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| The Phantom of the Opera (2004 Movie Soundtrack) | 
 enlarge | Artists: Andrew Lloyd Webber, Richard Stilgoe, Gerard Butler, Emmy Rossum, Patrick Wilson, Charles Hart
Label: Sony
Category: Music
List Price: $18.97
Buy New: $8.99
You Save: $9.98 (53%)
New (48) Used (14) from $8.97
Avg. Customer Rating:  217 reviews
Sales Rank: 267
Format: Soundtrack
Media: Audio CD
Discs: 1
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.2
Dimensions (in): 5.5 x 4.9 x 0.4
MPN: 93521
UPC: 827969352120
EAN: 0827969352120
ASIN: B000654YWY
Release Date: November 23, 2004
Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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| Customer Reviews:
 Not up to par with the original November 28, 2004
10 out of 15 found this review helpful
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 December 16, 2004
10 out of 21 found this review helpful
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 February 1, 2005
10 out of 10 found this review helpful
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 November 29, 2004
9 out of 11 found this review helpful
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 December 20, 2004
9 out of 20 found this review helpful
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.
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