The Phantom Of The Opera [DVD] [2004]

Amazon.co.uk Review:
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. 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 two-disc 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 by 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 Important note: Initial playback of this DVD defaults to the DTS (Digital Theatre System) soundtrack, therefore customers without such equipment will not hear any sound. Please note that this is NOT a fault with the DVD. If you are not in possession of a DTS compatible sound amplifier, you need to change the film's soundtrack type from the main menu. In order to do this, please follow the instructions below: 1. Click the "set-up" option. 2. Select either Dolby Digital Surround Sound or Dolby Digital Stereo as appropriate. 3. Select "Play Movie". The film will now play with a universal audible soundtrack.

Fantastic film version 
Obviously nothing beats going to the theatre to see this but watching this in comfort of your own home and as many times as you like comes close enough. Brilliant acting and superb songs!

exceeded expectations. 
Bought this because my son age 11 was performing "music of the night" on keyboard in a concert.
I read the reviews. First impression was "disappointed" I am familiar with the music which tells the story and captures the atmosphere but it started with setting the scene and felt more like a film than an opera. How wrong my initial impression was! The music does indeed tell the story but this was enhanced by the filming which captured the emotions and before long I was totally captivated. Perhaps more surprising so was my 11 year old son.
looking forward to watching it again soon. definatley in my top 5 films ever made.

truely amazing! 
i am not a big fan of opera's but this has to be a huge exeption, the phantom of the opera is a truely stunning thing to watch, on my first view of the film version i was instantly hooked, myself and my family have watched it so many times that i'm suprised that we have not burnt the dvd allready. after watching the film version i can not wait to view it live on stage in london. this dvd is a must have for any phantom of the opera fan and i would strongly reccomend it.

The Phantom of the Opera 
This is a fantastic film. Gripping, moving and captivating right from the start. The music reaches into your very soul. Absoultly fabulous

Phantom of the Opera 
Great DVD left the wife mesmorised!!! giving me some peace!!.Excellent service from Amazon.
GREAT
Thanks
John H.