Customer Reviews

Bartok: Bluebeard's Castle [VHS]

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This filmed (like a real movie, not a stage performance) version of Bartok's expressionistic ode to human isolation and secrets is gorgeously photographed and acted by the stunning Hungarian soprano Sylvia Sass as Judith and her Bluebeard Kolos Kovats. Reminiscent of Cocteau, this movie is full of unforgettable images and surroundings. And best of all it's short -- just under one hour (not bad for an opera). Not to be missed.

interesting version of the great bartok opera. the two performers sing well, although the stylized acting of opera works less well on screen and the scenery is a little ridiculous at times because it's so unrealistic. the singer who plays bluebeard is a little too stoic at the end. the last scene is extremely well-done dramatically and visually -- the costumes are amazing. worth seeing this fascinating highly allegorical opera visually, although the production doesn't do very well resolving the difficulties of the staging because it tries to depict the scenes too literally.