Dad of Divas' Reviews: Blu-Ray Review - The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall

Monday, January 30, 2012

Blu-Ray Review - The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall

About the Movie
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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