ALW's THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA (2004)

[Shane R. Monroe]

I don't have time for more than a quickie, but I promise I'll expand on it.

First, its 2.5 hours long; if you can't sit still - wait for DVD.

Second, if you don't love the music from the stage show, you probably aren't going to like this. If you're looking for a more garrish Phantom of the Opera story, check out the one Robert Englund did. It just hit video.

Finally - its damn good. The production values and cinematography ruled. Acting was excellent. Phantom and Christine both did wonderful performances. The music in DTS was amazing. They did a great job of "movietizing" it - a lot of light, funny moments appear in the show, along with some great laughs and even a good burn or two.

The wife was crying by the end (I was touched - but sorry, real men don't cry unless they are in bed alone) and my two daughters 11 and 13 were misty too; they enjoyed it (that says something).

Anyway, I'll fill in the blanks. Summary - Phantom fan; you need to see it. Not a fan but curious and like rich musicals; if the length doesn't scare you - catch a matinee. Otherwise, you might need to wait for video; this is one soundtrack though that would not be served in any manner other than DTS.

More later.

[jamcat]

Ah, I love the Phantom! But nothing beats the live production. Be cool to see a movie version of Starlight Express though.

Now if only they'd do a Blue Man Group movie. They rock! I have the Blue Man rock concert DVD and it is awesome.

[Bryan 'KidHype' Smith]

I love the Phantom music but have never seen the play (wife has). I didn't know the movie was that long. I don't think i would make it through.

At least it doesn't look Moulin Rouge ghey or anything. Might catch it on DVD.

[Shane R. Monroe]

The length isn't bad ... they keep you engaged the whole time, so that works out.

Bryan, in your case, I'd catch a matinee. You gotta experience the MUSIC in DTS 5.1; this is ONE time I'd consider buying a movie soundtrack on a DVD audio medium. I'm sure it would be decent at home too, but the big screen - the big presentation - the sound ... Its good.

The only thing about it I didn't care for were the SMALL (meaning SHORT) scenes of "talk singing". That's always bothered me; people singing conversations (one step above Shatner). I like duets .. I don't like conversational singing. But fortuantely, I can count them on 1 hand.

[jamcat]

I remember getting the cassette set of the Broadway musical and wearing it out playing the Phantom theme, and Music Of The Night over and over.

Did the same thing with the Cats soundtrack as well.

I love all of ALW's musicals.

[Catdaddy]

I was relieved to know that Andrew Lloyd Webber had real input into this project and could smack Schumacher around when he started messing with his original vision. The movie is extremely close to the stage musical.

One tiny little detail I found disheartening was that they completely made him (the phantom) human. All of the magic and the sleight of hand like the self-sustaining punjab lasso and his vanishing act at the end were removed. (Anyone that's seen the stage show will know what I'm talking about.) I don't want to spoil it for someone that might see it. If you ever get a chance, try to get seats under the chandelier.

[Shane R. Monroe]

Recommend you guys check out:

http://www.darkhorizons.com/news04/phantom5.php
http://www.darkhorizons.com/news04/phantom4.php

Interviews with ALW and Joel S. WELL worth the read.

[splash_fx]

Hey Shane, What's wrong with Shatner? :D "MR TAMBORINE MAN!!!!!"

Really though - I actually liked his latest called "Has Been".

[Shane R. Monroe]

His new album isn't too bad. They play it on Stern from time to time.

Its a style either you really appreciate - or you really don't. While the style ain't for me, I respect his work and understand why his "music" sells.