The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) Reviews

• "The Phantom of the Opera is there, inside my mind"

  
  By A3KGYTO6CF8MGF on 2005-01-26
  Though vastly under-looked and over-scrutinized by critics and longtime enthusiasts of the original play, with all comparisons aside I personally feel that 'The Phantom Of The Opera' is one of the greatest cinematic experiences ever, and musically it is absolutely breathtaking. This is the type of film I always dreamed of being made. It's a beautiful, tragic tale of love, madness and seduction all rolled up into one. Thus, it is a romantic Gothic horror story unlike anything I've seen done before it and I, anyway, think that it is a masterpiece (and perhaps, even, a future classic?).
  
  If you wish to hear the entire production, as not to miss anything, you'd be better off buying the two-disc deluxe edition, but if you simply want to hear the best tracks from the movie, this collection of highlights does just that. Of course, if you cherish the music as much as I do you might as well buy them both.
  
  The melodies/lyrics in this soundtrack emit many different emotions, such as joyous confessions of love during "All I Ask Of You" that quickly changes into sadness as the Phantom, hurt and betrayed, sings the reprised version full of heartache and rage. On the other hand, "The Phantom Of The Opera" sends chills throughout my body as the orchestra, hauntingly beautiful organ and electric guitar play feverishly to the Phantom saying "sing, my angel of music" in a demanding yet hypnotizing tone while Christine obeys, singing higher and higher as if in some kind of trance. "The Music Of The Night" is another favorite of mine, along with "Prima Donna", "Masquerade", "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again", and "The Point Of No Return". I was also pleasantly surprised to enjoy the brand new studio track written specifically for the closing credits, "Learn To Be Lonely", which is sung by Minnie Driver who plays the hilarious opera diva, Carlotta. I only wish it were longer...
  
  The lovely Emmy Rossum may be no Sarah Brightman but I think she lived up to the expectations Sarah left us with rather well (and, remember, she was only 17 during filming). She's able to be both a lustful temptress as well as sweet and innocent when needed. As for Gerard Butler, he may not have the world's greatest voice but, to me, his dark and rugged style fits his imperfect character perfectly. Now, for a complete turn around, I think most will agree with me when I say that Patrick Wilson (Raoul) has the most gorgeous voice of them all. But what did you expect? He's a 'pretty boy'.
  
  'The Phantom Of The Opera' may still be out in theaters but I am already waiting with bated breath for the DVD to become available. Until then I at least have the soundtrack to replay certain scenes in my mind. The only gripe I have is, by listening to this, it makes me want to see the movie every time I do...
  
  

• Andrew Lloyd Webber's PHANTOM hits the movie screen

  
  By ABH4G7TVI6G2T on 2004-12-28
  THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA has been a long time in coming to the screen, but thanks to the box-office boom of CHICAGO and MOULIN ROUGE (and subsequent renaissance of the movie musical), it's finally arrived - and it's gorgeous. Andrew Lloyd Webber's musicalization of the Gaston Leroux potboiler has been enjoyed onstage now for 18 years, both the London and Broadway productions still high-sellers with theatergoers. This all-new PHANTOM will be welcomed by all Phans with open arms.
  
  This single disc edition of the soundtrack comprises all the main numbers from the musical.
  
  Gerard Butler is a fine Phantom (though occasionally quite raspy and with an accent that seems at odds with the character and other actors).
  
  Young Emmy Rossum is a lovely Christine, and imbues the character with all the restlessness and uncertainty of youth (the only glaring change is the simplified cadenza at the end of "Think of Me"). Her soprano voice is quite beautiful, though it doesn't reach the dizzying heights of previous Christine's like Anna Maria Kaufmann, Rebecca Caine and Sarah Brightman.
  
  Patrick Wilson is a dashing Raoul, beautifully sung (as you would expect from this veteran of Broadway's OKLAHOMA! and THE FULL MONTY). Raoul can be a difficult role to play (in the wrong hands he can be quite weak and effeminate), but Wilson gives us a strong, stridant and powerful adversary to the Phantom.
  
  Margaret Preece (serving as the voice of Minnie Driver's imperious opera diva Carlotta) is thrillingly-sung in the breathtaking "Prima Donna". Jennifer Ellison is a fine little Meg Giry.
  
  The orchestra is full and rich, and serves the music well (the trademark organ motif of the Overture and swelling passages of "All I Ask of You" are superbly-executed). In their brief moments here in this `highlights' disc, Miranda Richardson (as Madame Giry), Simon Callow and Ciaran Hinds (as opera managers Firmin and Andre) are all excellent.
  
  This new PHANTOM recording deserves it's place on the shelf next to the original cast with Crawford and Brightman.
  
  

• Better than Crawford!

  
  By AGDWBWNXPDETT on 2004-12-11
  The first time I heard Phantom, I really, really disliked it. Michael Crawford's thin, reedy tenor really grated my nerves. There was nothing grand or romantic in it, and the character of the Phantom came off as a whiny cry baby.
  Thank goodness they had some sense and cast a guy who can act while singing, and isn't afraid to come out of his head voice for a minute. Gerry Butler is awesome, though I do feel there were points in this soundtrack where he could have toned down the intensity some. I'm sure it will look great on the screen, but through headphones some of the urgency and anger sounded a bit silly.
  While Sarah Brightman will always be a favorite singer of mine, Emily Rossum has a much more traditional theatre voice and really uses it to bring new life into the music. You can feel her pain and indecision in the last few songs.
  I'm a bit dissapointed that Minnie Driver didn't sing. She has a beautiful voice, and I don't really see the point in taking a role with very little spoken dialogue. But whoever did her part did a great job!
  My only complaints are the comically drawn out ending of the finale- three second pauses between notes are just too long- and the abhorent pop song stuck on the end. When ALW wrote "You Must Love Me" for Evita, it fit with the rest of the score. This new song sounds remarkably like a Burt Bacharach sap-fest from the seventies. Totally killed my Phantom buzz.
  
  Overall, it's a much, much better product than I expected.
  
  

• Not for snobs

  
  By A1VHWTVOXHELV9 on 2005-11-27
  I have a degree in music and have laughed at some of the reviews here eulogizing the original performances by Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford to the detriment of Emmy Rossum and Gerard Butler. I fell in love with Emmy Rossum's performance right from the start. She doesn't have Sarah Brightman's pedigree, but her performance has an innocence that I never saw in Sarah Brightman, whose voice I always disliked for its hard edge. I find Emmy Rossum's voice to be much more subtle and nuanced.
  As for Gerard Butler, get over MC! I was fascinated by the contrast between Gerard Butler's rough sensuality and Patrick Wilson's upper class sophistication. I think that's what they were going for, and I think it succeeded! From a purely musical perspective, MC has a more trained voice; we all know that. But his Phantom to me seems more polished, cold and calculating than Gerard Butler's raw and sexy one. Are you looking for an operatic performance or the whole character?
  By the way, I've seen 3 different Phantoms perform on stage and found aspects of each of their performances that I loved. I didn't expect to see or hear Sarah Brightman (thank goodness, no matter how huge her range is!!) or Michael Crawford, and I didn't. I saw new interpretations, which was great. So if you want Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford, listen to the old recordings. If your mind is open to new interpretations, get this - it sheds a whole new light on the story and its characters!
  
  

• Not the best recording of a movie musical ever...

  
  By AKKR5KBYX7RCM on 2004-11-25
  First off the good:
  
  Strictly an Aural observation. After all this is a Soundtrack and I am reviewing the sound and the singing. The Movie is a different animal. This just reviews what comes off the CD.
  
  The Purpose of this review is to judge the soundtrack not the movie.
  
  The best thing about the recording is the orchestral track. If you are looking for a very lush and intricate recording of the music.
  
  Another very good part about this show is the addition of Patrick Wilson(Raoul) to the cast. He has no problems getting the notes in his character. He is constantly on pitch and seems to understand his character.
  
  There has been some basic restructuring of the show and it incorporates some of the less memorable scenes of the show while retaining their significance to the plot.
  
  There was also a nice little addition to the show that is meant for the end credits called "Learn to Be Lonely" It is a very nice little folky song very much in the vein of sheryl Crow. Minnie driver sings it and it is perhaps the easiest song to hear repeatedly on the track. It does stand a reasonable chance as a best song.
  
  There have been additional tracks composed to expand the show. These are a very fitting addition that is nice to hear and include some of the basic themes of the show.
  
  Another thing that sticks out if you are familiar with the music is that there are parts that they have chosen to speak rather than sing. This would make sense except they kept the vocal line playing in the back ground. Slightly distracting. And it is smack dab in the middle of a song most of the time.
  
  Other times you can tell they are speaking lyrics and it just feels out of place because the vocal line that is playing still in the background is so beautiful and the harmonies and counterpoint that originally existed are sorely missed.
  
  Emmy Rossum has a very nice youthful voice. Sadly it is a thinner voice that is not traditionally associated with the part. Much hoopla was made when the casting of Emmy was made as it was said that she had sung with the metropolitan opera since she was seven. What was not mentioned was that this was with the metropolitan opera children's chorus. Which is a very lightweight singing. Her voice is not full by any means and lacks body. There are many times in the soundtrack where it sounds like her voice is coming out of an echo room like a shower or a bathroom, which doesn't befit the voice very well at all. Ironically, these moments are when she sounds the best. These are the moments when you can tell that there has been electronic enhancement to the vocal sound. There are a few moments where her voice is working in its lower reaches and her voice comes alive during these moments.
  
  Onto the UGLY
  Gerard Butler. He can't sing. He gets through the recording by speak the pitches of the notes that he is supposed to be singing. Unmercifully, rather than lowering the songs to fit his range he is forced to resort to screaming the higher pitches. This is most evident in the last few tracks of the CD. Butler is rarely on pitch and spends most of the time growling out every syllable. It is as though he is spitting out the words. This phantom isn't heartbroken and wounded. He is just plain old pissed off.
  (On a personal note. I think it is harder to sympathize with the phantom when he is given hardly any redemptive qualities.)
  
  My family won't even let me play the CD in the house anymore. They tell me it makes their "Ears bleed" And this is coming from the rest of my family that loves the show on stage.
  
  Not a enjoyable Phantom.
  
  
• Not up to par with the original
  By A3JUMMIGJ7B38X on 2004-11-28
  I was 14 when I first listened to The Phantom Of The Opera. I was captivated by Sarah Brightman's delightful vocals and more so by Michael Crawford's passionate portrayal of the Phantom. I was so excited when I heard they were FINALLY making a film version. I jumped at the opportunity to hear this newest version and I must say I am somewhat disappointed overall.
  
  This album has good parts and bad parts. As far as positive aspects go, the score is brilliant. It has much more depth than the stage version (as I hoped). Most of the songs have been slowed down to add emotion and it works beautifully. Emmy Rossum does well as Christine, although she often lacks the emotion that Sarah Brightman put in the character. Patrick Wilson as Raoul is breathtakingly brilliant. His voice captures that romantic essence so perfectly. I'd say he's the best vocal asset the film has. Because it's a film, Andrew Lloyd Weber had to modify some songs, and the new arrangements (e.g. the Overture) sound really good. I didn't much like how the last verse of "The Phantom Of The Opera" was left out though.
  
  The bad part is by far Gerard Butler. I don't know why they let someone with no vocal talent whatsoever play the most important role in the film. I cringed on several parts of the soundtrack. If they wanted his good looks, he could've gotten a voice double like Minnie Driver did. Butler will often growl the lyrics or just do this half-spoken version of them. Perhaps watching him act out the part will make it all better, but as far as listening to the soundtrack goes he's awful.
  
  Overall, the soundtrack captures the essence of the stage play and is surprisingly sweet....except for Gerard Butler. Fans of the show are hereby urged to listen to this first just to familiarize themselves with the new soundtrack. That way they won't be so disappointed when they see the film because they'll know what to expect.
  
  
• It could have been worse, but it could have been better
  By AY4R8JIZO1LBH on 2004-12-16
  I've seen Phantom on stage four times (different Phantoms each time.) I was always amazed at the talent each one displayed to make the role his own. It never ceases to amaze me how many talented people there are out there.
  Unfortunately, Gerard Butler is not one of them. If the producers wanted to go with somebody "unknown," they should have at least found someone with better vocal talent. Maybe his acting in the film will make up for it, but judging by the soundtrack alone, Butler is eons behind any good singer. His "Music of the Night" is okay, but he growls and snarls his way through the finale and comes out so flat on the final, climatic line, the groans will be heard for miles in theatres everywhere.
  On the bright side, Emmy Rossum has a beautiful voice. I think it's much clearer and easier to understand than Sarah Brightman, whose voice could knock over a building. It's simple and sweet. Keep in mind, she was only 17 when she recorded the songs - her voice is still maturing.
  Patrick Wilson as Raoul is, well, Raoul. Nobody ever comes out of the show gawking about Raoul. He's got a nice voice, but nobody will be fawning over him because it's a thankless role.
  I'm sure, though, when it's all put together on film, it will be a gorgeous movie that folks will flock to see.
  
  
• The angel of music really visited Emmy Rossum
  By A1HJQTKM3JPE1F on 2005-02-01
  I was really surprised by actress Emmy Rossum, she really sings like an angel (or the angel of music taught her greatly!)
  
  About the soundtrack let me tell you that I just loved it! and I will give you personal opinion about each track:
  
  1.- OVERTURE: Wow this is the kind of song that makes your heart bit faster and faster and automatically your mind flies into a sea of images of this great movie.
  
  2.- THINK OF ME: This song really surprised me and is one of my very own favorites, here Emmy Rossum (Christine) shows the wonderful voice she has, and I think as in the movie we just discovered one of the best singers in the world
  
  3.-ANGEL OF MUSIC: This song is a classic, and they had to do something great with this one and they did, the duet between Christine and Meg is deep, I mean is abonus watching them on screen but only by listening to them you understand the topic of the song.
  
  4.- ANGEL OF MUSIC (MIRROR): Even though the title is the same as in track 3 it talks about different things here is the encounter of Christine and the phantom, this song is great
  
  5.- THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA: Oh my God!! this is the scene we all wait for while watching the movie, the "journey" inside the mirror, I mean this song has everything Emmy`s (Christine) angelical voice singing with the handsome (finally) The Phantom and they go inside to the dark place of the phantom, I JUST LOVE THIS SONG.
  
  6.-MUSIC OF THE NIGHT: In this one while I was watching the movie I couldn`t move, though I think is kind of long (for just listening) but I mean is the Phantom`s solo.
  
  7.- PRIMA DONNA: no comments
  
  8.- ALL I ASK OF YOU: This is it!! my favorite song of them all I almost cry with this one ha ha it so romantic and Raoul (Patrick Wilson) and Christine (Emmy Rossum) their voices are just great, this is the moment we (girls) love, because it is what we would like to hear from the person we love, and here let me tell you again that Emmy is wonderful
  
  9.-ALL I ASK OF YOU: This is the clear image of a broken heart, they made it so we (the audience) could understand how exactly the phantom was feeling and when he listens Raoul and Christine singing the part of "say you'll share with me one love one lifetime...." it is so sad but at the same time you feel happy for Christine and Raoul.
  
  10.- MASQUERADE: This song I would compare it with Disney's "be our guest" because is the classic broadway style song that would be like the happiest moment for all the people in the play as for the main actors (Raoul and Chrsitine made their secret engagement) but when they all thought it was happiness something unexpected happen.
  
  11.- WISHING YOU WERE SOMEHOW HERE AGAIN: This is Christine's sentimental moment and the song is very deep, I think it exactly express what a daughter feels when a special person is gone also I would say Emmy Rossum found the exact tone to sing this, because to sing this song you have to feel it.
  
  12.- POINT OF NO RETURN: I just loved this scene in the movie, is the song of the last opera (play) in the movie and here starts the climax in the movie, and while listening to it you feel that and imagine the faces of the leading actors (christine and the phantom's specially)
  
  13.-Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer : This is one of the longest song but is goes in a snap because it so emotive, here is when Christine is very dissapointed of her Angel when the phantom threaten her to kill her beloved Raoul and Christine kisses the phantom to save Raoul. But I think that the most important thing here is when the phantom feels for the first time love and decides to dissappear from Christine's life also is interesting listening to Raoul (Patrick Wilson) Christine (Emmy Rossum) and the Phantom (Gerard Butler)singing together.
  
  In conclusion you have to buy it if you liked the movie or if you like the broadway musical all actors-singers are great specially Emmy Rossum of who I am a huge fan she deserved to be nominated for the Oscar but anyway the music in this soundtrack is wonderful
  
  
• Cinema killed the Theatre star
  By A2B1O3XUAPF1CK on 2004-11-29
  I know, i know.. a new generation and a new median of art. Year 2004 or not.. it still [...] Their voices are pitiful and the music completely overpowers whatever it is they are attempting to sing. Butler yells and Rossum is straining through out. They were even too lazy to remove the background sounds from the actual movie! are we listening to a book on tape or a soundtrack? i seem to forget! I don't care how "out-dated" Michael and Sarah's performance is.. These new "singers" are horrible!! Many have played these roles in the past and i must say, this colaboration was the worst. ALB should of left his compositions for the theatre and let Schmaucher do what he does.. direct MOVIES. Buy the original soundtrack, folks. Trust me, it's a much better investment!
  
  
• Wishing they'd had dubbed the Principle Singers
  By A2FW5QXMCVEVT7 on 2004-12-20
  I had been waiting to see this movie. I loved the Original London Cast, seen it performed in L.A. live 4 times. But this is really terrible. Butler might do well acting the part but his singing has less to do with the POTO that has become a favorite with theater goers and has more in common with Rock version sung by Steve Harley. Though Harley sings the title song better. His breathy voice leaves much to be desired. Is this suppose to be he Angel of Music???
  
  Emmy Rossum voice is sweet and lovely but nothing impressionable. I've heard many Christine's (yes even better than Ms. Sarah Brightman) and many real opera sopranos. The vocal roles are so unique it defies the norm of musical theater. It is really such a shame that this production didn't take the time and effort to find real vocal talent, instead of finding the right face.
  
  I'll still go and watch the film, but stay clear away from this recording.
  
  
• singing? what singing?
  By AZ2NFYX9J517H on 2005-06-19
  Emmy can't sing!!!!!!!!!!!! Sarah Brightman still looks like she is 20 yrs. old, why not cast her instead? Emmy scoops her high notes and everything else just is immature!!
  
  
• Not awful, but close
  By A3KLJGIA1U37OT on 2004-12-08
  I am a theater purist, admittedly. I speak with a little bias. However...here goes. I was really hoping for a better soundtrack from Andrew Lloyd Webber (ALW). It is less than mediocre.
  
  The vocal performances are a little better than a high school production. These folks can't even stay on key without electronic enhancement(which really should have been used more since that is the case). Christine (Rossum)has a weak, untrained voice...pleasant"ish", but not convincing as a budding "well taught" mezzo soprano. She really misses the mark on "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again" The Phantom...zoinks, how is he supposed to teach and seduce anyone with that singing voice, oy! Not to mention his on again, off again accent. I think Gerard Butler is a good actor, but he is terrible in this singing role. Carlotta (Minnie Drive), bless her heart, is dubbed by Margaret Preece when she sings. Both voices have abysmal accents.
  
  The saving graces are the vocal performance turned in by Patrick Wilson (Raoul)as well as the ensemble performances in Masquerade.
  
  The orchestrations were touted as spectacular because it had a 100 piece orchestra. They are beautiful in some songs. However, the "extra" instruments sound like they include electric guitars and keyboards in some songs...not what we were all hoping for...This isn't a rock opera.
  
  I personally think the "Evita" outing with Madonna is a better representation of an ALW musical brought to the screen. Believable characters , decent acting and trained voices.
  
  I long for the return of the movie musical and I am sure the movie will be visually stunning, I hope it makes up for the soundtrack.
  
  
• Phantom 2004 vs Crawford and Brightman Original
  By AN4TDRKL37NKI on 2004-12-15
  The artists vocals in the movie version sound weak, horrific and scratchy compared to the Original London Cast Recording. It's a shame that the talent in the new movie version just can't sing. I'm a fan of this show and purchased the 2004 CD. Side by side with the London version, if I could return the 2004 version, I would. It's a travesty that the vocals are so poor on the movie version. If you want a CD to treasure, buy one of the original London Cast Recordings and avoid the movie soundtrack completely.
  
  
• Disappointing.
  By A3KKUQH345ZNNQ on 2004-12-21
  This cd does not live up the the original cast recording. I wish I didn't buy it. I have seen the stage musical three times and anyone of those stage actors would have done a better job than anyone on this cd. The "actor/singer" cast as the Phantom is a poor choice, his singing [...] makes me cringe. I was looking forward to seeing the film. I am crossing my fingers that his singing will be better on film. The actress cast as "Christine" is a fine singer and "Raoul" does a decent job. Really a disappointment!!! [...]
  
  
• Run, Crawl, claw your way to this film
  By A31E9FSKJFFAZ4 on 2004-12-23
  If I could scream it to the roof-tops...I would.....THIS IS NOT YOUR GRANDMOTHER'S PHANTOM....(I should know, I am one)....
  
  This is a Phantom that will live for all time, with a performance so close to the actual stage creation, it's frightening. (Having had the privilege of making a pilgrimage to the Ahmanson theater in 1991, when "the man" was there....Gerard has channelled that performance.)
  
  The "original creator" screamed, blubbered, whined, sang off-key when crying....grunted, growled, groaned....everything that Gerard seems to have found within himself....naturally. It is not the pristine, recording-studio CD version....it is a raw, living, breathing masterpiece.
  
  The wonder of this film, which the stage production will never have, is actually putting the audience member inside the Opera House....(warts and all)....painted with wonderous colors and shapes....spinnings and showing a passionate love for the work.
  
  Gerard Butler should be very proud, his depth of soul, his compassion, his very essence is on that celuloid, for all to see. It will make zillions of dollars...and will be embraced by this generation of theater go-ers.....becoming one of the best musicals...ever filmed. For those who adored Moulon Rouge, this beats that....by increments of millions.
  
  Race, crawl, claw your way into a theater que/line....stand patiently...and be prepared to be swept away....into another time, place.....and have a good cry!!!
  
  
  
  
  
• Appalling
  By AWHBP5Z5Y38K0 on 2004-12-23
  This musical is about music. If you don't have actors who can sing, you will fail before you even start. I've seen this musical performed live 10 times, including Michael Crawford twice. I knew the movie would be bad when I heard they cast actors who could supposedly sing as opposed to singers who could act (the way it SHOULD be for this musical).
  
  I'm a realist. I know that there's no way there were going to cast Crawford as the Phantom and that's fine with me. He's not the only decent Phantom out there. He's not even the only excellent Phantom out there. But for heaven's sake! Did we HAVE to go with a guy who can't sing for crap if he tried? The character of the Phantom seduces Christine with his music, not his pheromones, so by his very nature, it is absolutely essential that he sing well. Butler drones. He sings like a rock star trying to do musical theater. I understand he had voice lessons before taking over this part. Can't tell a difference.. wow, he must have been really awful before the lessons. He doesn't have the musical theater/operatic sound in his voice to carry off the part. The Phantom is NOT a pop singer. There is no vulnerability in Butler's voice. He sounds angry all the time, even as he tries to seduce Christine in "The Music of the Night." Butler isn't even passable as the Phantom and if you don't have even a passable Phantom, you are just wasting your time.
  
  Emmy Rossum. A different story. She IS passable. She's not great- she sounds amateurish in the sense that it is obvious that she doesn't do this every day. Her voice isn't polished and she couldn't transition into this role on stage, but she does sing well. Even still, she didn't quite make me believe her as Christine. The Phantom falls in love with Christine for her voice, not for her looks. If the actress playing Christine doesn't have the voice, she doesn't carry the film (or the musical) and we can't really believe the Phantom would fall in love with her. I, for one, would never believe that anyone would cast Rossum as the lead in an opera because her voice just isn't strong enough. Again, Rossum is passable as Christine, but she is far from great. Plus, she's too young for the role and she looks it.
  
  The rest of the cast is tolerable. No one great emerges with the exception of the singer who dubbed Minnie Driver's voice as La Carlotta. I understand she is currently playing Carlotta in the London Cast and, musically, she is the best thing about this soundtrack. None of the other roles, Raoul included, are musically essential enough to create such a wicked taste in my mouth when they sing.
  
  Butler's performance is just inexcusable as the Phantom and it cannot be overlooked. Rossum's performance is the only reason I give this soundtrack two starts. The fact that Lloyd Webber was involved in the casting of this film disturbs me deeply. He's lost sight about what his musical is actually about and I am greatly disappointed that fans of the musical are actually embracing this pathetic attempt to recreate this story in a film.
  
  
• NO
  By ACYTUQF6GLWXD on 2005-01-12
  Any true fan of the show who knows the original London recording, has seen the show on Broadway or in London, and has any idea of what good singing is will not like this recording. [...]
  
  
• Bravo!!
  By A3DJ9TJ464EKDR on 2005-01-06
  To all of you who have not seen the movie in the "select" cities in which it is now playing, I have one bit of advice.. BUY TICKETS FOR OPENING NIGHT IN YOUR CITY! Not only was the acting amazing in this movie (yes, Minnie Driver was PERFECT), the music injected youth and energy into this classic production. "Christine" appeared just as she should have, naive and innocent, a fresh beauty torn between the two loves of her life. "Phantom" was not only a wonderful singer (personally I like him better than Crawford, and I had his soundtrack memorized by day 2 of listening to it!), he was very inviting in a very dark, sexy way. No wonder Christine was conflicted! And as for Raoul.. Patrick Wilson was not only hot, but expressed every pain a true lover would. One more note on Gerald Butler's voice... some people may say he doesn't have the range that Michael Crawford had, but I can tell you that I could feel his despair and suffering in every bone in my body. I am definitely purchasing this movie, as well as the soundtrack, so if you ever see a brunette blaring opera from her car and crying behind the wheel, just wave. It's me.
  
  
• So this is why a hundred million people saw the stage show!
  By A1M0QL8USJWMQP on 2005-09-02
  Gorgeous, breathtaking, spellbinding. Ordinarily those words are hideously overused, but for once, they actually apply. Despite all the hullaballoo about Gerard Butler not being Michael Crawford (can he help that?), this is the best film soundtrack I have ever heard. Since I collect them, that is saying a lot.
  
  Emmy Rossum shines, though she doesn't quite live up to Sarah Brightman's standards. She sings sweetly and even occasionally with some emotion. More on that later. Her vocal performance, especially in "The Phantom of the Opera," was excellent, especially for a sixteen-year-old, even if she sometimes becomes a bit shrill.
  
  Patrick Wilson has a beautiful voice. I would love for him to become a full-time singer; that way we could enjoy his voice without having his atrocious acting foisted upon us. Fortunately, when one is listening to the soundtrack, it is possible to imagine that he has more than one facial expression. The excellence of his voice is especially noticeable in "All I ask of You," which, incidentally, is just about the only song that he really sings on this album, anyway.
  
  And now for my favorite: Carlotta. Just joking! Gerard Butler was an amazing Phantom. His voice is not technically perfect as Mr. Crawford's was, but then, it isn't nasal, either, which is a huge plus. Also, Mr. Butler expresses emotion very strongly with his singing voice, something that is apparently very difficult to do, since no-one else in the film did it. His version of "Music of the Night" was wonderful, but my personal favorite (I must be sick-minded) was "The Point of No Return." Beautiful!
  
  
• Growing on me
  By A7T8T85741LF4 on 2005-01-03
  The Phantom of the Opera is a fantastic show, as in the theatre or on the big screen. The new movie is fabulous, great cinematics and sound and phenomenal acting (for the most part, anyway). However... the singing is perhaps one of the most key elements in the story (where does this take place? oh, an opera, right. why does christine fall for the phantom? oh right, his voice. why does the phantom fall for christine? oh right, her voice). Sadly, the 2004 film version of the Phantom lacks considerably in the vocal department for several reasons, of which I shall expand upon. And no, I am not just some dogmatic over critical Original Cast that can't deal with anything that's not Crawford or Brightman. Here are the main problems, but also the pro's, from each character:
  
  CHRISTINE-overall, I really thought Emma did a good job vocally with her part. She's airy and light when she wants to be, and can definitly belt those high notes when she needs to. At times, I'll admit, I think her voice is not strong as I would have liked (it's not weak at all, but not strong enough) for her to be the star of a Paris Opera house.
  
  PHANTOM-Butler's vocal inflection of the Phantom is quite different from Crawford (the original London Phantom back then). Comparing the two would just be a matter of one's own opinion. Crawford's voice is, I'll just say, much more trained and powerful. It is more clear, reedy, higher, dictionated, loud voice, and therefore a contrast the (original London) Raoul. However, Butler's voice honestly sounds at times like the Cowardly Lion from the Wizard of Oz. He seems to be almost mocking the stereotypical opera singer and over exaggerating certain vowels and sounds to sound more loud and airy. It does not sound very good. Nevertheless, he has a nice voice, definitly not as high a tenor as Crawford, and it quite seductively charming. One problem I have with Butler's rendition is that he seems to have cut off from holding the end notes of his phrases from their original length of time. Instead it sounds almost cut off, hurried, or out of breath.
  
  RAOUL-despite what EVERYONE seems to say, I thought Patrick Wilson failed both dramatically and vocally to be a convicing Raoul. Raoul, who in my mind should be the young, Prince Charming, elegant, and warm young man to woo Christine with light and happinness, versus the Phantom's darkness. However, Wilson's Raoul has no breath support for most of "All I Ask of You" (one of my favorite songs). He practically whispers with a cowardly trembling his verses, while the original Raoul, Steve Barton, was far more convincing with a deeper, fluid, sensational singing. If you listen to the two, you'd see that the original Raoul is far more convincing in romancing and calming a young, alarmed opera star on the rooftop of the Paris Opera house. Patrick Wilson's singing seems to attempt to be too peaceful or calming, and comes off as weak. Very weak.
  
  Overall, I would recommend for someone who is interested in the Phantom to buy the Original London Cast Recording. It's better. But for one who has seen the movie and enjoys this particular rendition, I would urge them to purchase the CD. It's interesting, different, and the orchestral music is fantastic.
  
  
• Horrible!!!!
  By A1RXXYDKD6C6NB on 2005-01-09
  I bought this CD because I wanted to compare it to the original broadway soundtrack. What a waste of money! [...] in my opinion, these folks cannot sing. Maybe I feel this way because I'm such a huge fan of the original with Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford. Emmy Rossum's voice is so weak. Comparing her to Sarah Brightman is like comparing Whitney Houston to Britney Spears! It's weak and not even pretty to me. She struggles with the soaring notes and even great musical accompianment does not help her. The phantom is disappointing as well. The phantom's voice should be seductive and soothing. When Michael Crawford sings "The Music of the Night", it can almost put you in a dreamlike state. This guy who sings the phantom role in the movie couldn't seduce anybody!!! I couldn't find one song on this CD that didn't annoy me. [...] Don't waste your money. Buy the original broadway version with REAL talent.
  
  
• Only one explaination
  By A3IVDLIXVJCRDQ on 2005-01-14
  There's only one explaination for the five star reviews of this sountrack here and that is that they're Gerard Butler fans. That has to be it...because this soundtrack has ONE serious flaw, and its name is Gerard Butler.
  
  Look, I think the guy LOOKS hot. Really. But his voice is grating and completely wrong for this part. Anyone with any objectivity at all would realize that, and at least take one star off for that. So the fact that there are five star reviews on here only goes to show that the Butler fans are out in force to support him because "he's just so dreamy."
  
  And before anyone starts to think I'm a "POTO" purist, I will say that I've never seen it in the theater, and have heard very little of the original soundtrack before this. The movie was my first introduction to this musical. I loved it until Gerard started singing, then I was just baffled. Why did they choose HIM? Oh, that's right..."he's just so dreamy."
  
  The next day, my daughter, (who saw the movie with me) wanted to buy this soundtrack, and I refused to let her. No way I was going to be subjected to that man's voice in my car, too. So we bought the original cast CD. What a difference! As I said, I'm not a "POTO" purist, have no sentimentality where Crawford is concerned, couldn't have cared less if he was in the movie version or not. BUT, it doesn't take a "POTO" purist to realize there's a HUGE difference in vocal ability between Crawford and Butler. If they had wanted to go "sexier" and "younger" with the "Phantom," fine. But Gerard Butler? There wasn't ANYONE better vocally? Or was there just not anyone as "dreamy"? I can only think the director was hoping we'd all be so bowled over by Butler's "hunkiness" we would forget he can't sing. Problem is that when you listen to this CD in your car, you don't get to see the hunkiness, and you're left with just the irritating, scratchy, grating vocals of Butler. Talk about road rage.
  
  What's sad is that the other vocal performances on this soundtrack are really not bad...in fact, they're very good. It's a shame they'll not be remembered because all anyone will ever talk about is the awfulness of Butler's performance.
  
  The songs are pretty much all the same either on the movie soundtrack and the original soundtrack. Do yourself a favor and go see the movie for the visuals, but afterwards, buy the orignal soundtrack to listen to at home and in your car. The other vocalists are wonderful, and that's the reason I didn't give this soundtrack a lower score, but I can't in all good concience recommend this recording to anyone when the main character's vocals are so bad.
  
  BTW...when we bought the original cast soundtrack, we got the last copy in the store. Seems it had sold out, though several copies of the movie soundtrack still sat in the bin. Does that tell you anything?
  
  
• Could have been great but falls short
  By A13LEWJSO4J6N8 on 2005-02-01
  I recently bought this soundtrack and I must admit, I was not very impressed with it. I have read some of the reviews and in each case, people discuss only the fact that they have seen the movie and yet do not examine the CD away from the movie. I am waiting for the movie to come out on DVD but until that time, I have the CD to pass the time with.
  
  Now first, Emmy Rossum is an incredibly talent and has an amazing voice which I find as something breath-taking and uplifting. Her parts are sung perfectly and I am truly impressed with her. On the other hand, the two gentlemen who sing the other parts were not up to par on this piece. I listen to the CD while doing homework and find out that their parts are sung vastly out of tune and it forces one to wonder whether the director took the proper time in casting the roles that he did.
  
  For my money I believe that the orginal Phantom of the Opera CD is much better but as a tribute to Emmy Rossum, I will still listen to this CD because of her amazing voice. I urge people to be able to seperate the music from the movie and listen to it on the level of what it is, it is a failure for the lead parts sung by the men.
  
  
• Fantastic. For Hollywood.
  By A2TKLPDDACILXC on 2005-02-23
  Don't get me wrong; I am *very* enthusiastic about the movie (I go back to see it weekend after weekend, dragging new converts out of the theatre with me every time) but think that it could have been cast better.
  
  Gerard Butler is an excellent Phantom, I think- he's no Michael Crawford, but his style is so very different- and his voice deeper- that the contrast alone is a nice thing to hear. And that's not to mention his interpretation, which is really quite good and harsh. He often takes things down an octave- for instance:
  "You alone can make my song take flight" is an octave lower than written. He then comes back up for "It's over, now; the music of the night!"
  I personally find the contrast to be quite powerful.
  My one nitpick with his interpretation is that he was Phantom. Not Erik; Leroux didn't really come through in his interpretation.
  
  Emmy Rossum was not, in my opinion, a good choice for Christine, but I'm glad that they picked her over Anne Hathaway. Yes, she was young, but as an opera singer? I know a handful of people who could do *much* better vocally. Her "Think of Me" is particularily strained, and it's rather irking that she lowered the ending of Phantom by yanking a verse- she sings an e flat instead of an e. However, I think that her acting makes up for her voice- she *is* a brilliant actress, and all of this shines through on the recording. I think that she was a cut above Sarah Brightman, but nowhere Near Rebecca Caine of the Canadian Cast recording.
  
  Patrick Wilson as Raoul doesn't have a very powerful voice- I doubt that he could carry off the role on Broadway, but he's pleasing enough to listen to, though on the whole unremarkable.
  
  The rest of the cast is quite nice- especially the lady who sang for Minnie Driver as Carlotta. Her operatic soprano was positively soaring, though it made me wonder *why* exactly the populace chose Christine over her. For once, I could actually *hear* Meg, and Mme. Giry was appropriately creepy.
  
  Now. Per the tracks.
  
  The Overture has the best orchestrations that I've ever heard, plus about a minute of extra. This disc wins, hands down.
  
  Think of Me was a bit of a disappointment. Emmy really strains in such phrases as "when you are far away and free" (or, rather, "to take your heart where can be free," as she uses a combination of old lyrics and new.) Her voice gets unpleasantly thin, and though her cadenza is a nice listen, it is not virtuosic in the slightest. I think that Rebecca Caine of the Canadian Cast is much better, especially in this track, though Patrick Wilson does alright here.
  
  Angel of Music is best on this CD due to having a good Meg. The Meg on the Original Cast annoys me no end, and this track is not on the Canadian Cast recording. Emmy strains a bit for the f naturals (ANgel of music, guide and guardian, GRANT to me...) It also annoys me that she says "An-gul" as opposed to "An-gal" as is typical.
  
  The Mirror was done well on this disc, but Gerard Butler was a bit out of his element here, so I'd say that the OCR wins- Crawford was at his best here.
  
  Phantom of the Opera was excellently orchestrated, though I object to the guitar and the subtraction of the third verse. The orchestrations tie this with the Canadian Cast in first place, I think. The sound was superb here, and the echo at the end was wonderful, though maybe only to mask the fact that Emmy was having a hard time.
  
  Music of the Night. Fabulous. Gerard really handles the piece well- almost as well as Crawford which is a really hard act to follow. His passion is palatable here and so commendable.
  
  Prima Donna was very good for a few reasons- Carlotta was PERFECT, I could hear the Girys, and the overall attitude was darker than in other recordings, which, I think, is appropriate. I object to Andre and Firmin sounding "talky" as opposed to singing, and to the cutting of Notes, but you can't have everything in life. The Canadian Cast was better, I think, but not by very much.
  
  All I Ask of You... Well. It was nicely sung, but I don't think that the two had very much chemistry. I think that the OCR was very good here.
  
  Next is an excellently record orchestral track. This orchestra is Wonderful, and you will never find it lacking.
  
  Masqurade was quite nice but for one exception: Christine and Raoul's part is *spoken* over the music. I think that the Canadian Cast was the best during Masquarade. Unfortunately, this CD doesn't have "Why So Silent" on it.
  
  I think that Emmy was *way* in over her head during "Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again". She doesn't soar during the high notes as is necessary, and her acting is a bit one-dimentional here. Rebecca Caine's rendition beats hers into the dust.
  
  Now. Point of No Return. This was the highlight of the entire CD. Both Emmy and Gerard gave it their all, and you can practically hear the air Cracking. This is Perfection, though their singing is sub-par in places. That is made up for by stellar singing in other spots, and the fabulous energy. This is the Best PONR I've ever heard.
  
  Down Once More and the Lair Scene are very good, though I think that the Lair's tempo was too slow, and so missed some tension. Gerard was the best during these scenes, Patrick nicely desperate... I think that Emmy was along for the ride, though. Again, I think that the CC wins out.
  
  So, in summation, I think that if you want *the* Phantom, get the Canadian Cast recording. However, this is a nice second, along with the Original Cast- minus Sarah's goat-like vibrato.
  
  
  
• A Must-Buy CD!
  By A1QXKZQ6J0OXY6 on 2005-12-01
  Oh, where do I begin? The music is so entertaining, so enchanting, so beautiful, that it's hard to pin-point a specific part of it!
  
  First of all, the songs are awesome! I love all of the songs. I listen to this CD from Track 1 to Track 14, without skipping any of the songs.
  
  The singers are wonderful! Emmy Rossum has such a beautiful voice, I was jealous when I heard her. =( Gerald Butler makes a great Phantom. He has the ability to sing well, all the while delivering the harsh, sharp voice necessary for a man who's hated by the world. The others (Raoul, Margaret Preece -- Carlotta's singing voice -- Madame Giry, Meg Giry, etc.) do a great job as well. In fact, I like this recording much better than the one with Sarah Brightman. If you ask me, Sarah Brightman is too annoying to enjoy the music.
  
  This CD is so fun to sing along to. I can't help but sing along while the CD is playing, as well as whisper the songs throughout the day.
  
  My one complaint is that there aren't all the songs on it. I was going to get the Special Edition, but there's too much talking for my enjoyment. The whole reason I wanted the soundtrack is so I could sing along to the songs. After I had the CD for a while, I switched to singing along with the movie because there are so many good songs that aren't included, such as "Twisted Every Way" ("Twisted every way, what answer can I give? Am I to risk my life to win the chance to live? Can I betray the man who once inspired my voice? Do I become his prey? Do I have any choice? He kills without a thought, he murders all that's good. I know I can't refuse and yet I wish I could. . ."), "Raoul, I've been there" (". . .but his voice filled my spirit with a strange, sweet sound, in the night there was music in my mind. And through music, my soul began to fly. And I heard as I've never heard before. . ."), and lots of others. I wish they would have just taken the songs, without the dialogue, and put them on one CD.
  
  I really recommend this CD. I bought it almost 5 months ago, and I'm still listening to it every chance I get.
  
  
• Strong Efforts From Miscast Actors
  By A2I7ZAB04Q0DML on 2004-12-06
  To begin with, I am not against the idea of someone new stepping into the roles of Christine or the Phantom. Honestly, I enjoy each edition of the Phantom soundtrack as a unique work unto itself. I have been privelaged enough to see the theatrical version of the show 16 times, in most cases with different leads in the aforementioned parts: such names as Colm Wilkonson, Michael Crawford, Sarah Brightman, Rebecca Caine and Jeff Hyslop to name a few. And from each, I experienced a slightly different interpretation of the principal roles. I think that, as a repeat connoisseur of the stage show, it is one of the things that kept me coming back to see it again and again-the variety of interpretations that each actor brought to the show. I need to emphasize this fact for anyone who is using this review to help make a decision to purchase this soundtrack because so many people have been against the casting of this movie simply because they are avid fans of Michael Crawford and/or Sarah Brightman in the original casting of the famed roles.
  
  I must state first that there are a lot of things that I really DO like about the soundtrack. The instrumental scoring is rich, and sounds more vibrant than any other recording of the show to date. There are some instances where new music has been scored for use in the film, and the majority of the new material is decent to excellent. There are a few moments though where the scoring sounds very disjointed, clumsily segueing from the original score to movie scoring without much finesse. Some of the additions are very obvious and are a bit distracting when standing alone as musical scoring...perhaps it will work better when accompanied by the visuals of the movie.
  
  The real struggle with this production is the casting. To give credit where it is deserved, the actors all seem to give genuine performances and should be praised for their efforts. Emmy Rossum is actually decent in the role of Christine. Her voice, though weaker in some respects than the type usually cast in the part, is still convincing and projects the innocence and vulnerability that Christine possesses. Gerrard Butler, who plays the coveted role of the Phantom, does so with an anger and rage that I think is often lacking from the theatrical productions...his tragic Phantom isn't only a victim but also a devicive monster who pursues his passions with vigor and lust. However, Butler's voice, combined with his thick (Irish?) accent are very distracting, especially in his performance of "The Point On No Return" and the final 10 minutes of the score. He is obviously not trained in classical voice and his poor pronunciation and obviously uncontrolled vibrato and breath support do nothing for the role.
  
  Most dissatifying of all, though, is the casting of Minnie Driver in the role of Carlotta. Although I realize that much of Carlotta's dialogue is spoken rather than sung, it is infuriating to me that a voice double was brought in to sing all of Carlotta's parts. There are many famous vocal talents out there who could have been cast, and it seems that the casting director was looking for a famous name/face to bring additional attention to this film. I think that her casting is a mistake and is insulting to the leagues of women who have masterfully played the somewhat demanding part of Carlotta in the many stage productions of this show over the years.
  
  Would I recommend the soundtrack? Yes, but with the notable understanding that this is NOT the theatrical soundtrack. For anyone who is seeking to experience the show for the first time, let me suggest the Canadian cast recording, which is, in this reviewer's opinion, the best cast recording of the show to date.
  
  -Scott Kolecki
  
  
• Enjoyable and lovely...................
  By A2F3E5COFR0QP4 on 2005-01-16
  I've never seen the Broadway Production of this show and as of yet haven't seen the moveie, but believe me I'm going to see this movie as soon as I can. After listening to Learning to be Lonely I was in tears, I really felt for Erik the Phantom, and the girl who did Christine .Her voice was absolutely fantastic,she added a light,but very distinctive accent that I really enjoyed. Gerard might have a different technique than Michael Crawford but this a movie people it's going to be different sounding than the Broadway Musical. I have listened to both versions and enjoy both of them for there different sound and technique,and in way I'm glad for it Sara and Michael to me would be too old to really play the movie well, I think that it needed young blood and it got it. I can't wait to see this movie and I will definately be buy it in DVD when it comes out.
  
  
• Gorgeous
  By AVJ7NQK08R9NM on 2005-01-17
  I have watched the film in the spanish translation, as doubling films and musicals is the usual in Spain. The Spanish doubling has been done by the actors who have played it on stage here. If anyone has the opportunity to acquire it in Spanish I strongly recomend it. I decided to buy the English score too and it was a big surprise to me to know that the actors on the film weren't doubled but were actually singing with their own voices. I was surprised and pleased, because I feel that their performance is quite good. I agree that Ms Rossum has not the force of previous performers (the spanish singer even ameliorates it) but has a beautiful sweetness. And Butler lacks training and even a spanish girl like me identifies his accent (scottish, by the way)but nonetheless he conveys desperation, rage and tragedy to his voice in a way I would not have expected. I love it.
  
  
• Mesmerizing
  By AAU8T7BH7M2JM on 2005-01-22
  First I'd like to say that I am not rating this a perfect 5 because I'm Gerard Butler fan. I never even heard of him until the motion picture for Phantom. And where I live, all the original casting CD's were left on the shelf while I had to look for weeks before I could find a store with the Movie soundtrack in stock. Whoever it was that wrote that biased review grates on my nerves for being so assumptious.
  
  Having heard the original cast soundtrack before the original movie soundtrack, I have to say I like the movie soundtrack a lot more. I must say the voice of the Phantom in the original cast is better trained, but the voice for Christine's character sounds strange, for lack of a better word.
  
  I'll admit when I first saw the movie I thought Gerard's voice was a little weak, but after reaching some of those high notes, and hearing the power of emotion in his singing I prefer him over the original casting. And yes, his voice has an amazing and compelling, even sexy quality to it--when I hear his voice I need to stop what I'm doing and not even dare to move or breathe until it's over. The same goes for Emmy Rossum's voice. Impecable range, and such a sweet sound to it. Both their voices combined really takes you somewhere else.
  
  
• Phantom of the Opera
  By A2HLEOU4U9CZDY on 2005-02-02
  This movie was spectacular. The critics were definitely wrong. The critics kept trying to compare this movie to the old version and to the play. This is the right movie for this age and time. My children loved it! I believe, it is a classic.
  
  

• The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)
• The Phantom of the Opera: The Original Novel
• Wicked (2003 Original Broadway Cast)
• The Phantom of the Opera (The Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)
• The Phantom of the Opera (Original 1986 London Cast)