Search - The Phantom of the Opera on DVD

It was an ok movie

nancy | Mesa, Arizona | 06/19/2000

(2 out of 5 stars)

"Well if you are an Andrew Lloyd Webber version of the Phantom phan, this movie would be an OK movie to you. The music wasn't as good as A.L.W.'s, and the voices of the characters were OK. But Sarah Brightman's voice over-ruled Elizabeth Walsh's voice, and David Staller's voice is not competition for Michael Crawford's amazing voice! The ending showed Erik as a undevoted lover to Christine. As it shows him going on to the next girl after Christine runs away with Raoul, but not in voice but in dance. OK, that was not anything like the original book by Gaston Leroux, as it is said to be on the back of the video cover! I give the 2 stars for the phantom's make-up. It's the best I've seen! Other than that, if you are an Andrew Lloyd Webber version phan dont get this video! It's a big disapointment! :)"

Best interpretation I've seen in a long time!

April French | Albany, New York USA | 04/03/2001

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Not bad at all, though it can't compare to Lloyd Webber. There seems to be a syndrome among Phantom movies, that causes the drastic changing of dates--this one took place in 1911, twenty years after the events in the novel, as opposed to Webber's, which took place twenty years BEFORE. But that's minor. I liked the portrayal of Raoul as sweet, innocent (more so than Christine!) and deferential to Christine's career. Carlotta was a laugh riot (it ain't over 'til the fat lady sings!) as was Joseph Buquet, and the scene with the managers and the Phantom singing together was hysterical. The masqued ball in this film is pretty plain when compared to other versions, but it suffices. Staller's performance as the Phantom was surprisingly good, however. His voice echoed whenever he spoke, and is he's nowhere near Crowford in singing, he still manages to hold his own ("Perfect Music" was the best song in the piece). I loved the silver mask, the makeup was flawless, and Staller can really act! You could see the anguish in every expression, and his hand gestures reminded me a bit of Lon Chaney in this same role. I was glad they included the Persian 'Daroga' in this version, though I was disappointed with his background (the Phantom and the Persian are not friends in this film, only antagonists). My only real problem was at the ending. There was no kiss!!!!! I wasn't as upset by the Phantom going on to another girl, though. He seems younger in this play, and much more resilient than his fifty-year-old counterparts. All in all, worth the money and repeated viewings."

Phantom NOT what you mind think! Buyer BEWARE!

P. Lennon | Hollywood, CA USA | 03/14/2003

(1 out of 5 stars)

"I was thoroughly disappointed when I purchased this DVD from Amazon. I have a 12 foot screen and incredible sound system, so I got a bunch of my friends together for "A night at the opera", thinking it was the stage version of the play. Indeed it is, EXCEPT - it's not the Andrew Lloyd Webber words and music. I thought it to be closer to a amateur production, with bad lighting and sound to go with it! We we unanamously disappointed and didn't get through it. It was a waste of money and shipping exspence. If this is indeed the production that you are looking for - all the more power to you, but if you are looking for the production by Andrew LLoyd Webber - Buyer BEWARE!"

More feeling than Webber

Alicia Matheson | Anaheim, CA | 03/21/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This version of "Phantom" is by far my favorite. Although the time frame is a little messed up, the music makes up for it completely. While Lloyd Webber is fine, his version holds none of the humor and deapth of emotion David Staller gives this performance. If what the Phantom does to Carlotta at the masque doesn't tickle you, get it simply for the ending. That ending had me standing up applauding Erik. This performance was worth every cent I paid for it and then some, and I've been collecting Phantom things for some time now. I've seen every version of Phantom, including the clip from the Tony's, the Charles Dance version (which is my second favorite), the Meatloaf music video, Paul Stanley (whom I respect because he is a phan, even if he isn't the best Phantom), ect ect... and this one is still my favorite. Buy it, you won't regret it.
Raoul: "I could have been killed! What's wrong with you??"
Persian: "Oh, I am feeling fine, thank you very much.""