Customer Reviews

Gigli, Schipa: Mad About Opera

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If you were born Italian & grew up in a community like this one then you will love this film. It is so funny in the Italian style - it makes me smile & laugh outright. I will bring it with me to NY & share it with my family, they will be delighted!!! (Incidentally, on each Sat afternoon at !:00pm, during opera season at the Met, we had to stop whatever we were doing & gather 'round the radio to listen to Milton Cross & opera ensemble. Mom's orders - capisco?)

I bought this DVD for the following reasons: 1) I am indeed mad about opera, 2) I wanted to see some of the great singers of the early 20th century in action, and 3) I was curious about why Gina Lollabrigida gets a billing in this film. As I expected, it was worth my money for Tito Gobbi's performance alone. In addition, I got to hear and see Tito Schipa in action -- what phrasing!

As for the story, it's "cute", but compared to the films we now have, a bit literarily and technologically naive. If you truly listen for artists' interpretations -- and not just for the nice tunes -- buy this DVD. Perhaps people interested in early films might also value this work. Otherwise spend your money on DVDs and CDs of complete operas: most of the stories will be just as inconsequential and you'll get more music for your money.

Four (perhaps five) star rating for opera buffs; two or three stars for the general public.