The Phantom of the Opera (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Amazon.com

Although it's not as bold as Oscar darling Chicago, The Phantom of the Opera continues the 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 ingénue Christine Daae, and if phantom Gerard Butler isn't Rossum's match vocally, he does convey menace and sensuality in such numbers as "The Music of the Night." The most experienced musical theater veteran in the cast, romantic lead Patrick Wilson, sings sweetly but seems wooden. The biggest name in the cast, Minnie Driver, hams it up as diva Carlotta, and she's the only principal whose voice was dubbed (though she does sing the closing-credit number, "Learn to Be Lonely," which is also the only new song).

Director Joel Schumacher, no stranger to visual spectacle, seems to have found a good match in Lloyd Webber's larger-than-life vision of Gaston LeRoux's Gothic horror-romance. His weakness is cuing too many audience-reaction shots and showing too much of the lurking Phantom, but when he calms down and lets Rossum sings "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" alone in a silent graveyard, it's exquisite.

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Those who consider the stage musical shallow and overblown probably won't have their minds changed by the movie, and devotees will forever rue that the movie took the better part of two decades to develop, which prevented the casting of original principals Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Still, The Phantom of the Opera is a welcome exception to the long line of ill-conceived Broadway-to-movie travesties.

DVD Features
The special edition of The Phantom of the Opera has two major extras. "Behind the Mask: The Story of The Phantom of the Opera" is an hourlong documentary tracing the genesis of the stage show, with interviews of composer Andrew Lloyd Webber, director Harold Prince, producer Cameron Macintosh, lyricists Richard Stilgoe and Charles Hart, choreographer Gillian Lynne, and others. Conspicuously absent are stars Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Both do appear in video clips, including Brightman performing with Colm Wilkinson at an early workshop, and Crawford is the subject of a casting segment. Other brief scenes from the show are represented by a 2001 production. The other major feature is the 45-minute making-of focusing on the movie, including casting and the selection of director Joel Schumacher Both are well-done productions by Lloyd Webber's Really Useful Group.

The deleted scene is a new song written by Lloyd Webber and Charles Hart, "No One Would Listen," sung by the Phantom toward the end of the movie. It's a beautiful song that, along with Madame Giry's story, makes him a more sympathetic character. But because that bit of backstory already slowed down the ending, it was probably a good move to cut the song. --David Horiuchi

More on The Phantom of the Opera

The Phantom of the Opera (Special Extended Edition Soundtrack) (CD)
The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) (CD)
The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast) (CD)

Evita (DVD)
Andrew Lloyd Weber: The Royal Albert Hall Celebration (DVD)
More Broadway DVDs

Description

Musical Drama based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's celebrated musical phenomenon. The Phantom of the Opera tells the story of a disfigured musical genius (Gerard Butler) who haunts the catacombs beneath the Paris Opera, waging a reign of terror over its occupants. When he falls fatally in love with the lovely Christine (Emmy Rossum), the Phantom devotes himself to creating a new star for the Opera, exerting a strange sense of control over the young soprano as he nurtures her extraordinary talents.

DVD Features:
Additional Scenes:"No-one Would Listen" Approx. 4 Mins.
DVD ROM Features
Documentary:Behind the Mask - The Story of the Phantom of the Opera
Easter Eggs
Featurette:The Making of The Phantom of the Opera in 3 Spellbinding Acts: Preproduction, The Director, Production

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-09-16

Wow...the music, the sets, the acting...I loved this DVD! After hearing Brighton and Crawford on the original soundtrack my expectations were high, but they really pulled it off with this DVD. Rossum is no Brightman, but she does have a beautiful voice and Patrick Wilson, wow! What a beautiful tenor voice he has!

I liked the way the movie starts out when Raoul is old and remembering, and ends that way, too. Great touch. This retelling of the story is a little different, but again, they really pulled it off and did a great job. There has never been a more beautiful score than The Phantom of the Opera. Andrew Lloyd Weber is a genius.

Wonderfull!!!.......2007-09-12

First,I have to say that I have not seen the Broadway version of The Phantom of the Opera. However, I have listened to the CD of the Broadway version many many times. I checked this movie from my library. I absolutely loved this movie. The opening scene draws you into the story. I loved Gerard Butler's acting and singing in this movie. I think he did a wonderful job with the part. Emmy Rossum also did a wonderful job as well.

Movies.......2007-09-04

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I love musicals and this one touched my heart. I gave it four stars only because I didn't want it to end.

Holds true to the Broadway musical.......2007-08-29

I've seen Andrew Lloyd Webber's Broadway production and traveling production of this play. The movie holds true to both and actually makes the play easier to understand. The storyline is strong, the music well done, and the acting superb. Even though this is a love story, this isn't a chick flick. I thoroughly appreciated it. And you will too.

Oh, and the video quality is second to none. I compared this version with the version that came on HBO HD, and the picture was superior on the HD DVD. It was a clear-cut improvement, but the edges were more well-defined on the HD DVD version. The sound quality is also superior. A big bonus when you consider all the singing going on.

I was enchanted.......2007-08-26

I never understood the lure of "Phantom." Friends who'd seen the stage version all raved about it, but when I saw it I was left with that awe they'd all had.

Until I saw this movie... I don't know what it was about it, but it captivated me. I can watch it again, and again, and again and still want to see it yet again.

The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
Wonderfull!!!
Movies
Holds true to the Broadway musical
I was enchanted

The Phantom of the Opera (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , and Minnie Driver
Director: Joel Schumacher
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0007TKNIS
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Those who consider the stage musical shallow and overblown probably won't have their minds changed by the movie, and devotees will forever rue that the movie took the better part of two decades to develop, which prevented the casting of original principals Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman. Still, The Phantom of the Opera is a welcome exception to the long line of ill-conceived Broadway-to-movie travesties. --David Horiuchi

Description

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-09-16

Wonderfull!!!.......2007-09-12

Movies.......2007-09-04

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I love musicals and this one touched my heart. I gave it four stars only because I didn't want it to end.

Holds true to the Broadway musical.......2007-08-29

I was enchanted.......2007-08-26

Average customer rating:

Great musical
If you love Phantom, this is a MUST HAVE
In dreams he came
Great transfer
Video Quality Review (Blu-ray)

The Phantom of the Opera [Blu-ray]
Starring: Imogen Bain , Paul Brooke , Alan Cumming , Ciarán Hinds , and Kevin McNally
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000JLSLZQ
Release Date: 2006-10-31

Description

Customer Reviews:

Great musical.......2007-04-13

I bought this movie from Fry's. My whole family loves it. It has beautiful musical, and story. It is totally beyond my expectation. On 50" 1080i plasma with HDMI, the image is crytal clear and gorgeous. A great buy.

If you love Phantom, this is a MUST HAVE.......2007-04-01

At less than $20, this is a no brainer. If you are planning to own the movie, have it in blu-ray.

Aside from the well known picture quality differences between DVD and the blu-ray, this disc includes special features that must be close to two hours. From how this phantom project got started, to the casting of the crew, to showing all the team members (singing to the tune of the phantom), these special features simply help complete the story.

I LOVE the original musical, this movie version only adds to it. Of course, movies are not as intimate as watching live theatre, however, the camera angles, the visual effects, the costume all makes this a really nice movie to own. Love the movie cast!

Last but not least, a DVD upscaled provides a nice picture already. However, having it in high definition just makes the scenes and details so real.

In dreams he came.......2007-03-19

Sumptuous, rich, lush and inviting. Like a gilt-edged dream, Joel Schumacher's "Phantom of the Opera" is a triumphant love note to beauty, song and scenery.

Adapted from Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical (and Gaston Leroux's novel), this movie ends up being beautiful in every scene, with solid acting and and a tragic antihero. The singing, the sumptuous sets, the acting -- all are the ingredients of a musical tour de force.

In 1870, a Paris opera house is under new management -- just as diva Carlotta (Minnie Driver, a glorious diva-from-hell) is almost killed by a stage curtain, and stomps out. Fortunately Christine Daae (Emmy Rossum), taught by a mystery tutor, can take over the soprano's role, and soon becomes famous for her singing. Even better, it catches the attention of her childhood sweetheart, Vicomte Raoul (Patrick Wilson).

But Raoul doesn't realize that Christine was taught by a disfigured, tortured genius who hides under the opera house. And the Phantom of the Opera is not only determined that Christine should be the star, but also be his wife. And he's willing to kill for it. Can Raoul break the Phantom's hold over Christine, or will she embrace "the music of the night"?

Watching this, it's hard to believe that it was directed by the same guy who did "Phone Booth" and the awful "Batman and Robin." Instead it looks as if the love child of Jean Cocteau and Peter Jackson decided to direct a musical, swathed in masks, roses, gilt angels, snow and velvet.

And it all wraps around Webber's solid songs ("Turn your face away from the garish light of day/turn your thoughts away from cold, unfeeling light/and listen to the music of the night!") from the stage musical. Most of the lines are sung, which surprisingly doesn't detract from their believability. And there's plenty of fun with the cameras, whether it's the dizzying views of the backstage, or a zoom through a stone floor to the Phantom's face.

Schumacher also adds a few extra scenes, including a sword fight between Raoul and the Phantom, which makes the vicomte seem more passionate; and a flashback to the Phantom's horrific childhood. What's more, the story is framed by scenes from forty years later -- sepia-toned scenes in the dusty remains of the Opera.

The three most prominent roles are what make or break this movie, and in this case, the casting is nearly ideal. Rossum has the ingenue looks -- and the powerful pipes -- to carry off the role of Christine, torn between her love and her passion. Similarly, Patrick Wilson gives some brains and strength to Raoul, and despite the romantic appeal of the Phantom, Raoul isn't hard to cheer for.

Gerard Butler is a bit more difficult. Most of the time his singing is solid, and his acting is powerful and tragic as the "loathsome gargoyle, who burns in hell, but secretly yearns for heaven." The scene where he tries to seduce Christine is deeply sensual. But occasionally his performance gets really hammy, such as the unmasking, where he flings himself around screaming, "You little prying Pandora! You little demon!"

And how does the blu-ray measure up? Well, the regular DVD was hailed for its sumptuous colours and visuals, as well as the lovely songs. Those things are all enhanced by the blu-ray release -- everything just seems so much more brilliant.

Lush, exquisite and passionate, "The Phantom of the Opera" is a solid adaptation of Webber's musical, with good acting and excellent direction. A triumph for "the music of the night."

Great transfer.......2007-02-19

I haven't seen the musical, but have the soundtrack to it. I think this movie is a faithful rendition of the musical. The video transfer is great quality, the colors are fantastic! There were some jerky frames at the beginning for some reason. The audio is also excellent. Great dynamic range and clarity. I highly recommend this disc!

Video Quality Review (Blu-ray).......2007-01-31

The Phantom of the Opera has been the premier demo disk for High Definition TVs and Projectors for some time now. When trying to show off, at various trade shows, not only the detail but the contrast of a new product the HD-DVD of The Phantom of the Opera would always find its way on screen. Now we have it on Blu-ray, the same encoding in fact. It isn't just the transfer, near perfect, which makes this disc such a treat but the lavishness of the film itself. Rich colors, ornate details, vibrant bright scenes next to detailed dark ones; a sense of depth is throughout this musical. What little film grain there is is in keeping with a perfectly maintained film source. This is a top shelf Blu-ray release that will bring out the full range of color and contrast that your TV can display.

(PS3 - 1080p projector - 92")

The Phantom of the Opera (Special Edition) [HD DVD]

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
Wonderfull!!!
Movies
Holds true to the Broadway musical
I was enchanted

The Phantom of the Opera (Special Edition) [HD DVD]
Starring: Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , and Minnie Driver
Director: Joel Schumacher
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
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ASIN: B000E5KJD4
Release Date: 2006-04-18

Product Description

HD DVD - Phantom Of The Opera Actors: Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Miranda Richardson, Minnie Driver Directors: Joel Schumacher Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only.) Aspect Ratio: 2.40:1 Number of discs: 1 Studio: Warner Home Video DVD Release Date: April 18, 2006 DVD Features: Available Subtitles: English, Spanish, French Available Audio Tracks: English (), English (), French () 1080p High Definition 16x9 Dolby True-HD English 5.1, Dolby Digital-Plus English 5.1, Dolby Digital-Plus Francais (Quebec) 5.1 Behind the Mask: The Story of the Phantom of the Opera Three making-of featurettes: preproduction, the director, production Additional scene: No One Would Listen Theatrical trailer Cast & crew singalong

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-09-16

Wonderfull!!!.......2007-09-12

Movies.......2007-09-04

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I love musicals and this one touched my heart. I gave it four stars only because I didn't want it to end.

Holds true to the Broadway musical.......2007-08-29

I was enchanted.......2007-08-26

The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Wonderful!
Wonderfull!!!
Movies
Holds true to the Broadway musical
I was enchanted

The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: Gerard Butler , Emmy Rossum , Patrick Wilson , Miranda Richardson , and Minnie Driver
Director: Joel Schumacher
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007TKNII
Release Date: 2005-05-03

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful!.......2007-09-16

Wonderfull!!!.......2007-09-12

Movies.......2007-09-04

I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. I love musicals and this one touched my heart. I gave it four stars only because I didn't want it to end.

Holds true to the Broadway musical.......2007-08-29

I was enchanted.......2007-08-26

Hammer Horror Series (Brides of Dracula / Curse of the Werewolf / Phantom of the Opera (1962) / Paranoiac / Kiss of the Vampire / Nightmare / Night Creatures / Evil of Frankenstein)

Average customer rating:

Excellent Set, No Problems Viewing
Very Interesting
Should have read the other reviews before purchasing.....
Night Creatures
hammerseries

Hammer Horror Series (Brides of Dracula / Curse of the Werewolf / Phantom of the Opera (1962) / Paranoiac / Kiss of the Vampire / Nightmare / Night Creatures / Evil of Frankenstein)
Starring: Hammer Horror Series
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0009X770O
Release Date: 2005-09-06

Description

Hammer Films, one of the most celebrated horror studios in the history of cinema, presents 8 classic horror films in one collection. From Dracula to Frankenstein, werewolves to phantoms, the Hammer Horror Series showcases some of the most terrifying monsters in the history of cinema and features legendary performances by Peter Cushing, Oliver Reed and Janette Scott.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Set, No Problems Viewing.......2007-08-03

I purchased this set when it first came out, about two years ago. I put it away for several months, as it was to be a Christmas present. Then I began reading all the negative reviews about these disks freezing up. As a result, I didn't bother opening the set and figured it was money down the drain.

Several months ago I decided to check these disks to see if at least some of the disks would play. Lo and behold, every one of the eight films played fine and looked gorgeous to boot. I cannot believe that my set was the only one produced without flaws. I agree with another reviewer that people who have problems with these disks may be trying to play them on a cheap DVD player. If you bought your player for $30 or $60, for god's sake break down and buy a decent one.

It's true that this set contains no extras, only the 8 movies. It's also true that the disks are double-sided, which means you have to be extra careful not to damage them. But the films look better than they ever have, and they are all terrific movies (including Paranoiac and Nightmare). How on earth anyone can complain about getting 8 fine films in gorgeous transfers for so little money is beyond me.

My purpose in writing this review is to put out the word to folks who might want to buy this set but are afraid to: As long as you have a decent player, these movies play fine. Ignore the naysayers, buy the set, and enjoy!

Very Interesting.......2007-07-03

This collection contains eight movies that propose a different kind of suspense and horror. The most of them are filmed in color, but there are two (Paranoia and Nightmare) that were done in black and white. Although the temes are classic of the horror movies( vampires, werewolfs, etc), the style of the cinematography is different.

If you like the good horror films, this is an excellent choice.

Should have read the other reviews before purchasing............2007-06-06

I was so excited when my Hammer Horror Series DVDs came in the mail yesterday. But when I started watching it last night, during Curse of the Werewolf, it completely froze up. I should have read the other reviews of this before purchasing. I didn't even bother to watch any of the other films because I finally read all the negative reviews and am just going to send it back. I truly hope Universal has changed from DVD-18 to DVD-9, because I was really anticipating watching these!

I hope the problem has been fixed by this time.

Night Creatures.......2007-05-13

Remembered from my youth, really enjoyed catching up with it again. I could not get my player to play without the subtitles but it didn't spoil it.

hammerseries.......2007-04-11

save your cash.this is a letdown collection.don't misunderstand:that's not to say that hammer studios failed to live up to their usual great standards concerning the horror movie genre;it's the powers-that- be that determine which movies go into a particular collection.no studio makes great movies with every attempt;hammer's no exception to this rule.there's really only one good movie in this collection(evil of frankenstein):brides of dracula is also passable.everything else...junk.

Phantom of the Opera [1990 TV Mini Series]

Average customer rating:

Forget Your Michael or Gerard.......!
Artistic Phantom with a twist
By Far "The" Phantom.
Bravo
Holy smokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Phantom of the Opera [1990 TV Mini Series]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000AIR1CC

Product Description

This is a Region Free DVD of the classic 1990 TV mini series THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA starring Burt Lancaster, Teri Polo and Charles Dance This adaptation of Gaston Leroux's indefatigable 'grand guignol' piece "The Phantom of the Opera" stars British actor Charles Dance as Erik the Phantom. This adaptation by playwright Arthur Kopit soft-pedals the horrific elements of the story to concentrate on the love the tragic Erik bears toward innocent chorus singer Christine Daee (Teri Polo). The film boasts a stronger supporting cast than was usual for a TV movie, including Burt Lancaster (as the masked phantom's father), Ian Richardson and Jean-Pierre Cassel. The 1990 Phantom of the Opera reunited director Tony Richardson and composer John Addison, who'd both won Oscars for "Tom Jones". Filmed on location in France, Phantom was originally telecast in two 90 minute installments. Please note this is a Korean import DVD. Although there is some Korean writing on the outer packaging, the film menus and audio are completely in English. There are optional (removable) Korean and English subtitles available. The movie quality is equal to the US version.

Customer Reviews:

Forget Your Michael or Gerard.......!.......2007-08-20

I cannot even begin to describe the privilage of watching Mr.Dance's performance. This has moved me like no cinimatic creation ever has and probly ever will. He brought Erik (The Phantom) to life before my very eyes, capturing the emotion, the frustration and the tragic love of Gaston Lerouxe's twisted tale of the man the world could never accept, the world that was not worthy.

Artistic Phantom with a twist.......2007-07-07

This verison of the Phantom is like watching a picutre diary of the Phantom and Christine's love story. THe love story begins when Gerard Carrier(Burt Lancaster) is dismissed from his post as manager of the Paris Oper house, and new manager named Cholet and his wife Carolotta take over management of the opera hous. Erik the Phantom(Charles Dance) can't stand Carolotta with her diva personality and her husband who will give her anything she wants. At this time of transition Christine Daae(Terri Polo) comes to the Paris Opera house sent by the Comte de Chagny(Adam Stoke) for music lessons. Carolotta can't stand the fact that Christine is beatiuful and lovable so she puts her to work in the costume department. She has no place to stay and lives in an old storage room in the Opera hous. One night as Christine is singing by herself on the stage Erik sees her and approaches her with an offer for music lessons. As the lessons progress Christine becomes an angelic singer and Erik the Phantom falls more in love with her.
Weeks later, she sings at the Bistro and everyone is awestruck with the voice that came from the silent girl. Christine then begins to rekindle her relationship with the Comte de Changhy. Later she is asked to sing the lead in "Faust", but Carolotta gives her something and she loses her voice. The Phantom is fuirous, and he makes the...fall. Then he takes Christine down to his lair where he reverages Carlotta for Christine. Carrier finds Christine and tries to convince her to go, but she doesn't leave. Carrier begins to tell her the story of Erik's past, and he confesses that he is father to Erik. Christine decides not to leave, and goes on a pinic with Erik in the lovely forrest near his home. She asks to see his...and faints. Then Christine tries to escape and does. Soon, "Faust" is sung again with Christine and the Phantom and the end of this movie will touch your heart and make you feel romantic!
This film is highly romantic unlike the other Phantom reworkings of the story, and was based on a play by Arthur Kopit, which is supposed to have been the greatest hit to never come to Broadway or the West End. The director of photography did a wonderful job with the frames of this film. The light is lovely, and though the film is slow-paced you feel as if is it worth your time for the character development. Charles Dance and Terri Polo definetly have chemistry on screen. Though it may have never made it to the big screen this film is made with the greatest quality work. This great for any Phantom fan who didn't get enough from ALW 2004 film, I wonder why they won't do another one? Recommended for family watching as well. Praise all artist who worked on this film with such loving caring.

By Far "The" Phantom........2007-05-10

I first saw this version of the Phantom several years ago, on A&E, for Mother's Day and was swept off my feet. I hunted all over for it everywhere, except online, with no success. I hoped that this was the right version of the Movie I was looking for. I didn't get my hopes up until the openning scenes of the Opera House. I lost my breath and cried in those moments because, I had found it. I cast off my plans for the day to stay and watch. By the end of the movie, I was swept off my feet again. My second time with this chance to see this one again, I was left in an afterglow that could only be explained with chocolate covered strawberries, champagne, and being wrapped in silk. Everyone is going to be jealous they don't have one....

Bravo.......2007-02-24

This is the best of Phantom--the production in London is excellent, the newer version is well done--especially the beginning, yet for me, none compare to this version of Phantom. One of the best...great enjoyment.

Holy smokes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-01-02

Tis is the best of the best, it's the bomb, this phantom story sort of follows the Broadway musical because it has the chandelier crash at the end of the 1st act. The only thing i dislike about it is at the end when the phantom gets shot and falls off the opera but the film does have some comedy in it.

The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)

Average customer rating:

The most comprehensive Chaney Phantom set
The original Phantom of the Opera
THE ACTORS ACTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Love it!
Non Existant Film

The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)
Starring: Olive Ann Alcorn , Joseph Belmont , Arthur Edmund Carewe , Lon Chaney , and Roy Coulson
Director: Rupert Julian , and Ernst Laemmle
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0000AKY58
Release Date: 2003-09-09

Customer Reviews:

The most comprehensive Chaney Phantom set.......2007-08-20

Lon Chaney's realization of the deformed Eric is one of the great icons of horror cinema. This DVD set offers the most complete offering of all known versions of the film. The image quality of the 1929 restored version is quite good, but sadly that version is inferior to the 1925 version in almost every other way. For instance the images are from a different camera angle than the original and always less effective. Also, The story line is jumbled up.
The DVD offers still image recreations of the two premiere versions of the film through which a dedicated fan can track the creative development of the picture.
My chief misgiving is that no one has attempted to restore the original 1925 version of the film. The DVD uses a version from the only surviving 16mm print, but the quality of that print is appallingly poor. It is full of countless scratches and other blemishes. Imagine if the only copy of Citizen Kane looked like someone scrubbed every frame with steel wool. Why hasn't a film historian restored the 1925 phantom, the only true version? This disc should have done that rather than giving us a pristine B version and a decrepit A version.

The original Phantom of the Opera.......2007-06-20

Perhaps the most famous horror movie of all time, and still eerie enough today to give you goose-bumps, Julian's "Phantom" stars legendary spook Lon Chaney as the titular musical maniac. Not only did the film reinforce Chaney's huge celebrity status, it virtually solidified Universal Studios' reputation as purveyors of bone-chilling horror fare. Just watch the infamous unmasking of Chaney as he sits at the organ in the film's climax and you'll see why this creepy tale has inspired so many remakes, spoofs, and rip-offs, not to mention Weber's long-running musical.

THE ACTORS ACTOR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!.......2007-06-12

Read some negative reviews(SIGH!)on this movie which displays
thee most horrific face in movie history!Lon Chaney is so one
of a kind that I could write a novel on him.For those of you who
are not to aware of his talent,this is a good place to start.
He was born to deaf parents and because of that it contributed
to his posture and form of acting.I am a HUGE movie fanatic and
have seen the best actress's and actors in the buisness but even
now 2007 NO ONE! Even you Peter Sellers(and I love ya)like everyone
else has to take a backseat to the MASTER of acting.Long live Chaney!
Also recommend The unholy 3(1930)

Love it!.......2007-05-06

One of the best movies I've ever seen. Lon Chaney is just great, and I really like the music. I love the ballet scenes too! This is a great movie, buy it!!!!

Non Existant Film.......2007-04-21

this is one of the very few silent pictures I've not picked up a good DVD version of yet and I was reading keviny01 review....

"On both DVDs, the "Bal Masque" scene is shown in two-strip Technicolor, with the color on the Milestone disc looking a little more realistic. Also, in order to duplicate the original film as much as possible, some of the color scenes on the Milestone disc were actually digitally colored (such as the phantom's red cape at the roof of the opera house), because there is no existing color footage for them."

do you mean for an original film negative or restored print?

Because if a restored print counts then YES ONE DOES!!!!
I first saw this movie in a customer's house the is a film collector and he has a restored Kodakrome print of it....with the red cape on the roof top scene. Every version I've picked up of this movie it's always in black and white which is a crying shame cause that is something to see.

Now mind you the Reds have bled out over the years but it's still something!

at least I know I can get to see it done up in this version when I pick it up.

The Best of Blu-Ray, Volume Two (The Last Samurai / The Phantom of the Opera / Unforgiven / The Fugitive) [Blu-ray]

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The Best of Blu-Ray, Volume Two (The Last Samurai / The Phantom of the Opera / Unforgiven / The Fugitive) [Blu-ray]
Starring: Tom Cruise , Emmy Rossum , Clint Eastwood , and Harrison Ford
Manufacturer: Warner Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000RGX0KY
Release Date: 2007-09-18

Average customer rating:

2-star movie, 4-star DVD
NOT AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL! 3 1/2 STARS
Horror may be muted...but the music is glorious...
Phantom of the Opera
NO LONGER A PHANTOM!!

Phantom of the Opera
Starring: Nelson Eddy , Susanna Foster , Claude Rains , Edgar Barrier , and Leo Carrillo
Director: Arthur Lubin
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 078324097X
Release Date: 2005-04-12

Amazon.com

This 1943 version of the horror story is more Technicolor musical than scare piece. Claude Rains plays the unfortunate, masked anti-hero, but he doesn't get the room to showcase a promising and sympathetic performance. Susanna Foster and Nelson Eddy, on the other hand, get plenty of screen time to warble. Well worth a visit just for the look of the film, which won an Oscar for cinematography. --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

2-star movie, 4-star DVD.......2007-09-08

Although I'm a huge Universal Monsters fan, I put off getting this one for a long time. I was put off by reports that the opera portions of the film far outweigh the horror aspects. And those assertions were absolutely correct. I WANTED so much to love this movie, but I just can't.

The 1925 silent version, while not perfect, at least offered an atmosphere of dread and menace--not to mention Lon Chaney's brilliantly macabre makeup work. And although the phantom's underground lair is skillfully realized in this version, there remains very little horror in the tale. Even the unmasking scene is a major letdown. Claude Rains refused to endure any heavy makeup, for fear of being typecast in horror roles--ironic, since he was a major player in two earlier Universal films, The Invisible Man and The Wolfman. The result is a pale imitation of the same scene in the Chaney film.

And speaking of Rains, he's a fine actor. But he's really miscast here. Much like Spencer Tracy in Dr. Jeckyl and Mr. Hyde, released around the same time, Rains simply does not fit the part. His attempts to persuade Susanna Foster to stay with him are delivered with hardly any inflection at all, and the whole scene feels rushed.

On the plus side, Phantom is easily the best-looking of all the classic Universal horror films. The technicolor photography is simply gorgeous, and director Arthur Lubin allows his camera to move often, resulting in some impressive tracking and zoom shots. As with all the first wave of "Classic Monster Collection" discs, there is an excellent documentary which covers all the cinematic Phantoms up through the 1962 version.

Bottom line: If you're a Universal Monster fan, it's probably worth having in your collection. But don't expect many chills from this well-intentioned misfire of a movie.

NOT AS GOOD AS THE ORIGINAL! 3 1/2 STARS .......2007-08-14

I am a huge Universal Monsters fan and I love all the classics, but this film just doesn't have the creepyness of the original Lon Chaney version!
The film looks impressive with beautiful sets and music,but I have to say the Phantom needs a more horrific looking make-up job to have the impact the original did in the iconic organ scene. This is a complete surprise and I am sure the studio heads or Rains had to be at the bottom of this as Jack Pierce is probably the best make-up man to ever grace the movies with his genius work! He is famous for creating all the enduring classic monsters, Dracula, The Wolfman, Frankenstein's Monster, The Mummy and so many more! I would think he would have had a really great concept for the Phantom. The movie should still be in any horror fan's collection. The DVD has only been released once a while back. It is loaded with extras and the transfer is good. I'm sure there is room for improvment.

Horror may be muted...but the music is glorious..........2007-08-03

Before writing a film article on Claude Rains for CLASSIC IMAGES (December 2000), I took another look at 'Phantom' to appraise his performance. He's one of those rare actors who can make you feel sympathy when he plays the ill-treated violinist so that you understand why he turns into 'The Phantom'. His performance is just one asset of this handsome technicolor adaptation of the famous story.

Why carp about the changes made for this version? It stands on its own as an entertaining melodrama studded with operatic sequences that give it added dimension. Nelson Eddy has never been in better voice and Susanna Foster is certainly up to the demands of her singing role as the new discovery of the Paris opera house.

The comic aspects of the story are a bit overdone and the only real flaw in the film is having Eddy and Edgar Barrier do silly routines as suitors competing for the hand of Miss Foster. Aside from that, this can still be enjoyed as a horror story set against the Paris Opera background, thanks to the brilliant performance of Claude Rains as the violinist who must hide in the shadows.

The sets are rich and detailed, whether showing the opera house or the sewers below. Understandably, the film won Academy Awards for color cinematography and color art direction. It should have been further awarded for its music. Edward Ward's haunting score was also nominated and contributes greatly to the overall enjoyment of the film.

The horror is muted in this version--but the rich musical highlights are a compensation. Absorbing entertainment, even if purists object to some of the changes made in the screenplay. Makes a nice companion piece to the Andrew Lloyd Webber version starring Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum.

The extra features on the DVD make it a good buy, including the interview with Susanna Foster and some commentary by film historian Scott MacQueen, as well as production stills and a feature called "Unmasking the Phantom", which includes some interview footage with Foster and Turhan Bey.

Phantom of the Opera.......2006-08-22

I enjoyed and am enjoying this film--not the usual Nelson Eddy but still good. DVD received in good condition.

NO LONGER A PHANTOM!!.......2006-07-26

I SAW THIS MOVIE AS A CHILD ON TV MANY YEARS AGO WHEN TELEVISION PROGRAMMING INCLUDED CLASSIC MOVIES ON A DAILY BASIS. IT IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES. ALTHOUGH THE FILM DOES NOT INCLUDE A TRUE ACCOUNT OF THE CHARACTER CHRISTINE, AND HER RELATIONSHIP WITH THAT OF THE ACTOR, CLAUDE RAINS, AS IT IS PORTRAYED IN THE BOOK; I AM STILL GLAD THAT I FINALLY HAVE COPY OF THIS MOVIE. I AM A LOVER OF "LONG HAIRED" MUSIC, AND I WATCH THIS MOVIE OVER AND OVER AGAIN, JUST TO SEE THE OPERA SEQUENCES. THE SPECIAL FEATURES ARE A DEFINITE ADDED TREAT. THANKS!!

DVD:

DVD

DVD

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