The Robert Englund starring “Phantom of the Opera” is a mix between “Darkman,” the original “Phantom of the Opera,” with a hint of “Nightmare on Elm Street.” Like the aforementioned film, Englund’s character thrives in dreams, and sports a nasty pizza face that is only slightly darker than Krueger. It’s almost as if Krueger was pulled in to our world, and found a way to live among the mortals through various false faces. Christine Day is an opera singer trying out for a brand new musical, and decides to sing a mythical piece of music called “Don Juan Triumphant.” While performing, she’s knocked unconscious by a falling light that drops her like a bag of rice, and she awakens in ancient times.
For some reason she’s traveled back in time, and she’s the fictional Christine, a beautiful young opera singer who gains the affections of the murderous phantom of the opera, a man who delights in helping in any way possible. Robert Englund’s turn as the phantom is spirited, but there’s just not a lot of reasoning for Christina coming back to ancient England to relive the “Phantom.” Once it becomes an obvious re-staging with nothing else to offer, it’s a pretty dull film, all things considered.
Much of the elements involving the phantom feel recycled save for his tendency to sew on pieces of his face to resemble a full human. There seems to be no other reason for sewing them on and taking them off other than to keep him a monster. The big climax intended as a surprise reveal is just drawn out and lackluster. Englund certainly is a fine actor, but “The Phantom of the Opera” needs a lot of work in its script and concept.
The Blu-Ray from Scream Factory comes with a theatrical trailer, a TV Spot, Radio Spots, a Still Gallery, and “Behind The Mask: The Making Of The Phantom Of The Opera.” It’s a thirty minute long look a the creative process for Dwight Little’s film, including casting, its history, and features interviews with key cast including Robert Englund. Finally there’s an informative and lively audio commentary with Director Dwight H Little and Star Robert Englund, both of whom recollect the film with enthusiasm.