Love Never Dies May 29th

THE SWEEPING LOVE STORY THAT BEWITCHED GENERATIONS IN  “THE PHANTOM OF THE OPERA” LIVES ON IN ANDREW LLOYD WEBBER’S

Available on Blu-ray^™, DVD, Digital Download and On Demand May 29, 2012
From Universal Studios Home Entertainment

The year is 1907 and ten years have passed since the Phantom’s disappearance from the Paris Opera House.  He has escaped to a new life in New York where he lives amongst the screaming joy rides and freak-shows of Coney Island. In this new electrically-charged world, he has finally found a place for his music to soar. All that is missing is his love - Christine Daaé.  Now one of the world’s finest sopranos, Christine is struggling in an ailing marriage to Raoul.  So, it is with excitement she accepts an invitation to travel to New York and perform at a renowned opera house. In a final bid to win back her love, the Phantom lures Christine, her husband, and their young son Gustave from Manhattan, to the glittering and glorious world of Coney Island… not knowing what is in store for them. 

PATIENCE, YOUNG GRASSHOPPER

In Love Never Dies, Christine’s son, Gustave, shows a promising future in music and the Phantom takes him under his wing. In this feature, we will take a look back at other great mentor and protégé relationships on screen and off including:  Obi-Wan Kenobi and Darth Vader, and Mr. Miyagi and Daniel.

OBI-WAN KENOBI & DARTH VADER

Before he became Darth Vader, he was simply known as Anakin Skywalker, a nine-year old slave who wins his freedom in a pod race and was raised by Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn after becoming convinced by a prophecy that he is the “Chosen One” and will bring balance to the force.  However, Qui-Gon is killed in a duel with Sith Lord Darth Maul and young Obi-Wan Kenobi takes the young Anakin under his wing and promises to train him to become a Jedi someday.  Years later, Anakin’s prophecy will come true and eventually the once-young protégé of Obi-Wan will kill him in a duel. 

MR. MIYAGI & DANIEL

In the 1984 film, The Karate Kid, a high school senior named Daniel is constantly tormented.  Mr. Miyagi, the eccentric handyman in Daniel’s apartment, witnesses Daniel getting beaten and intervenes, defeating all of the bullies with ease.  Daniel asked Mr. Miyagi to be his teacher to help solve the conflict he faces.  Mr. Miyagi begins Daniel’s training by having him perform typical chores like waxing cars and sanding a wooden floor, even though Daniel fails to see the connection to a specific movement at first.  As Daniel’s training continues, his bond with his mentor grows and his skills increase while he learns some of life’s important lessons. 

LEON & MATHILDA

In her feature film debut, Natalie Portman plays 12-year old Mathilda, in the 1994 film, The Professional.  After a drug deal gone wrong, Mathilda’s entire family is murdered, only missing her as she was out shopping.  Mathilda sought the help of her hit-man neighbor, Leon, who becomes her mentor and teaches her the skills necessary to avenge the death of her younger brother.    As Leon becomes Mathilda’s mentor, she also begins to change him, taking him out of his solitary ways and giving him a “taste for life.” 

CHARLES XAVIER & X-MEN MUTANTS

Professor Charles Xavier is the leader and stern mentor of the X-Men mutants, training them and giving them advice when necessary.  Through his telepathic powers, he keeps in constant contact with his students, including when they’re off saving the world against Magneto.  Xavier is the perfect foil for his students as he curbs Wolverine’s rage and train Jean Grey in controlling her telepathic powers.