The Phantom of the Opera poster & wallpaper

Robert Englund, Jill Schoelen, Alex Hyde-White

Trading tragic romance for Faustian malevolence, the 1989 version of The Phantom of the Opera is a surprisingly good example of '80s horror. It was dismissed as gory trash by most critics (no d...( read more  read more... )oubt because Kevin Yagher's gruesome makeup effects are effectively revolting), but horror buffs will be more forgiving of this lush production, which ranks well above average for horror films of its time. Set in Victorian London and shot mostly in Budapest, Hungary (for period architecture), the film reunites director Dwight Little (Halloween 4) with "Freddie Krueger" himself, Robert Englund, who had worked together on the Nightmare on Elm Street-based TV series Freddie's Nightmares. It's a good pairing, as Englund does some of his finest work as the Phantom, seen here as a horribly disfigured composer who patches his scarred and mangled face with stitched-on flesh, and makes a deal with the devil to be immortalized through his music. His muse, as always, is the lovely diva-to-be Christine, and the casting of Jill Schoelen gives the film added cachet among genre fans (who will recognize her from the 1987 cult hit The Stepfather). While bearing little resemblance to Lon Chaney's 1925 classic, this Phantom is actually more loyal to Gaston Leroux's original novel, and therefore deserves as much acknowledgement as any other version of the story. Certainly not a classic, but well worth a look. --Jeff Shannon

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74% liked it

45,531 ratings

R, 93 min.

Directed by: Dwight H. Little

Release Date: June 1, 1989

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DVD Release Date: December 7, 2004

Stats: 1,461 reviews

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Flixster Reviews (1,461)

  • YosemiteSamFan
    July 5, 2009
    YosemiteSamFan
    1989's Robert Englund's "Phantom of the Opera", offers a fresh 80's slasher variation. It's not cheaply done; the movie is stylish and well-directed. Instead of Paris, this movie was set in London. The set design was great: from the underused opera house, the masquerade hall, the...( read more) grimey streets and pubs of London to the phantom's candlelit sewer layer. It looks extravagant and high-budget; the visual splendour makes it a treat to watch.

    Robert Englund shows us he can be much more than Freddy Krueger. His phantom wears a hat and flowing cape, and applies facial patches and makeup to get about in public. He plays a disturbed and mysterious musical composer with a killer tendency. There is enough violence shown to please gore-hounds: guttings, impalements, skinnings and beheadings are on display. They've also included a somewhat supernatural origin to the phantom.

    I found it hard to believe lovely Christine (Jill Schoelen) could fall for such a creepy and disturbing character. Her beautiful prescence helps balance out the ugliness and horror of the setting. The movie could've done with more of her lovely singing. Like the phantom, Christine exists in the past and the present. It was interesting how the story took us to modern-day New York for some additional story elements.

    Better than Dario Argento's Phantom, but I still love Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical version the most.
  • BloodyKitten
    July 21, 2008
    BloodyKitten
    If you've ever wanted to see The Phantom of the Opera made into an all-out slasher - you're in luck! Here it is, and it's lots of fun.
  • vierasesine
    October 22, 2007
    vierasesine
    I love the idea of the Phantom using floppy discs. :D
  • AgentLexi2132
    August 20, 2007
    AgentLexi2132
    A few flaws but otherwise enjoyable movie, may be boring moments but only fleeting ones. Gerard Butler!
  • elyle77
    June 9, 2007
    elyle77
    Good, but most of the music is the same but just with different lyrics.
  • samanthaseaotter
    October 28, 2009
    samanthaseaotter
    Stick to the original.
  • imagination22
    October 26, 2009
    imagination22
    Great as a slasher film - the Phantom seems much creepier and sadistic in this, makes a nice change.
  • alishakay10
    October 3, 2009
    alishakay10
    Too scary! XD I had nightmares for weeks...
  • Sebdinovitch
    August 18, 2009
    Sebdinovitch
    I've seen the play, It may be cool to watch the movie...
  • FlyingSolo2009
    August 13, 2009
    FlyingSolo2009
    The makeup on the phantom was atrocious. I like the story, but would have to say that Andrew Lloyd Webber's version is much more satisfying.

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The Phantom of the Opera Trivia

  • Which film features Gerard Butler as a crazed frenchman living in the catacombs of an Opera house?  Answer »
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