Blu-Ray Review: Andrew Lloyd Webber's, The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall -- Available on DVD and Blu-Ray, February 7th

The Longest-Running Broadway Musical of All Time Celebrates 25 years of Romance with a Spectacular Live Production on One of the World’s Most Legendary Stages

THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA

AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience Available on Blu-ray^™, DVD and On Demand from

Universal Studios Home Entertainment on February 7, 2012

Broadway’s longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, coming to Blu-ray^TM – with perfect hi-def picture and perfect hi-def sound- DVD, On Demand and Digital Download on February 7, 2012 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment.  On October 2, 2011, composer Andrew Lloyd Webber and producer Cameron Mackintosh marked the 25^th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, “The Phantom of the Opera,” with a lavishly staged production at London’s legendary Royal Albert Hall that was beamed live via satellite to cinemas across the globe. The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall marks the first time a live performance of the blockbuster musical has been made available for home viewing, making it a must-have anniversary release for fans everywhere.

The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall stars Ramin Karimloo (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actor in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the lovestruck Phantom and Sierra Boggess (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) as the beautiful and gifted soprano Christine.  The show also features Barry James, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson and Wynne Evans, as well as special guest appearances from the actors who originated the roles of The Phantom and Christine, Tony^® Award winner Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, in a memorable final curtain call.

“Phantom” aficionados will also be thrilled to know that “Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacular follow-up musical will also arrive on Blu-ray^TM and DVD for the first time on February 7.  With lush visuals and a mesmerizing score that rivals the original in power and beauty, this live production of “Love Never Dies” finds Christine and the Phantom reunited in turn-of-the-century New York City after a decade apart.

“The Phantom of the Opera” premiered at Her Majesty's Theatre in London on October 9, 1986. It has won more than 60 major theatre awards, including seven Tony^® Awards and three Olivier Awards, and became the longest-running show in Broadway history on January 9, 2006 when it celebrated its 7,486th performance.   “The Phantom of the Opera” has grossed over $5.6 billion worldwide and been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries. Live productions of “The Phantom of the Opera” are currently playing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas and Kyoto.

BLU-RAY^TM AND DVD BONUS FEATURES:

·         The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall

o      “Getting Past the Point of No Return:” A behind-the-scenes “Making Of” feature starring the cast and crew.

·         Love Never Dies

o      “Making Of” Featurette:  Take a look behind the scenes at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s breathtaking sequel.

My Thoughts:

If you have never seen The Phantom of the Opera live, then you have missed out.  I remember seeing it the first time back in high school in NYC, and instantly become a fan of the Phantom and Andrew Lloyd Webber.  In celebration oft 25 years of romance and entertaining fans around the world, you can now own THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL on Blu-Ray, DVD and watch it On Demand, beginning February 7th.  

I was blown away at the lavish scenery and breathtaking special effects that were re-created in this brilliant live restaging of Webber's original production -- all set to his haunting score, that is truly memorable. So, if you have never seen this musical on a theatre stage, why not pick up this sure to be collector's item, and see why it has become a beloved musical of many.  

In addition to this classic stage production, the Blu-Ray and DVD copies include a behind the scenes look at the making of this anniversary live performance at the Royal Albert Hall.  And, if fans weren't excited enough about this release, they are in for a treat, as Andrew Lloyd Webber is releasing a sequel, Love Never Dies, on May 29th.  Fans can get a sneak peak of this sequel, with the Making Of featurette, also part of the bonus features.

If you are struggling to find a Valentine's Day gift for your loved one, why not surprise them with THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL on Blu-Ray or DVD.  It would also make for a great date night flick, to snuggle up and watch.  This musical will steal your heart, as it has so many others, and I am excited that I was able to see it again, and can watch it whenever I need my Phantom fix.

CAST AND FILMMAKERS:  THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL

Cast:  Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Barry James, Wendy Ferguson, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, Wynne Evans, Sergei Polunin

Producer:  Cameron Mackintosh

Music by:  Andrew Lloyd Webber

Lyrics by:  Charles Hart

Book by:  Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber

Based on the novel:  Le Fantôme de L'Opéra by Gaston Leroux

Additional lyrics by: Richard Stilgoe

Film Directed by:  Nick Morris

Stage Production Directed by:  Laurence Connor based on the original London Production directed by Hal Prince

Musical Staging and Choreography: Gillian Lynne

Lighting:  Patrick Woodroffe and Andrew Bridge

Sound:  Mick Potter

Set Design:  Matt Kinley, inspired by Maria Björnson’s original design for the stage

Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this musical on Blu-Ray from ThinkJam, in order to provide an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.