Customer Reviews

Christmas in Vienna / Diana Ross, Placido Domingo, Jose Carreras, Vienna Symphony Orchestra

5 star:		(6)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(2)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Long time ago (1997) I bought a VHS for this concert. In thos days, the tape was spectacular in video and sound. The concert was almost the same as the companion CD (as usual, CD versions vary from video versions). Now, at the DVD era, this concert is released in DVD, which meant great hope for all Christmas in Vienna lovers. Apart from the sound and picture quality, which are poor (a standard for Kultur videos), the programme is mutilated. The first aria, by José Carreras (Mille cherubini in coro) is ommitted, and one Ave Maria too. I just threw the DVD to the waste basket. So, if you are a fan of this concert, don't waste your money. If you have the VHS tape released long time ago, take good care of it!

There have been a number of Christmas In Vienna concerts with international star Plácido Domingo an changing international stars like Diana Ross, Dionne Warwick, José Carreras etc. In my opinion this concert from 1992 as the first one of this series featuring Diana Ross was one of the best. I was highly delighted at the release of this concert on DVD and I was deeply disappointed when I have received my order. When someone can trust in the indications in the credits the concert was taken in high definition. Therefore the DVD could have been produced in 16:9 at least.
This issue could have got 5 stars easily. Since the DVD has been released in 4:3 letterbox and the videotransfer is not from the best possible quality I can give 3 stars only.

Diana Ross is mesmerizing on film! In this DVD of Christmas in Vienna, she is a match up against 2 famous opera tenors and a kids choir, singing Christmas favorites in English, while the others sing in their native tongues, and they blend beautifully!
It's always a pleasure to hear Diana with a full orchestra, but with these 2 opera tenors, she truely is a DIVA!

This live recording from Vienna features three great musical voices. Diana Ross makes this album more than just an orchestra/opera. . .her voice shines best in Amazing Grace. . .she plays well with others. . .so smooth, so elegant. . .she brought down the house on more than one occasion.

On several occasions, if you close your eyes, you can almost feel the Christmas Spirit. . .imagine christmas. . .snow. . .sleighrides. . .etc.

A great DVD to add to the collection. You'll wish it was christmas all year long.

Diana Ross sounds and looks so beautiful. There is a lot of great tunes. Great for the holidays.

NEW YEAR CONCERTS IN VIENNA ARE EVENTS THAT ATTRACT MUSIC
LOVERS FROM ALL THE WORLD. THIS IS AN EXCELLENT CONCERT
AND I WISH I WAS THERE...

This is the first concert of the Christmas in Vienna series. Very good concert, beautiful and
good music and performances. We are sure all you can enjoy this concert this Christmas!

diana, beautiful as ever!!! YOU KNOW WHAT, SHE WAS EQUAL TO THE TASK!!!! i loved her! thought she would be overshadowed, but not! she is and will always be my ultimate diva and female love!!!

The entire Christmas in Vienna series produced by CBS/Sony in the 90s (with Placido Domingo and a couple of guest stars - in this case Luciano's place being taken by Miss Ross) was a rather tepid series of concerts. It consists of soupy musical arrangements, the singers propped up in front of mics, music stands, a big symphony orchestra and chorus ringing in the Holidays to a bored-looking formal European audience. Placi and Jose are definitely phoning it in. It's Miss Ross who is trying to pump some life into the dreary proceedings.

This is a good one to have on the big screen TV if you're recovering from a big Christmas dinner and need a nap. And if you put on Kiri Te Kanawa's Christmas Concert after this one, you'll be in a complete holiday coma!