Andrew Lloyd Webber's Love Never Dies

After watching The Phantom of the Opera at the Royal Albert Hall, I went to see Love Never Dies in a movie theatre with some trepidation. I feared the directing of the musical. However, it was BRILLIANT! The way Simon Phillips directed those cameras... There were times when I forgot I was watching a film version of a theatre musical; it was that good.

The cast is unsurpassed. Ben Lewis and Anna O'Byrne... Well, I don't think there are words to describe the clarity and passion of their singing. Jack Lyall, who plays Christine's son Gustave, more than kept pace with the adults.

Though I am not fond of the way the writers messed with the characters of Raoul and Meg, I understand why they did, and the two roles were again brilliantly acted by Sharon Millerchip and Simon Gleeson.

The rest of the cast was amazing, as well. I certainly hope they release the soundtrack by the Melbourne company.

The only reason why I give this film 4 stars instead of 5 is that the producers and the director did not elect to digitally remove the ridiculous microphones. They were very distracting, at times taking your eyes from the brilliant performances. Considering how much money the entire franchise has racked in, they could have spent a minuscule portion of the money on removing the unsightly things.

Since there are no previews on amazon, I suggest you find some on You Tube and take a gander.

The ending of this movie is not what I would have wished for, but it was satisfactory. Though not every song is as magical as the ones in the original Phantom, there were several gems that raised the production as a whole.

I do not wish to spoil the movie for those who have not seen it yet, so what else can I say...

I assure you that I'll purchase a copy of this film as soon as it becomes available.

I cannot improve on the review by Milica Hovanec. I can only say ditto except the microphones did not bother me at all. That is exactly what you see when you attend a live musical so it keeps the experience real. Therefore I will not deduct a star, but rather give it a full 5 stars. I have already pre-ordered the DVD and anxiously awaiting it's arrival so I can watch it again. There have been mixed reviews about the entire production of Love Never Dies and it seems rather shocking the run ended prematurely in the UK. Some say A.L.W has lost his touch, but I say this musical is as brilliant as the original Phantom of the Opera. I have the 25th Anniversary production and when this one arrives later this month, I can't wait to sit through both musicals for a Phantom marathon. I just loved it. Ok, it will probably never happen, but the way the show ends leaves it open for yet another sequel. Looks like the angel of music has a new candidate.

Thoroughly Enjoyed this movie..The SINGING was SUPERB..with GREAT PASSION !
The acting and the sets were authentic....
One should not compare the Stage Play to the Movie Version....or to THE ORIGINAL - PHANTOM OF THE OPERA..IF YOU ARE A FAN...but we all do.
Over the years viewing LIVE STAGE and Movie Versions ..I have come to be Passonate for ALL the versions of SIR Andrew Lloyd
Webbers works ! Take and embrace each on their own...IF you are a true fan.....
We will always have biases for performers...The Original Stage Play with Miss SARA BRIGHTMAN and MICHAEL CRAWFORD ..will remain with me Forever....but I was touched by many others in their roles as well.
I do not wish to give this performance away....But I Believe You will be thrilled and moved by Ben Lewis and Anne O'Byrne --Applause.....Applause !
Great Passion in their voices ....
Twist and turns which leaves us as indiiduals perhaps not obtaining Our View of the outcome....?

As stated ..I have viewed this film version on a couple occassions--- 8-10 times -- if you are a " PHANTOM ADDICT "

So sit back and enjoy ..with an open mind and ears !!!!