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Aspect Ratio: 1.85:1Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD EAN: 9780769714844 Format: Classical, Color, DVD-Video, Letterboxed, NTSC ISBN: 0769714846 Label: Kultur Video Languages: Manufacturer: Kultur Video Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Kultur Video Region Code: 1 Release Date: July 31, 2001 Running Time: 193 minutes Studio: Kultur Video Theatrical Release Date: July 31, 2001 Editorial Review: Amazon.com: The Marriage of Figaro, as this elegant 1994 production brilliantly reminds us, was a French bedroom comedy before it became a Mozart opera. It is a classic of French literature, and it is still enjoyable as a spoken play after more than two centuries of existence. Its literary quality gives this production a special flavor. The music--some of Mozart's finest--is beautifully presented by a carefully chosen international cast (including Giovanni Furlanetto, Elzbieta Szymtka, Janice Watson, and Ludovic Tezier), but what sets this production apart is its theatrical flavor, cultivated by a director who is an expert on classic French theater. The standards of spoken theater are upheld in timing, body language, the inflection of punch lines. These qualities are more important here than in most operas; style is both crucial and elusive. Fortunately, the Opera de Lyon, one of most imaginative companies in Europe, shows an impressive sense of style. --Joe McLellan Description: This acclaimed production by the former actor and director Jean-Pierre Vincent is infused with a real knowledge and understanding of Beaumarchais and da Ponte and is entirely faithful to the spirit of Mozart's immensely popular, vivacious amorous intrigue. Set in the eighteenth century, the subtly stylized stage designs by artist Jean Paul Chambas recreate the age of enlightenment with a Spanish flavor. Giovanni Furlanetto's Figaro is beautifully musical and well-acted, capturing all the gaiety, grace, goodwill and optimism of the part. Elzbieta Szmytka is a lively, natural and commanding Susanna. Vincent's exceptional production of Mozart's incomparable masterpiece is a spectacularly theatrical and musical experience. 193 minutes, with English subtitles. Average Rating:
 Rating: - sound, performance, ok, not great. This one was performed before a live audience and recorded with parabolic mikes, I think. The sound quality is reasonably good, but there are thin spots in places when someone turns her head at the wrong place. Also, the miking picks up an inordinate amount of footfall noise, but it probably isn't worse objectively than in a live performance; you just notice it more on a dvd. The singers all have good strong voices, and the acting is reasonably good. It's worth the money, but if a really ... Read More Rating:  - BRAVO BRAVO !!! I really enjoyed this opera clarity of the DVD was Excellant I felt like I was viewing from a "live" audience Rating: - Near Perfect BalanceNo recording of Le Nozze di Figaro would ever get less than 5 stars from me unless the singers were sadly out of tune. This performance certainly has no such flaw; the singers are splendid and vocally suitable to their roles. The sets are charming. The stage action is gracefully theatrical. This is an extremely well-balanced ensemble of music, theater and visual art. Other performances may include more enormous vocal talents, but few could be more enjoyable. Rating: - This one 'hooked' me on Opera for good!This production is a sheer delight. I remember saying "No wonder opera won't go away after 400 years" when experiencing this for the first time. Mozart's penchant for making all the characters, no matter what side of the conflict they are on, completely irresistable. You'll want all these delightful folks to get their way. (except, perhaps, the Count!) Very well photographed, in a simple, yet elegant set. Szymtka, while not a natural beauty, aces the two suductive arias. And, her 'letter duet' with ... Read More Rating:  - Quaint performance of a masterpiece opera.This is a quaint performance, the sparse stage does not detract from the nice performances. My only real quibble is the sound quality. For a DVD released in 2001, I was surpised that it only had 2.0 stereo. Add to that the fact that I had to turn the volume way up on the stereo just to get normal output. Overall good, but could be better sound-wise. |
