Assuming one likes this musical (and few don't), I believe this is the finest film presentation of all, far surpassing the big budget movie of a few years ago (which I thought was pretty good). As others have said, the staging is magnificent with backlighting and projection enhancing the performances. The singing and acting are superb. Costuming goes beyond the pale. Also, we get the closeups one cannot have in a live performance.

We get to see the emotional expression of the actors. There is little time wasted on minutiae as the play goes forward. Some of the highlights are the duet 'All I Ask of You' and the magnificent 'Masquerade.' The three principles are all at the top of their game in this 25th anniversary performance at the Royal Albert Hall. It is a visual and auditory delight and I am excited that the play I have seen numerous times is there for the viewing.

To describe 's production of The Phantom of the Opera, the tale of a disfigured musical genius' obsession with a young soprano based on 's early 20th century novel, as a phenomenon would be something of an understatement. Since its West End premiere in 1986, it has been seen by around 130 million people, earned both Tony and Olivier awards for Best Musical, and amassed a staggering five billion dollars worldwide at the box office. Celebrating its momentous achievement, this unique recording of its 25th anniversary show at London's Royal Albert Hall shows exactly why it's become such an institution, from the horror movie organs and haunting synths of the iconic 'Overture,' to the glass-shattering vocals and dramatic melodies of the anthemic title number, to the emotive balladry of 'The Music of the Night.' Featuring all 22 songs from the 2011 -produced show, which starred as the Phantom, as Christine, and as Raoul, the first official West End cast recording since 2000 is certainly comprehensive. But while the passages of dialogue on 'Think of Me' and 'Poor Fool, He Makes Me Laugh' may transmit well to its accompanying DVD, they feel slightly redundant here, and the constant applause, particularly the four-minute standing ovation that ends 'Down Once More/Track Down This Murderer,' suggests more extensive use of an editor would have been appreciated. Fans who were lucky enough to see the show in person may also be disappointed that the star turn from its most renowned leading lady,, on the 'Grand Finale' has been strangely omitted, even though the lengthy congratulatory speech from himself remains fully intact. An accomplished and impressively performed tribute it may be, then, but those wanting to relive its most glorious moments may find themselves pressing the fast-forward button far more often than was necessary.

R/CastRecordings: Cast Recordings for Musicals, Broadway, West End, Film, Off-Broadway, Tours, Concept Recordings, Regional Productions, Concerts and anything and everything else! Dec 17, 2011 - The Phantom Of The Opera Soundtrack (by Andrew Lloyd Webber). The 25th Anniversary at Royal Albert Hall recording of The Phantom Of.