Herb Kane
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The Phantom Of The Opera
Two Disc Special Edition
Studio: Warner Brothers
Year: 2004
Rated: PG-13
Film Length: 141 Minutes
Aspect Ratio: 2.35:1 Enhanced Widescreen
Audio: DD 5.1
Color/B&W: Color
Languages: English & French
Subtitles: English, French & Spanish
MSRP: $29.95
Package: Two discs in a regular size (double) Amaray Keepcase.
The Feature:
As I've followed the reviews closely over the past several months of the 2004 Andrew Lloyd Webber / Joel Schumacher film collaboration, I've seen everything from this being compared to some of the best musicals ever made to those reaching the depths among the worst of films ever produced. All of this should serve to tell us one thing; it's probably not the best musical film ever made, nor is it the worst. It would seem as though one of the greatest single characteristics determining this vast soup-to-nuts reaction, is the expectation moviegoers possess in relation to their stage production experience.
Through the evolution of time (15 years to be exact), the film was to star the two original Broadway performers, Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman but they were eventually ruled out as were a number of others including (and interestingly) Antonio Banderas. The leads selected were relative newcomers; Patrick Wilson as Raoul, Gerard Butler as the Phantom and the show stealing Emmy Rossum as Christine. It's not an easy film to critique in terms of their acting skills (for obvious reasons) but there should be no debate as to their ability to sing - whether or not it’s to your liking will be a personal decision. The supporting roles are filled by Miranda Richardson as Madame Giry, Minnie Driver as the incredibly annoying diva Carolotta, and Ciran Hinds and Simon Callow as Firmin and Andre, the new proprietors of the Opera House.
I suspect there are very few who don't have at least the most basic knowledge of the storyline but in brief, the 2004 film version is told in flashback. The Phantom Of The Opera is set in 1870 at the Paris Opera House. The beautiful, young chorus girl, Christine Daae is an up-and-coming opera star who steps into the spotlight after the opera’s spoiled diva, Carlotta, quits the production. Christine’s been tutored by a mysterious Phantom for years. Her unseen teacher has taught her well and she sings like an angel, impressing the theater’s new managers enough to allow her to become their new leading lady. While the naïve Christine believes her gentle tutor is the spirit of her father, her adopted mother (the ballet’s mistress) knows the truth. Christine’s teacher is really the disfigured Phantom who haunts the Opera House. A musical genius who’s gone mad, the Phantom has lovingly overseen Christine’s development. As she gets her opportunity to shine onstage, the Phantom’s affection and hold over the young woman is in jeopardy when a wealthy young man, Raoul, falls for the burgeoning beauty. But, once he realizes Christine has slipped away, the Phantom's jealousy has terrible consequences.
There's nothing extraordinarily special about Schumacher's approach as he presents the material in a mostly straightforward and predictable manner - albeit, a beautiful one. However, one could argue that, for a movie like this, his approach is the correct one. He offers a number of tremendous visual images, none greater than the chandelier being raised as the Opera House returns to its splendor of 1870. Ultimately, it would seem that appreciation of The Phantom Of The Opera will hinge upon your opinion of Andrew Lloyd Webber's skills as a composer. However, fans of the stage play should take heart in knowing Webber personally selected Schumacher as the director, with the two working closely on this film, a project that’s been over 15 years in the making. Webber first approached Schumacher about directing Phantom Of The Opera back in 1988.
There would appear to be as many criticisms as there are characteristics worthy of praise, however the greatest single complaint seems to be the comparison to the stage production in terms of its faithfulness the play. I'm not going to delve too deeply here, but I suspect if the film took a direction that vastly differed from the adaptation of the stage play, there'd be just as many complaints from the opposite camp. In the same vein, in terms of the film being an extension of the stage production, the right decision was made. To be clear, several minor plot changes do exist such as:
The change of timeframe with respect to chandelier crash, which occurs late in the film. Another nice touch occurs when there is a visit to Christine's grave. Raoul pays a visit to the gravesite and discovers a trinket; a signature rose wrapped in his black ribbon and the ring. A nice touch which verifies the Phantom's continued love after many years.
Purists may complain and compare this film to the 1925 silent classic with Lon Chaney or the 1943 remake with Claude Rains. The film shouldn't be. Andrew Lloyd Webber was not striving for shock and horror. Instead, he wanted to emphasize the romance and operatic elements.
As for the packaging, The Phantom Of The Opera is available in several versions. The copy I received for review was the Two Disc Special Widescreen Edition. These are housed in a regular (hinged) Amaray Keepcase which also comes with contest information and details surrounding a chance to win a trip to see the stage play on Broadway in New York, in the form of an insert. From what I understand, there are also single disc versions available in Widescreen or Fullscreen which list at $27.95 while the Two Disc SE lists for $29.95.
The Feature: 4/5
:star::star::star::star:
Video:
The film is shown in its original aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and is enhanced for widescreen. To say that this film is gorgeous looking would, really, be selling it short. There is an awful lot going on in terms of the elaborate (and beautiful) theater, numerous bouquets of flowers and beautifully detailed costumes. It’s as though you feel you're always a second or two behind trying to capture the visual surroundings, while watching the film itself. It really is a visual feast.
Colors, as you can imagine, leap from the screen - extremely lush and vibrant. Saturation was absolutely perfect as never did the colors bleed. Hues were spot on. Flesh tones looked very real and accurate. Black levels were extremely dark, though never crushed, while whites were crisp and clean. Shadow detail was nice although some of the shots of Christine appeared to be slightly contrasty - something I don't recall from the theatrical showing – perhaps an effect to emphasize the angelic aspect of Christine.
The level of image definition was also impressive - for the most part. The film didn't really have many ultra close-ups (facial close-ups, that is), but clarity was most satisfying on facials as well as wider and longer shots. Really, my only complaint here is a slight amount of glossiness to the overall look of the film – a very very slightly processed look; although nowhere close to the extent we have seen on many of the recent films. While virtually no film grain was visible (save for the intentional grain during the B&W sequences), there is an impressive amount of depth to the overall look of the film.
As we would expect, this print is immaculate and free of any dust or dirt blemishes - nor were any scratches visible. The overall image was rock solid and free of any shimmer or jitter.
Compression and authoring seems to have been handled nicely as artifacting and edge enhancement are virtually non-existent.
A very nice job indeed, save for some slight - extremely slight glossiness.
Video: 4.5/5
:star::star::star::star:
Audio:
I was as equally impressed with the audio track as I was with the video presentation. The soundtrack is DD 5.1 encoded. While not on the same level as Master And Commander in terms of dynamics, what's impressive about this track is its ability to show off the soundstage - as we would hope and expect for a new musical. Rarely does a minute or two go by without music in some form or another and the front stage was incredibly vast and expansive. The music sounded wonderful. Regardless of the range, these musical numbers were impressive, always hearty and full bodied.
The track was crystal clear and absolutely free of any noise or other distractions. Dialogue was always exceptionally bold and clear but seemed a bit low, particularly during the first few scenes of the film... maybe it was just me after the raising of the chandelier sequence when the music kicks in. As Keanu would say... "whoa". I wouldn't necessarily call the track overly aggressive, but it certainly gets done, what needs to.
There is decent employment of the surrounds. While they’re used mostly for music filler and envelopment, there are a few examples of effects and so forth. There is also some decent LFE info which kicks in during several scenes, particularly during musical numbers with organ music.
An extremely nice track that affords the music an impressively wide soundstage.
Audio: 4.5/5
:star::star::star::star:
Special Features:
The set is comprised of two discs. The first disc contains the film as well as the:
[*] Theatrical Trailer. It is in perfect condition. Duration: 2:24 minutes.
The remainder of the features are located on disc two starting with:
[*] Behind The Mask: The Story of The Phantom Of The Opera which is a documentary narrated by Paul Hickey and covers everything from the original novel written by Gaston Leroux and includes the development of the stage production including the original film version starring Lon Chaney. The focus of this featurette is on ALW and his adaptation of the stage production. Here, we’re treated to a number of terrific performances from Crawford and Brightman. A number of participants appear here including Andrew Lloyd Webber, the original director, producer, lyricist, and numerous stage actors. An interesting feature if you’re a fan of Phantom. Duration: 65:08 minutes.
[*] The Making Of The Phantom Of The Opera consists of three features including:
- Origins And Casting of The Phantom Of The Opera and includes brief comments from numerous cast and crew members during the London Theatrical Premiere. Comments include ALW’s decision to hire Joel Schumacher as the director. Duration: 17:31 minutes.
- Designing The Phantom Of The Opera highlights the technical aspects of the movie including miniatures (particularly of the Paris Opera House). The intricate and elaborate set creation is also featured. Duration: 11:05 minutes.
- Supporting Cast And Recording The Album Of The Phantom Of The Opera features comments from several members of the supporting cast. The extensive orchestra is also featured here and discussed. There is also more discussion including technical effects, such as the one-take crashing of the chandelier scene. Duration: 17:15 minutes.
[*] Additional Scene: No One Would Listen is a short clip which features the Phantom singing number in the basement of the Opera House. Duration: 2:24 minutes.
[*] The disc also lists DVD-ROM features.
Special Features: 4/5
:star::star::star::star:
**Special Features rated for the quality of supplements, not the quantity**
Final Thoughts:
I must admit, regardless of the enthusiasm expressed by my wife and her love of the stage production as well as the film, I entered the theater slightly (and snobbishly) apprehensive probably due to the fact that Joel Schumacher was at the helm. While there might be some who’ll want to seize my “arthouse privilege card”, I left the theater quite impressed. Considering the vast popularity of the stage production, this is a film that is sure to have its fair share of critics. Obviously those who adored the stage version will have certain (perhaps lofty) expectations, while those who were unimpressed with the stage production, probably need not apply here in terms of the film version.
All expectations aside, we watch films to be transported and entertained. In this case, The Phantom Of The Opera is a beautiful film with a number of outstanding performances, none greater than Emmy Rossum but paramount to the film (and really, the stage version too) was the music which I adore. I most certainly was entertained.
As for the DVD, well regardless of your feelings for the film – the DVD is extremely impressive. The film is a vision of beauty to look at and it is captured digitally with precision and magnificence. Disc two comes with a number of entertaining and informative supplements to round out the package quite nicely. If you’re a fan of the film, you’re in for a nice surprise.
Overall Rating: 4.5/5 (not an average)
:star::star::star::star:
Highly Recommended...!
Release Date: May 3rd, 2005
