Sorry, this movie sucks

If the ambition is to provide two hours of instantly forgettable, popcorn-munching escapism, it succeeds.

The plot isn't so bad, but the pace of storytelling is too slow which makes people bored. Certain moments are so obvious and unnecessary for the main plot. I would've fast-forwarded those moments if it was an online streaming. The ending looks like implying a sequel, not sure if this movie will get one

Like the great film, it's made with a great deal of visible affection both in front of and behind the camera.

My all time favorite musical! It's true I have not watched a lot of musicals but I know this one will always be a favorite. I watched the movie as well and it was fine, but nothing of the grandness of this musical. The singers/actors have the most suitable voices and they fit their roles perfectly. The songs are very iconic, of course. And the entire execution of the musical is incredibly well done, the lights, the costumes, the dancers were spot on, AND THE CHANDELIER. It is a performance I would have risked blood and bone to see live, if time and distance weren't obstacles. All in all, this is the musical that got me into musicals and opera.

My 'Phantom of the Opera' experience has now completed its tour. I have heard all the music, and have some of the recordings. I have seen the 1925 silent movie version with Lon Chaney, I have seen the 2004 movie version with current movie stars, and with this viewing I have seen the premier stage production, albeit on film. Each one of them is good in its own experience.But musicals, on stage, are unique in their own way, and this one, at the Royal Albert Hall, has to be the best if you are forced to put them in order. All the singers are trained operatic singers and in general are clearly more accomplished than what you will find in movie versions.The musical is called 'Phantom' for a reason, and in the title role is Ramin Karimloo (from Iran) as The Phantom. He plays the role, and sings, marvelously. The object of his affection is Sierra Boggess (from USA) as Christine. And her suitor is Hadley Fraser (British) as Raoul. Not to be overlooked is Wendy Ferguson as Carlotta and she performs that role marvelously also.The live production included an addendum after the final curtain, honoring cast members over the years, including most of the original cast. Plus some performances. That is also included in the film.Saw it via Netflix streaming video, in hi-def and surround sound. A really fine viewing experience.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's the phantom of the opera is the world's most successful entertainment event of all time to date grossing about 5.6 billion dollars worldwide and seen by over 130 million people. i personally love this musical, having seen it in London last year and became a "phan" i went on to check the 2004 film adaptation starring Gerard butler as the title role. and absolutely hated it. luckily for me i heard about this special royal Albert hall production released on DVD celebrating the show's 25th anniversary and when i saw it i absolutely loved it. it was spectacular in every sense of the word. the thing that matters most in any production such as phantom is the cast, since one cast member that isn't rightfully cast can ruin the entire show (for instance, butler's casting in the film), but here every cast member was brilliant. ramin karimloo's phantom was exactly what the phantom character needed, having a voice that is intimidating yet caring and tender at the same time, and his acting was also superb. sierra bogges was also perfect as Christine, with a great voice that completely blew my mind away. all the other cast members were also brilliant in their roles, and the casting was ideal in my opinion. the scenery and effects were good, but not perfect. the sets for example was replaced by screens (due to the fact that the royal Albert hall is a concert hall not a theatre, and the sets of phantom are enormous) which was okay, but not as jaw-dropping as in the original London production, also the chandelier effect was barely believable here, instead of rising over the audience like in the original production, the chandelier simply shoots some fireworks and move a little, and at the end of act I instead of crashing down the stage, it shoots fireworks again and turns off it' lights, which might have been effective for the audience sitting in the royal Albert hall, but not very effective for the DVD viewer. still those flaws didn't bother me from enjoying this tremendously. at the end of the show the composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (whose music is nearly perfect in every way no matter how much criticism it received over the years) says a few words about the show and introduces the creative teams and original London company to the stage, which was very exciting. the grand final consisted the original Christine daae, the wonderful Sarah brightman performing the mesmerizing title song with 4 phantoms from the past, present and future was wonderful despite the fact that you could hear her breath a little during the first part of the song, but she hit those really high notes at the end perfectly, then the phantoms performed the iconic "music of the night" for one huge encore. all n all this production was awesome, and the next best thing to seeing the show in person, it proves why phantom is so loved and appreciated around the world and why it celebrated 25 years. a huge recommendation to fans of the musical and i think people that aren't familiar with the stage musical will like it too (not everyone though, if they don't like musicals and don't like this kind of repetitive musicals, which doesn't bother me). Andrew Lloyd Webber's the phantom of the opera: the most successful musical of all time is as timeless and haunting as ever in a sweeping breathtaking production. well done to all the ones involved in it.

I have loved "The Phantom of the Opera" for many years and listen to the soundtrack album with Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman almost religiously. I began watching this with great worry, remembering how underwhelmed and disappointed I felt with the 2004 film adaptation. Imagine my delight when I discovered this even better than the original cast!Ramin Karimloo and Sierra Bogges are both incredible actors and singers and are absolute magic together, as well as individually. Ramin has the passion and soul the Phantom needs and Sierra has the voice of an angel and makes feel every note she sings.For years, I have had to put up with people telling me that Joel Schumacher's utterly redundant 2004 adaptation was actually brilliant; or that they cannot afford to see the real show. Well, the 25th anniversary concert exposes the 2004 adaptation for the diabolical mess that it is, with it's far superior singing, acting and set. And the fact that it is available on DVD means the 2004 film can shoved into the deep hole it belongs in. Simply perfect, there is no excuse to miss this. Watch it and let it's music caress your soul.