I am quite disappointed in the reaction of those in the Phantom Fan community.
I have found comments to be of an extremely negative nature towards the film, and I find the ideas to be that of the narrow-minded and over cultured. Being a musician and vocalist myself, I understand these lackluster points that are being referred to at times. I do not; find them so hideous to be subject to the comments submitted by so many, in many different places. I think that Mr. Webber had the intention of creating a feel that it was more of a real environment. Having everyone as a master vocalist would be foolish. The Phantom was teaching Christine, and the lacking that comes across in the vocals that you describe would be more of character interpretation. She shouldn't be singing as Ms. Brightman did on the original cast recording, because she wasn't at that level to begin with. The Phantom states that she is good, but does require more training himself during the masquerade sequence in the film. As far as Mr. Butlers performance, again, I felt it was a good presentation of the character since I saw Thomas James O’Leary, who I felt was the best since Michael Crawford. I do not by any means think Mr. Butler’s performance was the worst ever, because I experienced that with Brad Little as the Phantom and the entire cast of that production. At any rate I found the movie to be quite enjoyable and I have seen it several times. I think the movie has brought a new romanticism to such an amazing and time-tested show.