Phantom of the Paradise (Ultimate Edition) [Blu-ray]
French Import Blu-Ray/Region All pressing.
Please note all of the supplements are in 1080p-High Definition so they’re fully viewable on all US BR players!
Synopsis; Composer Winslow Leach (William Finley) is determined to seek revenge on Swan (Williams), an evil record tycoon who steals his pop cantana of the Faust legend to launch his enemy’s palace as the mysterious Phantom of the Paradise and continues to plan his gruesome retaliation.
2010.
Like many others, I saw this film in early adolescence, and it’s stayed with me all this time. I still enjoy the heck out of it, watch it every couple of years and am sorry when it ends. By age 13, I knew that “sarcasm” existed (thanks, Uncle Arthur of “Bewitched”!) but until I saw POTP I was unaware of this stuff called Black Comedy, and my world was well and truly rocked. “Somebody get a fire extingusher!” indeed.
But, as I aged, it occurred to me that it doesn’t make any sense. Why would a character with as much to lose as Swan risk it all just to screw over Winslow Leach? You want his music? BUY IT, fer cryin’ out loud. The guy’s an unemployed songwriter* in 1974, he made what, K last year? Oh, he’s in love with Phoenix? Let’s see how he feels after this blonde goes on her knees. Why single him out for humiliation (all the prisoners get to put the tiddlywinks in the boxes, note, but only WINSLOW gets to wear the little hat)? Why do everything in your power to make sure this guy is going to come after you?
The answer, I think, lies in the set design–all those mirrors– and in the casting of Paul Williams. We know from the mirrors he’s a narcissist, but when 5’2″, overweight guy speaks lines like “You know how I abhor perfection in anyone but myself,” you know he’s a DELUDED narcissist. And it is in Winslow, a narcissist so deluded he thinks an audience gathered to hear Sha-Na-Na wants to hear his 400+ page contata on the life of Faust (sung by him!) that Swan finally finds his perfect mirror, the mirror in which, like Narcissus himself, he will eventually drown. Once these two characters meet, the end is assured. Sorry, Phoenix.
I wonder though, given that this was one of De Palma’s early films, if HE was aware he was writing about a homoerotic death spiral? A commentary on the DVD would have been nice. I also wonder if it wasn’t trimmed for time by Fox, as there seems to be a scene missing before WL enters the tape room.
*Oh, that reminds me. I really want a t-shirt that reads MAD TUNESMITH BITES BULLET.
One of the best horror “spoofs” ever. – Jerry Butler – grand forks, nd USA
One of my all time favorite movies. You can watch it again and again and still feel like you’re watching it for the first time.I was so pleased to receive this movie. However, you would think they would add at least a few extras. Nope. Nothing. So being such a huge fan of this movie, I ended up ordering a copy of the French release. This one is a two disc set and features tons of extras. Why do the other countries make DVD’s so much cooler than us?
Brand new in packaging – Mr. Flip It – Los Angeles, CA
Got a great deal on a CLASSIC movie that you can’t find anywhere, “Phantom of the Paradise”. It arrived in just a few days. Thanks!
really 70′s – John P. Spitzner – GAINESVILLE, GA, US
this was a drive -in favorite of mine. the music is a
reminder of the talent of paul williams. phantom
is a great little movie, fun and the sound track is
great and lots of fun.
Add comment March 8th, 2010