Phantom of the Opera (1943) [Blu-ray]

Nice music. Not a dark movie. Golden era of cinema 🎦

This adaptation of The Phantom of the Opera, which won three Oscars, is incontrovertibly the best to have ever been produced by Universal Studios (on the oldest remaining set in Hollywood, which is reputed to be haunted), and remains a classic till this day, which is entertaining and infused with wit and humor (and will have you roaring with laughter), when you witness in much amusement the attempts of a police man and a Baritone vying for the affection of Christine DuBois, an understudy of the lead Soprano at The Paris Opera House, whom the Baritone, Erique Claudin, wants to see take the leading role, even as an arthritic violinist (who was forced to relinquish his position at The Opera House, given the fact that he was creating discord in the orchestra), was forced to cease his covert support for her tutelage in the Operatic Arts and, hence, conceives of a diabolical plot to have her replace the lead by poisoning the latter, thereby, enabling Christine’s talent to be demonstrated to uproarious applause from an appreciating audience, only to find the lead Soprano forbidding her to remain her understudy and demanding that she return to the unassuming position of a Chorus Girl, spurring Anatole Garron (the violinist), who had by this time assumed the role of The Phantom (when a Music Publisher’s Assistant had splashed acid on his face after he had confronted the publisher under the mistaken notion that the latter had stolen his concerto) to murder the lead Soprano in a failed attempt to have her replace the lead, which sees him wrecking havoc on The Opera House by severing the chain of a Chandelier and have it crashing down upon the audience; and, having done so, witnessing Anatole abducting Christine and taking her to the catacombs of the sewer beneath The Opera House in an attempt to have her sing to his ears only, only to find Raoul Daubert, the police man, bring about the collapse of The Opera House, by firing a shot, and rescue Christine.An elaborate production with a cast of thousands, a wonderfully crafted script, commendable performances, impeccable incorporation of Operatic Performances within a drama infused with comedic elements, grand stage design, and the best Operatic Performance by a Hungarian Singer playing the part of Christine is sure to mesmerize you and draw you into this magical world that will etch itself in your mind as the most memorable Phantom of the Opera to have graced the Silver Screen.Highly recommended.

high, sopranoic ear piercing opera! But the story here is great, its ambiance is great, the acting is great! The music, well, it sucks! But it's not about the music, it's about the story, and the story is, well great!! Well worth a watch, just turn down the volume during the singing!! RP

Every year at The Organ Loft in Salt Lake City we present the Lon Chaney version of The Phantom of the Opera with a live score provided on a Wurlitzer Theatre Pipe Organ. Each time that I introduce the film I comment on the great performance of Chaney and on the magnificent sets created for it. As the opera house set remained at Universal for decades and was used for the 1942 Technicolor remake it was of great interest to see just how the art direction compared with the original. The Blu-ray transfer of this version is truly breathtaking and the opera set is even more impressive in this version.Having seen this film some years ago I recalled not caring for the comedy between the two leading men for the girl. It wasn't funny then and it still isn't today. Over looking that fault the film is quite splendid and very entertaining. The Academy Award Technicolor photography is a joy to watch and the opera singing wonderful. Claude Rains is a superb phantom. I am delighted to rediscover the film and find it looking and sounding so GREAT!

To me, Susanna Foster was a top Soprano and unappreciated. The movie was fabulous but it was released in 1943 when the world was at war, which explains why the movie never received accolades that it deserved. Edward Ward did a fantastic job in composing some scores such as La Prince Masque du Caucasas associated with the addition of Tchaikovsky's Symphony No. 4. Also Ward composed Lullaby of the Bells which was the Phantom's piano concerto. Another fascinating fact is a Soprano named Sally Sweetland dubbed the singing for actress Jane Farrar Chopin's Amor et Gloire. Sweetland dubbed many actresses in a number of movie musicals. The BluRay edition is breathtaking with the beauty of the music productions. Nelson Eddy's singing is nothing but superb! The set was built almost two decades previously by Carl Lemmle as a replica of the Paris Opera House for the Silent VersionSadly that famous Stage was torn down a year ago which was Universal's big tourist attraction. Thank you for allowing me to convey what I consider only some of the interesting facts regarding this movie production.

I'm a huge fan of the ALW Broadway version and just had to see this one. I was blown away by the quality of the movie. As clean and clear as a 4K movie filmed today. The movie was great. I'll watch this one over and over!

Classic!

Amazing movie, image sharp and clear just like if it was shut yesterday, very good sound quality, very recommended.Good sets recrieting the Paris Opera in those days.

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Ce n'est pas la meilleure version de cette histoire de ce fantôme. Mais la qualité de l'image est surprenante. A posséder pour ceux qui font des collections de films fantastiques ou d'horreurs. A posséder!