The Longest-Running Broadway Musical of All Time Celebrates 25 years of Romance with a Spectacular Live Production on One of the Worldâs Most Legendary Stages
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA
AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience Available on
Blu-rayâą, DVD and On Demand fromÂ
Universal Studios Home EntertainmentÂ
Summary: Broadwayâs longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, was released on Blu-rayTM â 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 25th anniversary of their beloved musical extravaganza, âThe Phantom of the Opera,â with a lavishly staged production at Londonâs 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 âLove Never Diesâ) as the lovestruck Phantom and Sierra Boggess (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for âLove Never Diesâ) 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, TonyÂź Award winner Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, in a memorable final curtain call.
âPhantomâ aficionados will also be thrilled to know that âLove Never Dies,â Andrew Lloyd Webberâs spectacular follow-up musical will also arrive on Blu-rayTM and DVD for the first time on February 7. Â With lush visuals and a mesmerizing score that rivals the original in power and beauty, this live production of âLove Never Diesâ finds Christine and the Phantom reunited in turn-of-the-century New York City after a decade apart.
âThe Phantom of the Operaâ premiered at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London on October 9, 1986. It has won more than 60 major theatre awards, including seven TonyÂź 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.   âThe Phantom of the Operaâ has grossed over $5.6 billion worldwide and been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries. Live productions of âThe Phantom of the Operaâ are currently playing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas and Kyoto.
Blu-rayâą and DVD Bonus Features:
- The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall
- âGetting Past the Point of No Return:â A behind-the-scenes âMaking Ofâ feature starring the cast and crew.
- âMaking Ofâ Featurette:Â Â Take a look behind the scenes at Andrew Lloyd Webberâs breathtaking sequel.
SYNOPSIS:
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALLLurking beneath the glamor and spectacle of the Paris Opera House, the horribly disfigured Phantom, once a promising musician, now terrorizes the opera company. Shamed by his physical appearance and feared by all, the Phantom is drawn to the beautiful ingĂ©nue Christine DaaĂ© and begins coaching her secretly, as a tragic romance unfolds between the unlikely pair. This dazzling live restaging of the original production recreates the jaw-dropping scenery and breathtaking special effects of the original, set to Andrew Lloyd Webberâs haunting score.
SYNOPSIS:
LOVE NEVER DIESThe year is 1907. It is 10 years after the Phantomâs disappearance from the Paris Opera House. He has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak-shows of Coney Island. In this new electrically-charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. All that is missing is his love – Christine DaaĂ©. Now one of the worldâs finest sopranos, Christine is struggling in an ailing marriage to Raoul. So, it is with excitement she accepts an invitation to travel to New York and perform at a renowned opera house. In a final bid to win back her love, the Phantom lures Christine, her husband, and their young son Gustave from Manhattan, to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island⊠not knowing what is in store for them.
CAST AND FILMMAKERS:
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL
Cast: Â Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Barry James, Wendy Ferguson, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, Wynne Evans, Sergei Polunin
Producer: Â Cameron Mackintosh
Music by: Â Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by: Â Charles Hart
Book by: Â Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Based on the novel:  Le FantĂŽme de L’OpĂ©ra by Gaston Leroux
Additional lyrics by: Richard Stilgoe
Film Directed by:Â Â Nick Morris
Stage Production Directed by: Â Laurence Connor based on the original London Production directed by Hal Prince
Musical Staging and Choreography: Gillian Lynne
Lighting: Â Patrick Woodroffe and Andrew Bridge
Sound: Â Mick Potter
Set Design: Matt Kinley, inspired by Maria Björnsonâs original design for the stageCAST AND FILMMAKERS:
LOVE NEVER DIES
Cast:Â Â Ben Lewis, Anna OâByrne, Maria Mercedes, Simon Gleeson, Sharon Millerchip, Emma J Hawkins, Paul Tabone, Dean Vince
Composer:Â Â Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics & Book: Â Glenn Slater
Book:Â Ben Elton, Frederick Forsyth
Additional Lyrics:Â Charles HartCAST AND FILMMAKERS CONT.:Â Â
LOVE NEVER DIES
Director:Â Â Simon Phillips
Choreographer:Â Graeme Murphy AM
Set & Costume Designer:Â Gabriela Tylesova
Lighting Designer:Â Nick Schlieper
Musical Supervisor:Â Guy Simpson
If you are a fan of the Phantom of the Opera you have to get this Blu-ray of THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL.  I was lucky enough to receive a Blu-ray copy of this remarkable and memorable performance.  Thank you to Universal Studios Home Entertainment.