Phantom of the Opera
by Arthur Lubin
List Price:
Our Price: $2.00
You Save: $7.98 (80%)
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
Buy Used: from $0.79 (click here)
Category: VHS Video
See more movie releases
Buy this VHS video movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
VHS Tape Cover Information
Actor: Claude Rains, Edgar Barrier, Leo Carrillo, Nelson Eddy, Susanna FosterDirector: Arthur Lubin
Cinematographer: Hal Mohr
Producer: George Waggner
Writer: Eric Taylor
Writer: Gaston Leroux
Writer: Hans Jacoby
Writer: John Jacoby
Writer: Samuel Hoffenstein
Edition: VHS Tape
Audio: English (Original Language), Analog
Format: Closed-captioned, NTSC, Original recording reissued, Original recording remastered
Running Time: 92 minutes
Release Date: 1992-03-01
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Publisher: Universal Studios
Studio: Universal Studios
VHS Movie Reviews of Phantom of the Opera
Movie Review: A sad, menacing, sympathetic performance by Claude Raines, plus nice screaming by Susanna Foster
Summary: 4 Stars
The 1943 version of Phantom of the Opera has always had, for me, an endearing quality of good-hearted wholesomeness, even with face-destroying acid, deranged obsession, and love so strong it corrupts. On the other hand, the obvious wholesomeness -- Nelson Eddy's game attempt at light romantic comedy and Susanna Foster's peaches-and-cream singing and acting -- are quickly cloying. However, for the sheer comforting pleasure of this great old story of a murderous, misunderstood madman at the Paris Opera, I prefer this version, as weak as it sometimes is, to the grand guignol of Lon Chaney's silent movie or the florid pomposity of Lloyd-Webber's turgid musical. Why? Because it is satisfying fun without uber-drama or much meaning. Does anyone not know the story? Probably not, so we'll pass that by.
What other pleasures does this movie hold besides a great romantic and melodramatic story and the most threatening chandelier in Paris? There's that lush Technicolor look that shows off with rich color the sets, the costumes and the complexions of the actors. Claude Raines as Enrique Claudin gives a touchingly mad performance as a humble violinist who wrote a great concerto and who fell hopelessly in love with Christine Dubois (Susanna Foster), a beautiful young soprano for whom he beggared himself secretly paying for her vocal lessons. Eddy, as Anatole Garron, the star baritone at the Opera, and Edgar Barrier as Raoul D'Aubert, a senior officer with the Surete, are amusing as the Mutt and Jeff competitors for Susanna Foster's favors. The ornate and gilded stage set of the interior of the Opera gives movie "quality" a new meaning. And the dark, dank, damp catacombs beneath the Opera, reached by slimy stone steps and lit only by guttering candles in hand-held lanterns, are just part of the shivers in store for those foolish enough to follow the Phantom to his lair. There is also the deep, black lake of despair and the music, drifting down from another world. Or, as Claudin describes it to Christine, "You'll love it here when you get used to the dark. And you'll love the dark, too. It's friendly and peaceful. It brings rest and relief from pain. It's right under the Opera. The music comes down and the darkness distills it, cleanses it of the suffering that made it. Then it's all beauty. And life here is like a resurrection." Raines was such a fine actor he could make Claudin a tragically sympathetic character. I'm sure Christine would have been persuaded if she'd only stopped screaming.
The DVD transfer is first-rate, lush and full of color. There are several extras including a commentary track.
Summary of Phantom of the Opera
This 1943 version of the horror story is more Technicolor musical than scare piece. Claude Rains plays the unfortunate, masked anti-hero, but he doesn't get the room to showcase a promising and sympathetic performance. Susanna Foster and Nelson Eddy, on the other hand, get plenty of screen time to warble. Well worth a visit just for the look of the film, which won an Oscar for cinematography. --Tom KeoghDrama VHS Video
VHS Video Movies
- Action & Adventure
- African American Cinema
- Animation VHS Video
- Anime & Manga
- Art House & International
- Classics VHS Video
- Comedy VHS Video
- Cult Movies
- Documentary
- Drama VHS Video
- Educational
- Fitness
- Gay & Lesbian
- Horror VHS Video
- Kids & Family
- Military & War VHS Video
- Music Video & Concerts
- Musicals & Performing Arts
- Mystery & Suspense
- Science Fiction & Fantasy
- Special Interests
- Sports VHS Video
- Television VHS Video
- Westerns VHS Video
Movies most talked about in Nelson Eddy Filmography
Northwest OutpostRepublic Pictures; Release date: 1998-01-01; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $50.00
Make Mine MusicWalt Disney Video; Release date: 2000-06-06; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $4.79
Price in other shops:
Make Mine Music (Disney Gold Classic Collection)Release date: 2000-06-06; DVD
Best price: $10.40
Price in other shops:
Knickerbocker HolidayNostalgia Home Video; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $13.99
Phantom of the OperaUniversal Studios; Release date: 1992-03-01; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $1.99
Price in other shops:
Phantom of the OperaRelease date: 2005-04-12; DVD
Best price: $10.89
Price in other shops:
I Married an AngelMGM (Video & DVD); Release date: 1992-12-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $28.99
Chocolate SoldierMGM (Warner); Release date: 1992-12-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $36.50
Bitter SweetMGM (Warner); Release date: 1992-12-11; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $36.46
New MoonMGM (Warner); Release date: 1993-12-17; VHS Tape; VHS Video
Best price: $23.64
Similar VHS Movies
The Wolf ManUniversal; Release date: 1999-11-02; DVD
Best price: $11.47
Price in other shops:
Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde Double Feature (1932/ 1941)Release date: 2004-01-06; DVD
Best price: $6.48
Price in other shops:
Frankenstein (75th Anniversary Edition) (Universal Legacy Series)Universal; Release date: 2006-09-26; DVD
Best price: $16.90
Price in other shops:
Dracula (75th Anniversary Edition) (Universal Legacy Series)Universal; Release date: 2006-09-26; DVD
Best price: $15.46
Price in other shops:
The Phantom of the OperaPhantom; Release date: 2004-12-07; DVD
Best price: $2.89
Price in other shops:
The Invisible ManUniversal; Release date: 2000-08-29; DVD
Best price: $11.47
Price in other shops:
The Hunchback of Notre DameWarner Brothers; Release date: 1998-01-06; DVD
Best price: $9.99
Price in other shops:
![Phantom of the Opera [1990 TV Mini Series] Image](/images/Phantom-of-the-Opera-1990-TV-Mini-Series-B000AIR1CC-X.jpg)
Phantom of the Opera [1990 TV Mini Series]DVD
Best price: $14.94
The Phantom of the Opera (Widescreen Edition)Warner Brothers; Release date: 2005-05-03; DVD
Best price: $4.34
Price in other shops:
The Phantom of the Opera - The Ultimate Edition (1925 Original Version and 1929 Restored Version)Release date: 2003-09-09; DVD
Best price: $13.29
Price in other shops: