It’s time to take a look at one of director Brian De Palma’s stranger films. This one’s a horror-musical from 1974. Released by Arrow Video back in 2014, I think it’s time for my Phantom of the Paradise blu-ray review.
- Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
- Genre: Horror/Musical
- Directed by Brian De Palma
- UK Rating 15
- Released By Arrow Video
- Blu-ray Released: 24 February 2014
Plot
Swan is a record producer that runs Death Records, whilst Winslow Leach is an upcoming composer that is still trying to make it. When Swan decides to rip off Winslow’s music he also has him framed and sent to prison.
Following this strange turn of events Winslow is changed both physically and mentally. Now he’s out to get Swan but maybe Swan has another proposition for him?
The film is not only directed by Brian De Palma but also written by him with the cinematography side of things taken care of by Larry Pizer. De Palma makes a highly entertaining horror musical that ultimately is a laugh from start to finish.
Music / Audio Effects
The music is by Paul Williams with him also providing the vocals for character of Winslow.
Acting / Characters
- William Finley as Winslow Leach/The Phantom
- Paul Williams as Swan
- Jessica Harper as Phoenix
Conclusion: Phantom of the Paradise (1974) Film Review
Phantom of the Paradise is a strange but fun horror musical that is well worth a look. It’s a film that takes a look at everything that is sleazy about the entertainment or music world and makes fun of the absurdity of it all. I’m not going to say it’s a masterpiece but I found it entertaining enough. This one’s certainly a cult movie.
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Conclusion: Phantom of the Paradise Blu-ray Review
The picture quality looks fine with a clean and sharp print, the colours look vibrant. On the whole this is a very good print. On the extras front there’s a plenty of interesting interviews and documentaries for lovers of the film to indulge in.
Extras
- Isolated Music & Effects Soundtrack
- Paradise Regained: Making of Documentary (50 Mins)
- Interview with Paul Williams & Guillermo del Toro (72 mins)
- Archive Interview with Costume Designer Rosanna Norton
- Paradise Lost & Found: Alternate Takes & Bloopers
- Original Film Trailers
- Radio Spots
- Gallery
- Collector’s Booklet
- Reversible Sleeve
Popcorn Cinema Rating:
Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
MOVIE RATING: WORTH WATCHING
BLU-RAY RATING: EXCELLENT
EXTRAS: VERY GOOD
Phantom of the Paradise (1974) Blu-ray
Phantom of the Paradise (1974) is available now on blu-ray.
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Phantom of the Paradise (1974) Trailers
For those of you yet to see the film I’ll leave you with a little taster…
And now the trailer…
Clip may not be representative of the blu-ray version
That concludes my Phantom of the Paradise blu-ray review, if you have any thoughts on this film you can leave them over on the Popcorn Cinema Twitter or Facebook pages.
Summary: Phantom of the Paradise (1974) Blu-ray Review
Movie title: Phantom of the Paradise (1974)
Duration: 92 mins
Director(s): Brian De Palma
Actor(s): Paul Williams, William Finley, Jessica Harper
Genre: Horror, Musical
- Movie Rating
- Blu-ray Picture Rating
- Extras
Summary
Phantom of the Paradise is a strange but fun horror musical that is well worth a look.
