Can It Be? Can It Be Christine?

I have no words to describe what I witnessed last night.
I've loved Phantom since that day I bought the cassette tape (!!) of the original broadway cast recording in 1989.
Seeing it on the big screen was simply breathtaking.
Since I am speechless, my fellow Phantom lover and best friend, Darren, will continue with the review.

I am agog, I am aghast, can this be Christine at last... I know. Wrong show. The words are fitting, however.
My ears are not virgins to the Phantom. This music has rung in my head for fifteen years now. I can only express for those who have sat in the dark listening to the original cast recording and dreamed in their mind of the phantom and his trappings, of Christine and her pristine and innocent voice.
It was a midnight in my senior year of college that I put the original cast recording on tape into a stereo for the first time, plugged in headphones and layed supline in the dark apartment. I knew nothing of the show. Crack! "Lot 665, Ladies and Gentleman..." A minute later, the auctioneer would fortell what would occur to me late that night. "a little illumination, gentlemen". The sounds of the organ flooded my ears and for the next hour and a half I sat motionless, mesmerized by this uncovering masterpiece.
Since then, I have been lucky enough to see Phantom live on stage 6 times and have always loved it and learned a bit more about the story each time.
I have just returned from seeing the movie on opening night.
It's a masterpiece. The dark shadows of the story of the Phantom have become fully illuminated in beautiful detail, artful story telling and stirring vibrant sound and vocals.
I literally sat speechless thoughout the ending credits fully absorbing the wonders of what I had just taken part in. I felt as if I was completely wrapped in the pain and pleasure of the love triangle draw onscreen. The music and visuals are so stirring and the desperation of the characters so apparent that you sit and long for all of them.
Before seeing the movie, I had heard rumblings of "where is Sarah Brightman and Michael Crawford?" and I wondered if the movie would cheapen the legendary show. Just the opposite, I feel. I think the movie is a treasure and perfectly done.
Bravo, bravo.