this horror-oriented version of The Phantom of the Opera isn’t great but there are some things to admire: Robert Englund does well enough as the title character and Jill Schoelen is absolutely stunning as the female lead. The Blu-ray, though, is a bit limited. There is a good commentary track and a well made retro documentary with new interviews while the audio/video are at best serviceable.
The Phantom of the Opera
(1989)
REVIEW NAVIGATION
The Movie | Special Features | Video Quality | Audio Quality | Overall
Genre(s): Horror
Scream Factory | R – 93 min. – $24.97 | February 17, 2015
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MOVIE INFO: Directed by: Dwight H. Little Writer(s): Gerry O’Hara (original screenplay), Duke Sandefur (screenplay) Cast: Robert Englund, Jill Schoelen, Alex Hyde-White, Bill Nighy, Terence Harvey, Stephanie Lawrence DISC INFO: Audio: English (DTS-HD MA 5.1), English (DTS-HD MA 2.0) |
** Click Here to Purchase The Phantom of the Opera on Blu-ray from Amazon.com **
THE MOVIE
An aspiring opera singer finds herself transported back to Victorian-era London – and into the arms of a reclusive, disfigured maestro determined to make her a star. The silver-throated Christine (JILL SCHOELEN) enjoys success through the arrangements of her new lover (ROBERT ENGLUND)… until she realizes that he has been committing unspeakably grisly murders in her honor and won’t stop until he’s completed his masterpiece… in blood!
SPECIAL FEATURES – 3.0/5
Audio Commentary features director Dwight H. Little and Actor Robert Englund. It’s a generally fun track where both men recount behind-the-scenes info and as anyone who has listened to Englund, he is an engaging fellow.
Behind the Mask: The Making of The Phantom of the Opera (37:43; HD) is an extensive and new retrospective featurette with new interviews with director Dwight H. Little, Actors Robert Englund, Jill Schoelen and Alex Hyde-White, Screenwriter Duke Sandefur and many others involved in the production, especially the make-up side of things.
Also included are the Theatrical Trailer (1:53; HD), a TV Spot (0:31; HD), Radio Spots (2:04; HD) and a Still Gallery.
VIDEO – 3.5/5
Phantom of the Opera sings its way onto Blu-ray courtesy of Shout Factory’s subdivision, Scream Factory, presented with a 1080p high-definition transfer and shown in its original 1.85 widescreen aspect ratio. The picture, while generally colorful, isn’t without its flaws. There’s a heavy amount of noise throughout limiting the detail levels and I did notice instances of dust marks.
AUDIO – 3.5/5
The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 track provide OK dialogue levels however the depth isn’t great and at times the track has an almost hollow, echo-esque vibe though I think this is more an issue with the production than the transfer itself. It’s not a great track but serviceable especially when it comes to the music and score. Also included is a 2.0 channel DTS-HD MA track which isn’t all that significantly different.
OVERALL – 3.0/5
Overall, this horror-oriented version of The Phantom of the Opera isn’t great but there are some things to admire: Robert Englund does well enough as the title character and Jill Schoelen is absolutely stunning as the female lead. The Blu-ray, though, is a bit limited. There is a good commentary track and a well made retro documentary with new interviews while the audio/video are at best serviceable.
Published: 02/17/2015
Check out some more screen caps by going to page 2. Please note, these do contain spoilers.