Ok, Rossum and Butler just don't cut it! I have listened to this recording numerous times, and it is having the reverse affect on me. The Phantom is supposed to have a voice that mesmorizes - Butler's doesn't. It's not beautiful, it's not powerful, it's not convincing. When Rossum says, "He's here, the Phantom of the Opera" - there is no acting. I could say it better than her! I like her vocally when the role doesn't call for power or high notes, but when it does, she just doesn't cut it.
I think people on here, myself included, were so exciting about the recording, that the reaction was severe whether you like these two or not. I bet, as time goes on, the soundtrack will sit unheard on people's shelves while they return to the OLC. Even today, I listened to my Vienna recording, because I feel it has the best cast I've heard.
All in all, I think these weaker vocals are going to impact the success of the film.
"What the hell happened to you? You look like a Make-A-Wish Kid. You know, I just knew you were gonna bring shame on this new family of ours, and it just figures you had to go make yourself over into some heroin-shootin skate board chic on the only day E! could interview you!" - Cherry Cherry, on her daughter Mary Cherry