Love Never Dies Blu-ray Review

Universal Pictures presents "Love Never Dies" on Blu-ray with an AVC encoded 1080p transfer in a 2.35:1 aspect ratio. The stage recording exhibits a filmic quality but is occasionally marred by mist-enveloped scenes lit predominantly in blue, which diminishes shadow detail and fine object resolution. However, brighter scenes, even those shrouded in unnatural hues such as ghoulish red, display excellent fine detail and sharpness. The vibrant, well-saturated colors, particularly during the audacious carnival sequences, stand out remarkably. Notably, there are no visible artifacts, despite the complex lighting setups in the Phantasma sequences.

The high-definition presentation expertly showcases the lavish sets and costumes with striking clarity and precision. The transfer handles the substantial black levels of the Phantom's attire and dark backdrops competently, delivering rich and well-graded shadows. Whites maintain purity and stability, ensuring elements like the Phantom's mask and Christine's dress appear pristine. Close-ups are razor-sharp, emphasizing the emotional intensity captured on stage.

Despite the theatrical atmosphere and the somewhat detached nature of the storyline, this Blu-ray transfer draws viewers deeply into the fantastical world of the Phantom. The blend of superior contrast, vivid hues, and authentic fleshtones enhances the visual experience. While criticisms of the film's narrative might hold, Universal's meticulous video presentation ensures "Love Never Dies" remains an impressive visual treat.

The DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 mix for Love Never Dies exhibits an impressive range of fidelity and tonal clarity, making an indelible impact from the very first rumbling organ notes. Designed to complement Andrew Lloyd Webber's melodic score, the mix ensures that both the midrange and lower frequencies maintain a rich, full presence. Vocals, particularly the soaring highs and weighty low tones, fill the room with remarkable clarity and power, without succumbing to distortion. Audience applause and ensemble singing are seamlessly interwoven into the surround channels, providing an immersive listening experience.

Dynamic range is handled with aplomb, with the audio gracefully accommodating everything from subtle whispers to bombastic orchestrations. However, some vocals, especially those of O'Byrne, occasionally get overshadowed by the more powerful orchestral segments, leading to a slight loss of lyrical clarity during those moments. Nevertheless, effects remain crisp and distinct, helping to accentuate the carnival atmosphere of Coney Island vividly. The mix's ability to handle high volume levels without losing quality makes it an audiophile's delight.

This DTS-HD track continuously enriches the viewing experience by providing superior fidelity and depth while maintaining a natural spill into the surrounds. Despite occasional moments where lyrics can be obscured by dominating instrumentation, most words remain easily comprehensible. The audio presentation successfully captures the essence of Webber's score, albeit with slight limitations in ensuring perfect vocal balance throughout.

The Blu-ray extras for "Love Never Dies" offer insightful behind-the-scenes content focused on the musical's grand production. The primary featurette, "The Making of Love Never Dies," presents detailed commentary from Andrew Lloyd Webber and other key cast and crew members. Notably, it delves into the colossal task of recreating Coney Island, drawing parallels between The Phantom and Howard Hughes. The direction by Simon Phillips emphasizes a dynamic, cinematic approach. Interviews touch upon story issues, costume design, character development, and the integration of elaborate set pieces, enriching viewers' understanding of the show’s intricate production process. While additional supplements would have been beneficial, this comprehensive featurette stands out for its depth and informative value.

Extras included in this disc:

The Making of Love Never Dies: Explores Coney Island set recreation, cast and crew interviews, costume design, and character analysis.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's 'Love Never Dies' serves as a controversial sequel to the monumental success, 'The Phantom of the Opera.' Filmed during its Australian run, this Blu-ray captures the elaborate stage production and presents it in a rich 1080p/AVC MPEG-4 video codec with DTS-HD Master Audio 5.1 sound. While technically impeccable, the storyline and score of 'Love Never Dies' have garnered polarized reactions. The film reintroduces The Phantom (Ben Lewis) who has moved to Coney Island and entices Christine (Anna O'Byrne) to perform, resulting in recycled melodrama and a convoluted subplot regarding their son Gustave's true parentage.

Although the visual elements of the Coney Island setting are sumptuously designed, they lack the grandeur of the Paris Opera House, resulting in what some perceive as a cheap substitute. The primary cast, including Lewis and O'Byrne, deliver strong performances vocally; however, the musical numbers largely fail to evoke the same emotional resonance that defined the original. Fans of 'Phantom' are likely to be disappointed by shifts in character dynamics and the perceived dilution of the original's mythology. The plot, bearing signs of rushed and diluted creativity, has been likened more to that of a soap opera than an operatic masterpiece.

While the stage presentation excels with impressive set designs and immersive camera work that tries to bridge the gap between stage and screen, many fans are left disenchanted with the direction the narrative takes. Lloyd Webber's attempts at pastiche are effective in parts but fall short in grandeur, leaving some to see this sequel as a misstep that ultimately diminishes the legacy of its predecessor. Despite its technical merits, 'Love Never Dies' leaves a bittersweet taste and highlights the challenges of recapturing the magic of an iconic original.

"Love Never Dies" on Blu-ray presents an intriguing, if ultimately flawed sequel to the legendary "The Phantom of the Opera." Technically, the disc excels, featuring pristine video quality that captures every lavish detail of production design and costume. The audio experience is equally superior, delivering Webber's score with crystal clear precision and immersive surround sound. The backdrop of Coney Island is vividly brought to life through impressive cinematography that adds a layer of visual splendor. These technical merits, however, cannot fully compensate for the shortcomings in plot and character development.

The narrative itself has drawn considerable ire for its cavalier approach to beloved characters. Longtime fans of the original musical may find themselves disillusioned by the story's unseemly twists and its ultimately alienating denouement. While Webber’s music remains grandiose and ambitious, the lyrics often fall short, oscillating between hyperbolic and execrable. This creates a dissonance that detracts from the emotional resonance of the narrative.

In conclusion, "Love Never Dies" is an elegantly sumptuous production marred by a lackluster and unsatisfying story. Its high-quality audiovisual presentation offers some redemption but does little to mask the inherent flaws that leave fans questioning its necessity. A visually stunning but emotionally disappointing follow-up, it will likely remain a contentious topic among "Phantom" aficionados. Proceed with caution; curiosity may indeed spoil cherished memories of its predecessor.