Phantom of the Opera (Universal Studios Classic Monster Collection)
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Movie Reviews of Phantom of the Opera (Universal Studios Classic Monster Collection)
Movie Review: The first remake of many
Summary: 5 Stars
This was the film that taught me there was such a thing as a remake. I first saw it on TV in black and white when I was about 9 years old. This was in the mid-60s when classic monsters were enjoying a fad with toys, magazines, and TV reruns. I had been hoping to see it ever since I had gotten the Aurora Phantom model kit. I had that when-are-they-going-to-show-the monster feeling during much of it, but was so was so impressed with the chandelier and unmasking scenes that I'd have wanted to own the film if that had been possible back then. I was puzzled though, that this phantom's face looked nothing like the one on the model. Of course, when I found out there was an earlier version, that gave me yet another film to be on the lookout for. It was several years later when I finally saw it, and I had to save for months to buy a completely silent version on 8mm. The DVD has an excellenct documentary, possibly the best of the Universal Classic Monsters Collection. There is so much worthwile information in the running commentary that film historian Scott Macqueen often has to talk fast to fit it all in in under 93 minutes. One thing I wish had been pointed out is that the vast majority of the Lon Chaney silent versions available on video were drastically reedited from the rerelease/remake of 1930. The 1925 cut still exists, but I've only seen a so-so quality laser disc version that had no music soundtrack. The documentary has a some facinating clips from the 1930 version. I've read that the full sountrack still exists. Now if only the 1925 version could be restored and scored and the 1930 version reconstructed as much as possible. That would make an excellent two-movie DVD!Movie Review: glorious Technicolor adaptation of the Leroux novel
Summary: 5 Stars
This 1943 version of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA is simply stunning. As other viewers have noted, this version is more colourful musical than bloodcurdling horror (and more in tune with Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical than the Lon Chaney silent).
Claude Rains plays the Phantom. In this version the Phantom is a violinist in the opera's orchestra, trying to get his own music published. Because of arthritis in one of his hands, he gets fired from the orchestra and left virtually destitute. A case of jumping to the wrong conclusion leads him to be severely scarred by acid, and he retreats to the cool and dark of the sewers for refuge.
Susanna Foster plays Christine DuBois, a young singer in the opera chorus, who graduates to the lead roles when the resident diva is murdered by the Phantom. Nelson Eddy plays Anatole, the resident lead baritone who is in love with Christine.
The Technicolor photography is lush and vibrant, superbly reproduced for this DVD. Susanna Foster (and her amazing voice which roams several octaves) is perfectly showcased in the well-executed opera scenes. Also starring Edgar Barrier, J. Edward Bromberg and Jane Farrar.
Followed by THE CLIMAX (which featured Susanna Foster being menaced by Boris Karloff).
Movie Review: Claude Rains........ 5 Stars
this is the best phantom of the opera movie. It is about Erique Claudin a violinist in the paris opera house who is fired because of his left hand with artherites, secretly he has been supporting Christine Dubios "instead of Daae" with her singing abillties unknowing to her. So to get money he writes a concerto and takes it to "Pleyell and Disjardins Music Publishers" they take his music. He comes back to claim it but they say that they have not seen it and to come back later as he is leaving he hears his music be played on the paino he acuses Pleyell of stealing his music and Strangles him to death Terified the secertary picks up a tray of Hot acid and throws it into claudin's face he screams with agony and flees the building and runs to the sewers to hide from the police whom now he is wanted for murder and he is now " The Phantom of the Opera " This is a good movie the names from the book are changed, Instead of Erik it is Erique Claudin and Christine Daae is Christine Dubios And Carlotta is changed to Biancerolli and Roul is a policeman instead of a handsome young lord. This a good version of the story Get this on VHS or DVDMovie Review: Technicolor, Glorius Technicolor
Summary: 5 Stars
Years ago I taped "The Phantom of the Opera" off an old TV Channel. Not to long before I bought my new copy I hauled out the old tape and watched the film. All the colors had shifted and the copy looked like it was old and tired out.
I bought the new print when I saw it was available and had been cleaned up and beautifully restored. I got goose bumps when I saw this new copy.All the life was back and restored. Susanna Foster looked beautiful as the Opera Saprano and Nelson Eddy was in Fine Voice. Not to mention the gorgeous sets in vivid color. I've always said there is nothing like Technicolor. No other process even comes close. The Music is beautiful.Claude Rains makes a fine Phantom. The Screenplay is very good also. Warner Bros. is doing a fine job restoring these old films. I had to give this one 5 stars. I know this is a Horror Flick but it's a beautifully done Horror Flick.
Movie Review: Don't be expecting a grade-b horror film..
Summary: 5 Stars
As great as Universal is, they have given us some pretty cheezy horror movies. Now, I am not complaining. I for one, completely enjoy bits like Son of Dracula, and the Creature Walks Among Us..but the rest of the general public probably wouldn't. This movie is top knotch Phantom. The script is good, the choice of music is good, and the actors are great. I really enjoy the fact that they got an actual Opera Singer to be in the movie (Nelson Eddy.. you know, from the short Disney cartoon about the opera singing whale?). There is not an OUNCE of cheese to be found here ladies and gentlemen (go ahead and look all you want, I know I have). If you want to enjoy Phantom themed movies, this is where you should start (Phantom of the Paradise being the second). It is not the novel mind you, but a stand out interpretation of it. Great movie!