Phantom of the opera: stage or film?

Question: Phantom of the opera: stage or film!?

who do you think has been the best phantom!? do you prefer the stage or film version or both!?
the film had something of a polarising effect on the critics, but i personally loved it and am going to see it on the stage next month and im really hoping ill like it and the phantom or christine arent let-downs!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:

I saw it three times (but I didn't really remember it) for the stage version!. I then saw the movie which I absolutely loved!. Gerard Butler really grasped the emotional part of the Phantom but I think he needed to get more of the obsession and wanting part of the Phantom (the stage version shows that more) Then about a week ago I saw the stage version again with John Cudia, and I loved it!. They both are truly intoxicating pieces but because the stage version is live, well, that makes it even more incredible because they cannot mess up!. There you have it!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I thought the film was beautifully shot - the cinematography was stunning!. However, Gerard Butler and Emmy Rossum were just plain awful - particularly in singing terms!. When I saw the stage production (on the West End) I didn't like it that much - the sound was appalling and the set changes were unbelievably noisy, and the production felt tired, but the singing was good!. Off to see the stage production in Australia in a couple of months (wouldn't have bothered except that a friend is in it) so we'll see if a newer production is any better than an old production!. On balance, though, I preferred the stage show purely because the singing and acting was better!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

As a former Stage-Hand who did the original US touring company of "Phantom", I'm biased!.!.!. I PREFER THE FILM !!

A DVD is delightful because you can PAUSE, Fast Forward, or just STOP !!

Seriously though, I always prefer a stage version just because of the MAGIC of the theater!.!.!. Even if it's a Community Theater production!.

The WORST stage to film Musical was "Evita"!.!.!. Madonna was just terrible, and although Antonio Banderas is certainly HANDSOME, he can't sing to save his LIFE !! Mandy Patankin was the BEST Che ever!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

The film leaves much less to the imagination, as all scene aspects are available and of course the outdoor scenes are better when they are actually shot outdoors!. However, nothing can compare to the `being there` of a stage show!. You get carried away with the reality of the story, you become part of it, the excitement ,the sadness, you are actually there!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

i love phantom of the opera so i saw it on stage twice and on film once!. :)

the film and stage are kind of different because some of their parts are different!.

i honestly prefer both because they are both performed really well!. I saw the first one on stage in Shanghai, and the other one in Las Vegas!.
The one in Las Vegas was better because it had better sound effects and was more exciting!!

have fun at the show!!! ;)Www@QuestionHome@Com

I saw the Phantom of the Opera on Broadway and it is almost a life changing event, it's so beautiful with the huge chandelier and orchestra in the pit, it's just not something that is well captured on the DVD rendition!.

I am envious of you, I would love to see it again!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Personally, I thought they were both wonderful, but I LOVED the stage version!. I saw it in New York City, Oct!. 19,2005 and it was wonderful! I had the balcony seating (the things that come out of the wall and have seats) It was so magical!. When they sung, it looked like they were looking right at me!.!.!. it was truely amazing!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Personally, I've never seen the stage version, but when you see it, tell me if it's good!. Personally, in the film, there was a dissapointing amount of dead people!. It was very original though, and I found it interesting!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I perfer the stage!.!.I like others, had seen it in the Venetian in Las Vegas!.!.and all I can say, is that, I'll never turn back to films when looking to musicals and plays!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

loved the film, but the broadway show was beyond amazing!!! It was one of the best musicals ive ever seen !. !. brilliantWww@QuestionHome@Com

I liked the staged performance better!. I saw it at the Venetian in Las Vegas, and it was totally amazing!!Www@QuestionHome@Com

stage cause its live and exciting
film it kinda gets boring after a little whileWww@QuestionHome@Com

i thought they both were best, but i would always choose the show in London!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

Stage!.Www@QuestionHome@Com