On DVD: Phantom of the Opera

The charm and mystique behind the story of the Phantom of the Opera has captured the imaginations of many over the years. In 1986 Andrew Lloyd Webber created a musical version for Broadway that will forever change the way we look at the Phantom.

In 2004 Webber and Joel Schumacher teamed up and brought this spectacle to the big screen. It's essentially the same Broadway show, except now they have the freedom of dramatic set changes, more extras, better flashbacks, and more elaborate in general. Webber even wrote a couple extra songs and an ending with a twist.

Many people said that the movie is a half hearted attempt in comparison to the show. I beg to differ. The show is incredibly in so many ways, but so is this movie. It's a delight. You can see the people in different angles. See details. See it all in a new light.

The cast did a great job. Gerard Butler could've been uglied up a little bit more for the role of the Phantom. The side of his face was a little off. I figure if he were to cut his hair short, you might not even notice his disfigurement at all. I think a more horrific face should've been in order. But it was really fine anyway. While his was mildly deformed, his nature was the true monster behind the Phantom. No qualms in killing anyone who got in his way.

I will reveal nothing more of this wonderful rendering of this classic tale. Go rent it. You'll love it. You'll buy it and make it your own so you can have this touching tale at your fingertips forever as I have. My only regret is that I didn't get to see it on the silver screen when it was out.

More here:
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0293508/