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

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.

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 Version Sadly 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 have the very old DVD of "The Phantom of The Opera" and it's great but with this latest HD version you see more detail that's captured in the original negative so it's a first generation viewing! The sound is magnificent and you get to see the "Technicolor look" brilliantly. Great stuff!

Much to recommend it, and worth seeing for the camera work alone. I watched an original nitrate Technicolor print of this film with cinematographer Hal Mohr about 40 years ago and he was justifiably proud of his work and the Oscar he received for it. As the character--soon to become the phantom--ran down the street at night, Hal told me the scene had been lit by a single arc lamp for dramatic effect, which caused a battle between him and Technicolor's consultants, but I suppose the Academy Award silenced them. The opening shot, in the theatre built for the 1925 Phantom, is astonishing. It begins with Nelson Eddy on the stage, pulls back to reveal the orchestra in the pit and then the audience, then past the chandelier (the real star of the film), and on toward box seats with elegant patrons of the opera in medium shot. The climax to the shot occurs when a curtain is thrown open at the back of the section, timed to a sharp chord from the orchestra, and we see a sinister figure against a background that suggests lightning. As it turns out, he is only the police inspector, but the effect helps establish the mood. The Technicolor transfer to Blu-ray is mostly excellent and dazzling. The music also deserves rave reviews. The comic business of two men attempting to pass through a doorway at the same time was tired even in 1943, but we greet it as an old friend--several times.

Really enjoyed the movie and the picture quality was phenomenal for a movie made in 1943!

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!

Early horror/thriller/suspense. Enjoyed back in the day or midnight horror shows on TV.

This story is OLD. Still a thriller