The Broadway production of The Phantom of the Opera has always been a favorite of mine. I have had the opportunity to see the play twice while vacationing in New York, and I've also seen the production that came to my hometown. All of the performances were excellent. Because of my love for the play, I was a little hesitant about the release of the movie version of Phantom of the Opera.

I consider myself a big Phantom Phan, and my daughter is an out right Phantom Phanatic. So when the movie version was showng in limited release in December of 2004, she and I were one of the first in line to see it. We both had read the reviews and were prepared to totally dislike the movie version. However, we both walked away captivated by the Phantom all over again. The movie is very close to the original production, and the few differences enhance rather than take away from the overall story.

Through out the movie, Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical genius simply shines. There are outstanding performances by Gerald Butler as the Phantom and Emmy Rossum as Christine. I think it would have been wonderful if Michael Crawford had played the Phantom, after all, he IS the Phantom, but that is a discussion for another day. My favorite scene has always been the masquerade ball, and the movie did not let me down. Actually, this scene was more compelling in the movie than in the play, but of course, only so much can be done on stage.

If you did not have a chance to see the movie when it was released for a limited time or if you are like me and have to add it to your Phantom collection, the release date for the movie is Tuesday, May 3rd. I will also be purchasing the movie soundtrack even though I already have the original cast recording from the Broadway production. If you are a true Phantom Phan, you will want to add both of these items to your Phantom collection. Feel free to contact me if you need help finding these items.

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