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The Bottom Line

Critics didn't necessarily embrace this film adaptation of Andrew Lloyd Webber's "The Phantom of the Opera," but after seeing it on the big screen and now on DVD, I continue to be blown away by the film's beauty and its tragic love story. Sumptuous, riveting, and featuring terrific performances by Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson and Minnie Driver, "The Phantom of the Opera" remains high on my list of movies to watch over and over again.



Pros

• You just can't find many actors sexier than Gerard Butler as The Phantom
• Emmy Rossum's voice is absolutely stunning
• The set design and choreography is first-rate
• Did I mention just how sexy Gerard Butler is as The Phantom?

Cons

• Lack of commentary track is the one real drawback to the DVD

Description

• Behind the Mask - The Story of "The Phantom of the Opera:" History of the story and stageplay.
• Origins and Casting of "The Phantom:" A behind-the-scenes look at the casting process.
• Designing the "Phantom:" In-depth featurette on the look of "The Phantom of the Opera."
• Supporting Cast and the Album: Check out the cast and the orchestra as they create the soundtrack.
• Deleted Scene: Gerard Butler sings "No One Would Listen."

Guide Review - "Phantom of the Opera" 2-Disc Special Edition DVD Review

Based on Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage musical, "The Phantom of the Opera" transitions to the big screen with its larger-than-life, tragic love story intact.

Gerard Butler ("Dracula 2000") stars as the man who is forced to cover his misshapen face with a mask and hide away from the world.

Emmy Rossum co-stars as the beautiful young chorus girl, Christine Daae, who is thrust into the spotlight after the diva Carlotta (Minnie Driver) quits the production. Tutored from childhood by the Angel of Music, Christine sings like an angel. Her voices wins over the opera crowd and reignites the interest of her childhood sweetheart, Raoul (Patrick Wilson).

Christine believes the gentle spirit of her father is guiding her, but it's actually The Phantom who has been her unseen tutor. Driven to madness, The Phantom is enraged when the love of his life falls for Raoul. Soon Christine finds herself caught in the middle of a deadly love triangle. Should she choose the handsome young man she knew since childhood or the deformed man who has guided her singing career and who now wants to make her his wife?

A lot was made of Gerard Butler's singing abilities when he was cast as The Phantom. Butler brings a rock and roll edge to the role, and that's not necessarily what people expected of The Phantom. However, Butler's so undeniably sexy that any qualms about his singing voice are washed away by his sensual onscreen presence.

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