largely owing to the popularity of the cinema, which is a far more accessible, convenient and cheaper form of entertainment. I was lucky enough to see a theatre production of this in Manchester, but I know most have ... Read review
Although it's not as bold as Oscar darlingChicago,The Phantom of the Operacontinues the ... more
resuscitation of the movie musical with a faithful adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical. Emmy Rossum glows in a breakout role as opera ingé...
Postage & Packaging: £1.21 Availability: Usually dispatched within 1-2 business days...
Although it's not as bold as Oscar darlingChicago,The Phantom of the Operacontinues the ... more
resuscitation of the movie musical with a faithful adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's blockbuster stage musical. Emmy Rossum glows in a breakout role as opera ingé...
Postage & Packaging: Free! Availability: Usually dispatched within 24 hours...
The Phantom of the Opera' tells the story of a disfigured musical genius who haunts the ... more
catacombs beneath the Paris Opera House waging a reign of terror over its occupants. When he falls fatally in love with the lovely young soprano Christine the Pha...
Postage & Packaging: £0.00 Availability: 3-5 working days
Andrew Lloyd Webber's sumptuous musical comes to the screen in this film adaptation.A ... more
voice calls from the shadows of the opera house to innocent chorus girl Christine Daae (Emmy Rossum). Only ballet mistress Madame Giry (Miranda Richardson), knows tha...
Music / Performing Arts, Comedy - Director: Trevor Nunn, Geoffrey Posner - Original Language: English - Classification: 15 years and over, Parental Guidance - Starring: Duncan Preston, Celia Imrie, Julie Walters, Victoria Wood, Jim Broadbent
Advantages: The music is absolutely fantastic! Disadvantages: Story of the Phantom's past is somewhat toned down
...miles around Paris. It is the nineteenth century and this wonderful theatre is frequented by hundreds of people every night looking to be entertained. While the owners count their cash, their changes and refusal to accept the existence of the Phantom who dwells underneath this theatre are causing this ingenious "ghoul" to become increasingly irate, with some devastating consequences.
Imagine no more. Now you can see for yourself! ... ...to the popularity of the cinema, which is a far more accessible, convenient and cheaper form of entertainment. I was lucky enough to see a theatre production of this in Manchester, but I know most have not.
I love Andrew Lloyd Webber's work. I think the man is a genius. Because of this, I was very wary of watching a cinema adaptation of arguably Lloyd-Webber's best piece. Having seen previous adaptations of it, I had been left believing ... more
Imagine a beautiful, breathtaking piece of architecture whose brilliance can be easily seen for miles around Paris. It is the nineteenth century and this wonderful theatre is frequented by hundreds of people every night looking to be entertained. While the owners count their cash, their changes and refusal to accept the existence of the Phantom who dwells underneath this theatre are causing this ingenious "ghoul" to become increasingly irate, with some devastating consequences.
Imagine no more. Now you can see for yourself! The theatre is far less frequented these days, largely owing to the popularity of the cinema, which is a far more accessible, convenient and cheaper form of entertainment. I was lucky enough to see a theatre production of this in Manchester, but I know most have not.
I love Andrew Lloyd Webber's work. I think the man is a genius. Because of this, I was very wary of watching a cinema adaptation of arguably Lloyd-Webber's best piece. Having seen previous adaptations of it, I had been left believing that they simply ruin the story and leave the viewer completely unsatisfied.
However, noting that Andrew Lloyd-Webber had himself contributed greatly to this production, I decided to stump up the cinema ticket money and give it a go. I went back a further three times as well, I was so amazed! So, of course, when the DVD came out I was first in the queue to buy it, at a very reasonable £14.99, considering the extras it comes with. I purchased my copy from Tesco and noticed that the price of this DVD, as with most chart DVDs ranged from £14.99 - £22.99, depending where you buy it. It is definitely worthwhile shopping around.
The characters are portrayed just as brilliantly in this production as they are on the stage, with Gerard Butler playing a perfect Phantom, whose genius has clearly crossed the line of madness and whose love of Christine (played by the very talented Emmy Rossum, who was 16 at the time of filming and has the most amazing voice) combined with his horrendous childhood, has led him to become violent and terrifyingly threatening. Gerard Butler has a fabulous voice which can hit the aggressive notes just as perfectly as the softer ones. I am incredibly impressed with his voice, especially given some of the difficult pieces of music. Patrick Wilson's portrayal of Raoul (a character I really cannot bring myself to like for some reason) is sublime, while Minnie Driver gives Carlotta the slice of humour needed to top of this film marvellously. The casting is superb and I must admit to fancying the pants of Gerard Butler as Phantom (perhaps I should seek help for my spooks fetish!).
A brief outline of the story, for those of you who are not familiar with it; In the vaults of the theatre lives our Phantom, whose face is badly scarred on one side. He found himself in the theatre when the freak show he was forced to take part in came to town and he was rescued by one of the chorus girls, who later becomes Christine's guardian.
Some many years later, having lived in the vaults for many years, the Phantom begins coaching Christine to take the lead roles in the plays. She believes, as she has not seen her tutor, that her "Angel of Music" is her dead Father. When she finally meets this "Angel," she discovers him to be the Phantom of the Opera, who has fallen deeply in love with her and will stop at nothing to make her his own. The most amazing thing about this production is that the musical score remains unspoilt and sang beautifully by a very talented cast. The visuals were superb, with an early scene standing out as perhaps one of the best scenes of any film I have ever seen. Let me share this with you.
The film opens in the remains of the theatre, very much derelict at this point, where there is an auction of the property that was part of the Theatre in it successful days before the "disaster". We are in black and white. As we come to the final lot, which is the chandelier that crashed down over the theatre on that disastrous night, the spectacle begins. The chandelier is lifted and as it is, the Phantom of the Opera theme tune plays loudly and the screen bursts into colour, bringing this derelict theatre to life a shred at a time, to its glorious best. This scene sets the standard for the remainder of the film, and I was not disappointed at all with the audio and the visuals.
The only thing I was disappointed with was the way in which the Phantom's story and how he had come to be in the vaults of the Theatre, has very much been toned down, perhaps not to lead the viewers down such a depressing path. I feel, however, that this was an integral part of the story and should very much have remained a feature of the same importance as in the stage version.
Joel Schumacher is an excellent director and he comes up with the goods again here. This is not just a fantastic adaptation of a musical, but a superb film in its own right.
In terms of the technical statistics, this DVD is a region 2, 1.77:1 aspect ration, in English, with Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. The running time of the main feature is 143 minutes (2 hours, 23 minutes) and the classification is 12. There are scenes of violence and so I do think this is an appropriate certification. There are only English subtitles available.
The music tracks on it include "The Music of the Night," "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again," "The Phantom of the Opera" and "Learn to be Lonely," which is a new track written for the closing credits and sung by Minnie Driver (who, incidentally is the only member of the cast not to do her own vocals throughout the film, though listening to Carlotta's singing parts, this is no surprise!).
I was thrilled to bits with the extensive extras, which consisted of;
• The Making of the film • Alex Bailey production stills • Swarovski featurette • Visual and Audio FX featurette • Music recording and production design featurettes • Costumes, makeup and editing featurettes • The Story of the Phantom of the Opera • The History behind the Phantom of the Opera • Promo Video: "The Phantom of the Opera" sung by Steve Harley and Sarah Brightman • Promo Video: "All I Ask of You" sung by Cliff Richard and Sarah Brightman • Promo Video: "The Music of the Night" sung by Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman • Promo Video: "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" sung by Sarah Brightman
So as well as a fantastic film, there are hours and hours of extras to enjoy as well, which makes it very much worth the money.
Personally, I loved this film. It was a visionary spectacle and an absolute musical delight. Andrew Lloyd-Webber's input is evident from the outset, which is largely why I think the film worked so well.
This 2-Disc DVD is an absolute must, especially as now, July 2006, the film being slightly older, it is available from Amazon for only £8.99! I'm sure if you shop around it may even be possible to find it for less. Failing that, borrow my copy!
Advantages: Great story, fantastic music Disadvantages: none
...one of my favourite films. the music is fantastic and a beautiful love story with a dark side. This film still gives me goosebumps when I watch it. Although this is a long film it is never boring or slow. It has a fast pace which keeps you entertained. This film is about the phantom falling in love with Christine. He has taught her how to sing while she sleeps. He has her in a trance instantly. Christine is in love with another man and finds the ...
Beckyfrogg 05.05.2009
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Review of The Phantom Of The Opera (DVD)
Advantages: The attention to detail is impeccable, the scenes beautiful, the casting brilliant. Disadvantages: I wish i could have changed the ending or liked Gerald Butler less.
The film phantom of the opera is a stunning film; it is the perfect mix of romance and horror, action and despair. Gerald Butler, who plays the role of the Phantom in the film, is spectacular. His voice is truly beautiful and you really feel his agony and lament of his tortured childhood and lonely upbringing. But he is also terrifying as the Phantom and you really fear for Christine and Raoul’s lives in his hands. But you also see this human fragile ... ...Emmy Rossum plays the simple chorus girl turned opera star Christine Daae. I very much enjoyed her performance. I thought she brought the right mixture of sexuality but innocence to the film, and she has this underlying goodness that makes her even pity the notorious character that is the Phantom. I do dislike Christine’s character to an extent though; she is a complete tease and leads the poor phantom on. Not that this is Rossum’s fault, just the ...
violetxoxo 08.05.2009
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Phantom Of The Opera (DVD)
Advantages: entertaining, shot wonderfully, great music Disadvantages: Not like seeing it live
I have seen the Phanton of the Opera in London and I enjoyed every second, after seeing the film I was impressed. The film captures the spirit and passion of the musical and the scenery is wonderful. The Costumes are incredible, and Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler both do justice to their roles as Christine Daae and the phantom. Emmy Rossum's voice is amazing and she fits the part perfectly, and although Gerard may not be quite a match to Emmy's voice, ... ...a great passion to the role as you watch him throughout the film. It is interesting to see Jennifer Ellison play her part- and well, and Minni Driver is hilarious in her eccentric role as the demanding diva of the starring theatre's current production. You can't beat the soundtrack either, apart from in the real stage show- "Phantom of the Opera", "All I ask of You", "Point of No Return" and "Angel of Music" are just an example of the brilliant songs ...
markrobinson1234 29.08.2006
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Phantom Of The Opera (DVD)
Advantages: Wonderfull plot,music and art direction. Disadvantages: Not long enough!
...unrequited love that's set in the nineteenth century.
Get the tissues out girls! If you love angst ridden romance, this is the movie for you. The story is about a man horribly deformed who hides in the cellars of a French opera house, known only as the Phantom, a violent ghost who extorts money out of the opera house managers. A young chorus girl called Christine Daae always hears a voice singing to her whenever she falls asleep which she calls ... ...created- one Raoul De Chagny, the patron of the opera house and Christine's childhood love. Jealously and desire drives the Phantom into a rage and he does everything in his power to make Christine his, which means disastrous consequences for the opera house.
The storyline is complimented with enchanting scenery, sumptuous costumes and a dark romantic score, though I suspect girls will like this musical better than boys.
Gerard Butler fans will ...
Mistybrook 05.08.2008 (24.08.2008)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Phantom Of The Opera (DVD)
Advantages: Brings the stage musical to our tv screens. Disadvantages: None
...love this film adaptation of the sucessful stage musical. Wonderful! The acting is superb, their voices suit their parts brilliantly. I also have the soundtrack I liked it that much.
Down to the nitty gritty.
The Cast:-
Gerard Butler - The Phantom Emmy Rossum - Christine Patrick Wilson - Raoul Miranda Richardson - Madame Giry Minnie Driver - Carlotta Ciarán Hinds - Firmin Simon Callow - Andre Victor McGuire - Piangi Jennifer Ellison - Meg Giry ... ...- Carlotta's Seamstress The plot:-
For those of you who don't know the story heres a summarisation for you;
Christine (Emmy Rossum) is an orphan, her father passsed away, a famous musician. She is brought up by Madame Giry (Miranda Richardson) in an opera house in france, her she is a ballerina. Christine has been secretly coached to sing by a mysterious voice. She calls it 'The angel of music'. The opera house is bought by town men in the 'scrap ...
Tara_OConnell 17.06.2006 (19.06.2006)
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Ciao members have rated this review on average: helpful Review of The Phantom Of The Opera (DVD)
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Advantages: One benefit of World War I Disadvantages: Bizarre casting you may not realise unless you know
Recently I have been broadening my horizons filmwise with some silent classics, Phantom of the Opera seemed a good choice and a greatly revered silent film of horrifying intensity, genuinely frightening and eerily spooky.
So is it really and will you like it?
As a general rule when watching silent movie there are certain things you will have to prepare yourself for:
1) The acting has to be overplayed due to the lack of voices - this is to compensate and fully convey emotion.
2) The music may not necessarily follow the story, as it is there just to keep the mind occupied, as humans need sound with pictures, as that is real life
3) There is only so much plot you can convey without a script.
4) Serious films require a great screen performance more so than comedies which involve action
BRIEF PLOT
A famous story really ...
Advantages: If you like Opera\Musicals you will like this Disadvantages: If you dislike musicals stay away
I liked this movie adaptation of the Musical,
As in the original its based around the phantom a tormented musical genus and an up an comming chorus girl who the phantom falls in love with, He frightens the other performers and theatre staff into giving his protoge the lead roles.
However she falls for falls in love with the Vicomte de Chagny, leadingto the phantom, to kidnap Christine and imprison her.
In all it mixes well with the orignal stage version. However sometimes the music and singing is overshaddowed by the speical effects in the movie. Several of the actors do give a slightly odd performance, but then again i am basing this on films i rember them from and they were not musicals!! so i may be bias.
The two main roles of the Phantom and Christine are played very well and the scence played with them together are ...
Advantages: Good songs, well acted Disadvantages: Some would say that its a travesty
The Phantom of the Opera, not exactly the most interesting concept to the modern world after all who has any interest in Opera these days any how? Yet this is one of the most popular musicals in the world today.
The story itself, is of an orphan girl who through her talent for song and ballet is able to live and work at the Paris Opera House, here her looks and voice captivate a man known only as the Phantom, a man no one has ever seen clearly and is considered my many to be no more than a legend or a ghost. This is the story of how the Phantom's obsession becomes a danger to others who he believes to be in the girl, Christine Daae's, path to the top job in the opera house and the diva's roles, also of his attempts to win her love.
The film is based upon the Musical of the same name and stars Emmy Rossum, as Christine who ...
Musicals & Music Films - Musicals & Other Music Films
Classification
12 years and over
Production Year
2004
Running Time
2 hours 23 minutes
Video Category
Feature Film
Country Of Origin
United States of America
Plot
Film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical. Beneath the Paris Opera House lurks a mysterious Phantom who becomes obsessed with Chorus Singer, Christine. When she falls in love with someone else, the Phantom is overcome by jealousy and imprisons her within his underground lair. Only her true love can save her...
The Making Of Documentary, Alex Bailey Production Stills, Swarovski Featurette, Special FX Featurette, Visual FX Featurette, Music Recording Featurette, Production Design Featurette, Costumes Make Up Featurette, Editing Featurette, Behind The Mask The Story Of Phantom Of The Opera, The Music Of Phantom Of The Opera Featurette, The History, The Phantom Of The Opera Steve Harley And Sarah Brightman Promo Video, All I Ask Of You Cliff Richard And Sarah Brightman Promo Video, The Music Of The Night Michael Crawford And Sarah Brightman Promo Video, Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again Sarah Brightman Promo Video
Aspect Ratio
2.35 Anamorphic Wide Screen
Sound
DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Surround
Dubbing Sound
DTS English Dolby Digital 5.1 English Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo Surround English
Professional reviews
Review
Absolutely stunning (Daily Express, )
Extraordinary...superb performances (News Of The World, )
DVD Description
Those who thought that smoke machines and cobwebbed candelabras were the stuff of Halloween parties and dance clubs need to think again. In Joel Schumacher's film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway musical THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA, these moody set devices--and countless others--make every scene an atmospheric vision of souped-up 19th-century Gothic bliss. Christine Daee (a luminescent Emmy Rossum) is a tortured young star who is haunted by the voice of the phantom (Gerard Butler--who also played the lead in DRACULA 2000), a musician who hides in the shadows to hide a facial disfigurement, yet sings to her obsessively. Dwelling in the dark, damp chambers beneath the Paris opera house, the phantom lords over the cast and management with artistic autocracy--he writes the shows, casts them, and threatens all who disobey his plans with dramatically violent outbursts. But when his young student Christine falls for the rich and dapper Raoul (Patrick Wilson), the phantom descends into madness. Webber's memorable songs are performed with aplomb by Rossum, whose background includes singing with the Metropolitan Opera, and Wilson and Butler provide ample accompaniment. One of the treats of the proceedings is Minnie Driver's deeply exaggerated portrayal of the jealous diva, giving this PHANTOM a very appropriate dose of comic relief.
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