Broadway’s longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, coming to Blu-rayTM – with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound- DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on February 7, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment. On October 2, 2011, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh marked the 25th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, “The Phantom of the Opera,” with a lavishly staged production at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall that was beamed live via satellite to cinemas across the globe. The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall marks the first time a live performance of the blockbuster musical has been made available for home viewing, making it a must-have anniversary release for fans everywhere.
The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall stars Ramin Karimloo (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actor in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the lovestruck Phantom and Sierra Boggess (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the beautiful and gifted soprano Christine. The show also features Barry James, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson and Wynne Evans, as well as special guest appearances from the actors who originated the roles of The Phantom and Christine, Tony® Award winner Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, in a memorable final curtain call.
“Phantom” aficionados will also be thrilled to know that “Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacular follow-up musical will also arrive on Blu-rayTM and DVD for the first time on May 29. With lush visuals and a mesmerizing score that rivals the original in power and beauty, this live production of “Love Never Dies” finds Christine and the Phantom reunited in turn-of-the-century New York City after a decade apart.
“The Phantom of the Opera” premiered at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on October 9, 1986. It has won more than 60 major theatre awards, including seven Tony® Awards and three Olivier Awards, and became the longest-running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486th performance. “The Phantom of the Opera” has grossed over $5.6 billion worldwide and been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries. Live productions of “The Phantom of the Opera” are currently playing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas and Kyoto.
BLU-RAY AND DVD BONUS FEATURES:
- The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall
- “Getting Past the Point of No Return:” A behind-the-scenes “Making Of” feature starring the cast and crew.
- Love Never Dies
- “Making Of” Featurette: Take a look behind the scenes at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s breathtaking sequel.
SYNOPSIS: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Lurking beneath the glamor and spectacle of the Paris Opera House, the horribly disfigured Phantom, once a promising musician, now terrorizes the opera company. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the Phantom is drawn to the beautiful ingénue Christine Daaé and begins coaching her secretly, as a tragic romance unfolds between the unlikely pair. This dazzling live restaging of the original production recreates the jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects of the original, set to Andrew Lloyd Webber’s haunting score.
SYNOPSIS: LOVE NEVER DIES
The year is 1907. It is 10 years after the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House. He has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak-shows of Coney Island. In this new electrically-charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. All that is missing is his love - Christine Daaé. Now one of the world’s finest sopranos, Christine is struggling in an ailing marriage to Raoul. So, it is with excitement she accepts an invitation to travel to New York and perform at a renowned opera house. In a final bid to win back her love, the Phantom lures Christine, her husband, and their young son Gustave from Manhattan, to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island… not knowing what is in store for them.
CAST AND FILMMAKERS: THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Cast: Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Barry James, Wendy Ferguson, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, Wynne Evans, Sergei Polunin
Producer: Cameron Mackintosh
Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by: Charles Hart
Book by: Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Based on the novel: Le Fantôme de L'Opéra by Gaston Leroux
Additional lyrics by: Richard Stilgoe
Film Directed by: Nick Morris
Stage Production Directed by: Laurence Connor based on the original London Production directed by Hal Prince
Musical Staging and Choreography: Gillian Lynne
Lighting: Patrick Woodroffe and Andrew Bridge
Sound: Mick Potter
Set Design: Matt Kinley, inspired by Maria Björnson’s original design for the stage
CAST AND FILMMAKERS: LOVE NEVER DIES
Cast: Ben Lewis, Anna O’Byrne, Maria Mercedes, Simon Gleeson, Sharon Millerchip, Emma J Hawkins, Paul Tabone, Dean Vince
Composer: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics and Book: Glenn Slater
Book: Ben Elton, Frederick Forsyth
Additional Lyrics: Charles Hart
CAST AND FILMMAKERS CONT.: LOVE NEVER DIES
Director: Simon Phillips
Choreographer: Graeme Murphy AM
Set and Costume Designer: Gabriela Tylesova
Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper
Musical Supervisor: Guy Simpson
My Take on the Movie
This was a great collection on one Blu-ray/DVD. I had seen the Phantom at the Fox Theater in Detroit when it first came out many years ago and have been a fan ever since. Now, I have a new generation in my own family which I would like to share this with. My daughters are both starting to enjoy the music, sights and sounds of broadway and I am so excited to share with them some of the amazing performances that are in store for them if they so choose to take them in. This Blu-Ray provided me a great way to share another great musical with them form the comfort of my own home. My girls simply loved the music and the performance. I was impressed to see how well done the Blu-ray was and the sights and sounds were not lost on the video itself so it was like I was sitting in the audience. All-in-all, if you are a fan of musical or simply the Phantom of the Opera, this is definitely a must have for your collection!
All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by the company. Any product claim, statistic, quote or other representation about a product or service should be verified with the manufacturer or provider. Please refer to this site's Disclaimer for more information. I have been compensated or given a product free of charge, but that does not impact my views or opinions.
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