Just in time for its 25th Anniversary, The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall is coming to Blu-ray and DVD! What a treat!
Broadway’s longest-running production of all time celebrates a triumphant quarter century on stage with The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, coming to Blu-rayTM – 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, “The Phantom of the Opera,” with a lavishly staged production at London’s 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 “Love Never Dies”) as the lovestruck Phantom and Sierra Boggess (2011 Olivier Award nominee for Best Actress in a Musical for “Love Never Dies”) 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, Tony® Award winner Michael Crawford and Sarah Brightman, in a memorable final curtain call.
“Phantom” aficionados will also be thrilled to know that “Love Never Dies,” Andrew Lloyd Webber’s spectacular follow-up musical will also arrive on Blu-rayTM and DVD for the first time on May 29. With lush visuals and a mesmerizing score that rivals the original in power and beauty, this live production of “Love Never Dies” finds Christine and the Phantom reunited in turn-of-the-century New York City after a decade apart.
“The Phantom of the Opera” premiered at Her Majesty’s Theatre in London on October 9, 1986. It has won more than 60 major theatre awards, including seven Tony® 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. “The Phantom of the Opera” has grossed over $5.6 billion worldwide and been seen in 145 cities in 27 countries. Live productions of “The Phantom of the Opera” are currently playing in London, New York, Budapest, Las Vegas and Kyoto.
Blu-ray and DVD Bonus Features:
* The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall
– “Getting Past the Point of No Return:” A behind-the-scenes “Making Of” feature starring the cast and crew.
* Love Never Dies
– “Making Of” Featurette: Take a look behind the scenes at Andrew Lloyd Webber’s breathtaking sequel.
THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA LIVE AT ROYAL ALBERT HALL CAST AND FILMMAKERS:
Cast: Ramin Karimloo, Sierra Boggess, Hadley Fraser, Barry James, Wendy Ferguson, Gareth Snook, Liz Robertson, Wynne Evans, Sergei Polunin
Producer: Cameron Mackintosh
Music by: Andrew Lloyd Webber
Lyrics by: Charles Hart
Book by: Richard Stilgoe and Andrew Lloyd Webber
Based on the novel: Le Fantôme de L’Opéra by Gaston Leroux
Additional lyrics by: Richard Stilgoe
Film Directed by: Nick Morris
Stage Production Directed by: Laurence Connor based on the original London Production directed by Hal Prince
Musical Staging and Choreography: Gillian Lynne
Lighting: Patrick Woodroffe and Andrew Bridge
Sound: Mick Potter
Set Design: Matt Kinley, inspired by Maria Björnson’s original design for the stage
The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall releases on Blu-ray and DVD February 7, 2012.