Phantom
Of The Theatre
(2016/Well Go USA DVD)
Picture:
B Sound: B Extras: D Film: C+
Inspired
no doubt by the films of Guillermo Del Toro and the Phantom
of the Opera
story, Raymond Yip's 2016 fantasy/drama Phantom
of the Theatre
is a foreign horror flick (from China) with high production design
and a period setting in 1930's Shanghai, that tells the story of a
Filmmaker who chooses to shoot his film in a haunted theater where
vengeful spirits out for blood were killed in a disastrous fire years
earlier (13 to be exact!!!). The film stars Ruby Lin, Tony Yang,
Simon Yam, Huang Lei, Wendy Zhang, and Li Jing to name a few.
Where
the film lacks a bit are in some of its kills and digital effects
that showcase the power of the demons, which is often complemented by
fake-looking digital fire and a red-burning-skin trick similar to the
one used in Marvel's Iron
Man 3.
While not rated, the film could have pushed the boundaries of gore a
bit further to make the film a bit more effective and not so
cartoony. Otherwise, we've seen worse.
The
film is presented on DVD in standard definition with a anamorphic
widescreen aspect ratio of 2.35:1 and a lossy Mandarin Dolby Digital
5.1 track that looks fine on DVD but for a film with this much
production design and detail, would really benefit to a high
definition upgrade, if not already available on the format.
The
only extra is a Trailer and Previews of other Well Go USA releases.
Interestingly
shot and not without strong production design, The
Phantom of the Theater
is a supernatural entry that isn't terrible, but not particularly
memorable either.
-
James Lockhart
https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/
