Gounod - Faust / Kraus, Ghiuselev, Gonzalez, Guingal, Teatro Regio di Parma (1986) Review

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(More customer reviews)Another reviewer is confusing this with one of the many film versions of Faust done as a straight drama. This DVD, however, is a 1986 production of Charles Gounod's grand French opera based on the first part of Goethe's work. It was recorded "in house" by the theatre and not really intended for broadcast or release. It's in color, but the lighting and camera movement is not of broadcast quality. The sound, however, is surprisingly good and is in true stereo. It seems to be a complete rendering of the opera, including the ballet.
Despite its flaws, this is the best version of Gounod's "Faust" currently available. The only other one, the 1985 Vienna production with Ariaza and Raimondi, has better video but is, in my opinion, a weaker production and leaves out the ballet. I hope we will get a more recent, and hopefully complete, rendering on DVD at some point.

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Georges Bizet - Carmen / Peter Hall, Bernard Haitink, Maria Ewing, Barry McCauley, London Philharmonic, Glyndebourne Festival Opera (2005) Review

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(More customer reviews)This is not a "music professional's review". Carmen is theater, Carmen is about human nature, about jealousy, about life. Perhaps the most popular opera ever. It can be presented and performed in many different ways. This performance, this presentation is the best. Not just as an opera, but perhaps one of the best performances in the recorded performing arts.
One does not have to be an opera-lover to enjoy this Carmen. It is like the first Star Wars movie - an instant classic - with one difference. This one has one superb actress in it - Maria Ewing.
She is Carmen from the first appearance to the end. Of course, she can sing, but what really counts is that she can act. She is perfect for the role. To be clear about this: I am not just praising Carmen, Bizet's opera. It can be performed badly, or questionably - just three weeks ago (November 2005) I saw a performance in Denver that was mediocre at best - mostly because of the somewhat weird ideas in directing, trying to be original... But this Carmen is unique: it has everything.
Is this something your children can see? Yes. My daughters, thankfully, have seen over and over this one (in the VHS tape edition) since they were about five.
I probably never recommended anything as a "you should buy this one", but this is it. It is very good news that finally this performance is available on DVD. Even if you never saw an opera, or never want to see one, get this DVD, and you will be glad you got it.

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