Phantom of the paradise [Blu-ray] [FR Import]

In this musical horror story, William Finley plays Winslow Leach, whose music is stolen by Swan (Paul Williams) who plans to open a concert hall called The Paradise. Framed by Swan and sent to Sing Sing prison, Winslow escapes and heads to Swan's Death Records building where his face is disfigured in a record press and he loses his voice. He begins haunting the Paradise, taking special interest in Phoenix (Jessica Harper) a young singer he feels is perfect for his music. Phantom was written directed by Brian De Palma, better known for films like Carrie, The Untouchables and Scarface. As the title suggests, the plot is a play on the Phantom of the Opera story, with elements of Faust, The Picture of Dorian Gray and Frankenstein mixed in. The film bombed in 1974, though it's music was praised, and over the years it's become a cult classic. History lesson aside, this is a fun film, not unlike The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but not as crazy. Yeah, there's some humorous bits, but the main focus is one of loss, longing, horror and the lengths one will go to in the music industry. The music was written by Paul Williams himself and runs the gamut between Beach Boy type tunes, rock, opera and love ballads. All three of the main cast do quite well, though it's Finley who ultimately stands out once in his Phantom guise with his black outfit, metal teeth, owl mask and synth voice. The look of the film can sometimes take a gothic twist, such as Swan's mansion, or high tech as in the Death Records building. Speaking of Death Records, the original name for Swan's company was Swan Song Enterprises. When it was found band Led Zeppelin had a record label with a similar name, it was changed, (sometimes badly so, such as the airport podium) though the name Swan Song, and the Swan logo are still visible in some scenes. Although not credited, that's Rod Serling of Twilight Zone fame doing the opening narration. George Memmoli is Swan's henchman Arnold Philbin named in tribute to Mary Philbin who starred as Christine in the 1925 film version of Phantom of the Opera. Gerrit Graham rounds out the case as Beef, a glam rock star. While certainly not as polished or well known as some of De Palma's films, Phantom is an entertaining romp good for a view that will give an early idea of his work.

A wonderful reissue that is miles better than the low-quality DVD that 20th Century obviously tossed onto the market without much care or thought, the BluRay done by Shout! Factory's horror division, Scream! Factory, is an example of how BluRay should be done.Though some have complained about the sub-titles, I don't care about them or need them, since I'm a 40-year fan of the film, and know every word by heart. I just care about the stunning picture and sound that this disc affords a classic movie. Upon purchasing a BluRay player, it was the first disc I put into the tray, and WOW!!! It was like I was seeing it for the first time, the colors, the clarity of both picture and sound blew me away. Nothing, especially that poor grade DVD I'd owned for over a decade, prepared me for the delight to my senses that that disc provided.Many of the extras are included on a second, regular DVD disc, but they are mastered here with much care. It is heart-warming to know that all who participated in the making of this film still look back fondly at their experience. Since others have re-hashed the plot points ad nauseum, I need not go through another rote re-telling of them, just that this combination of Faust, The Picture of Dorian Gray, and Phantom of the Opera is a delight, as is the Oscar-nominated score by Paul Williams.Scream! Factory's BluRay of "Phantom" is a must-own entertainment.

This is a movie that deserves cult status far above what it currently has. It should be as well-loved as films like The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but I've never met someone in real life who's seen it, and THAT'S NOT OKAY, AMERICA! If you love rock musicals, if you love 70's cheese, if you wanna see Faust meets Phantom of the Opera, if you just wanna see something strange and beautiful and oddly unique despite it's myriad influences, please give this one a watch.

Let's cut to the chase because you've got 700 reviews talking about the movie and not the product for sale. I prefer the French release because the color is much more accurate. This is from a newer element, but the French looks like the release prints and that's what I prefer. This is marginally better than the Arrow, which is WAY too dark and has inaccurate color. They fixed the color a bit here but NOT the darkness. Only the French, older scan though it may be, looks like the film actually looked like.

Watched this as a kid and thought what the heck is this? Watching it again, I was able to appreciate the satire, parody and not so subtle digs at the music industry and consumerism. The Paul Williams score is spot on. From greaser to surf to glam rock/theatrical, he absolutely nails it. I saw an interview with him and he talked about the missing scene--Beef's funeral, at which Swan looks down like the angel of death and sings The hell of it as the mourners begin to dance on his grave. Too bad it didn't make the cut! I am still confused about Phoenix. If she got immortality after signing her contract with Swan, how come he thought she could be killed by the assassin?

Phantom of the Paradise is about the music industry in America. It tells the tale of how the business takes people and uses them and creates stars. The movie focuses upon a famous record producer Swan (Paul Williams) who steals the music of aspiring singer/musician Winslow Leach (William Finley). He seeks revenge by becoming The Phantom and haunting Swan’s new club The Paradise in this crazy Rock Opera.The movie has all kinds of great parts like how women are expected to have sex to get hired, how contracts are meant to confuse and steal from the artists, how people with no talent are selected to be stars because of their looks, the lure of fame and more.Finley as the crazed Phantom is amazing. He’s got a distorted voice and a great laugh and the outfit they put him in is spot on.It’s a truly one of a kind twisted tale.C

An amazingly underrated film fully deserving of the cult status that other films enjoy.Sometimes there comes along an entertainment experience that sadly far too few people actually get to notice, Phantom of the Paradise is definitely one of those experiences, with great music, comedic scenes and a truly engaging story.This horror comedy musical deserves to be more recognised than it is, telling the tale of Winslow Leach, a talented musician in a sea of drudgery and manufactured pop acts that has his music stolen by the enigmatic producer Swan to launch the opening of his rock palace 'The Paradise'As Winslow attempts to gain revenge for this misdeed things take a turn for the worse and result in a tragic tale of thrills, chills and fantastic music.I would recommend this to anyone and wouldn't be surprised in the least if a few others find themselves another cult classic to add to their collection.

It is as shown. The movie is a French copy, so no English subtitles, but the actors all talk very clearly, so it wasn't a problem, even for my parents who aren't so used to not having them.It's a fantastic movie! Very easy to watch, in the sense that it's fun, dramatic, highly creative and the music energetic and even lovely at times. I'm a cynic who really dislike musicals, yet this is among my favourite movies. It's clever, it sucks you in and leaves a mark. I guess you could call it inspiring.

Awesome film, once seen, never forgotten. Definitely sits shoulder to shoulder with RHPS, Tommy, and other rock operas. Great music from the immensely talented Paul Williams, great performances, particularly from Gerrit Graham as Beef, and the late William Finley as Winslow Leach/The Phantom, who shows so much emotion from a masked character. Great picture and sound, great extras, a funny, yet strangely moving film. Love it

Not perhaps quite as good as I remembered,but still a great cult classic.Something a bit different.

The film is something special but I'm presuming you've seen it and want to know about the extras. Well, they are good but there is another release which has a cast commentary and this doesn't have it. Never the less, it's a cheap price and the other extras are very interesting.