I can't agree more with the previous poster...this has got to be the best version of TPotO ever! It was my first introduction to the story...as a young child, my twin and I recorded it on a couple of old VHS tapes. At times, a vacuum was running or our ancient computer was on so there was a great deal of 'snow' on the TV screen. But that didn't prevent us from falling in love with it...in fact, our tradition was to watch it at least once a year and many years later, when we were college bound...it was one of 2 movies we watched every year when we got together. The tapes eventually broke and I haven't seen it in at least 15 years but I miss it...oh, how I miss it! I did get the opportunity to see the musical on 2 occasions as well as another video version but I admit, I was terribly disappointed with all 3 of them. The musical and the other movie just fell flat for me...they couldn't touch this made-for-TV version; they just didn't measure up. My husband saw the musical and wasn't impressed (he's a Les Miserables fan...) but I'm wondering if this version might change his mind? I hunted down a copy years ago for a Phantom enthusiast...I think it's time I hunt down a copy for myself and my twin as well. Love it...highly recommend!

This is my favorite version of The Phantom of The Opera. Burt Lancaster did a wonderful job as Gerard, Erik's Father. My favorite scene was when Gerard and Erik are talking and Gerard finally tells Erik the truth that he is his father. Erik says "i was wondering when you'd say".Gerard gives him a look.Erik says something like" My eyes are the only thing i can look upon in the mirror with out wanting to break the glass, but they aren't her eyes, they're yours." (Erik and Gerard were talking about Erik's Mother)So Erik knew all along that Gerard was his father.The movie made me cry so much. I haven't seen that movie since it aired in 1990, but i remember that scene.i wonder if it's on DVD or VHS somewhere.

I personally liked this version. It was nice to not run into a wanna-be Webber version. While Ken Hill's is my favorite theater production, Y&K's is not far behind. My only two disappointments in this movie was 1) Not seeing his face and 2) not hearing the wonderful music that is in the theater script. I LOVED Charles Dance, his voice was so soothing and contained melody and he fit the character PERFECTLY! Since I doubt I will ever get to see the theater production, this is very close and I am thankful for it. He was so innocent and pure, during the forest scene where he is imagining the creatures and all was so cute and sweet. I didn't care much for Raoul...but Teri Polo has a beautiful voice and I was very much impressed with her. The chandelier scene was a bit of a disappointment, but I do understand they didn't have the special effects we have of today, but it is much better then some I have seen in other Phantom of the Opera movies. I was also glad to hear Faust, since it is one of my favorite operas. Though Carlotta butchered her songs, no offense to anyone who likes her, but she really couldn't sing well.

I adore this version of Phantom. And though the Erik in this version is certainly not skilled in combat or have the stiff-necked pride that I have come to love in Susan Kay's version, I adored Charles Dance as Erik. I cried vehemently at his end. And still today I choke back tears and yell obsenities at the little twit Christine and her wimpish boy toy Phillipe! Charles gave me the Erik that I see in my head when I read Kay's marvelous adaption. And though the dubbing could have been better (to say the least), I feel a swell of emotion watching Erik preform in his opera house with his chosen prima donna. If you have been reluctant to watch it, I urge you to go out and get a copy today. It's amazing how much one story can change your life!