Customer Reviews

Opera Imaginaire [VHS]

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Indeed, Opera Imaginaire sets us free with the magical arias like "Au fond du Temple Saint", "Viens Mallika", "Vesti la giubba" and other popular ones. The clever animation and artwork give images to the opera greats. And one does not have to be an opera buff to enjoy the works of these short-film makers. When I got it in 1995, I loved it so much that I went out and bought another, just for spare. And later, bought a copy of the CD-I format!!

This collection of works by PASCAVISION uses Music by great singers like Corelli, Gedda, Lucia Popp and Carlo Bergonzi, and others, all licensed from EMI and DECCA.

Although these are different types of animation, Opera Imaginaire is a most delightful collection altogether. More than ARIA, which has ten film directors setting the music of the opera greats to images on film. The film directors include Altman, Godard, Jarman, Ken Russell etc....but the films, though individually interpreted, are very inaccessible indeed.

**UPDATE 16TH OCTOBER 2002** I HAVE NOW A DVD RELEASE OF THIS OPERA IMAGINAIRE WITH THE FULL PROGRAM IN DTS, DOLBY DIGITAL AND DOLBY DIGITAL 5.1, REGION CODE 3 AND 6 IN 4:3 ASPECT. ALTHOUGH SUBTITLES AND MENU ARE OFFERRED IN CHINESE/ENGLISH/ORIGINAL, THEY CAN BE SELECTED ON OR OFF. MASTERING IS GOOD AND SOUND IS GREAT. I CAN NOW THROW OUT MY WORN-OUT VHS(3RD COPY). I JUST WANT TO SHARE THIS WITH PEOPLE WHO HAVE FOUND THIS TITLE ENJOYABLE, MOVING...FOR THEIR FAMILY AND THEMSELVES...

This video is a wonderful introduction to Opera for adults and children. My 2 year old requests it far more frequently than any of her "age-appropriate" videos. Several of the operas were new to me, but I am now searching for CDs. In particular, arias from "Pearlfishers" and "Lakme" are breathtaking. The animation is sophisticated and interesting; it's definitely not a kiddie show. But the combination of gorgeous music and delicious video is irresistable to kids and grown-ups alike.

Visually beautiful and captivating. The very little nudity in this is quite benign- very much like Matisse's swimmers- nothing even remotely offensive. It is perfectly appropriate for children and adults. I highly recommend this as a way to introduce children to opera in a fun way.

that there wasn't more of it. Someone should do a sequel; there are so many wonderful arias and choruses that could be treated.

Here in the US we think of animation as being primarily for children, but in Europe and Japan this is not so. Hence, I would warn parents that this is NOT kid stuff; it isn't [...], far from it, but opera deals with some rather heavy themes, and these selections do not shy away from them.

Each selection is animated by a different artist in a very different style; some I liked better than the others, but all were interesting.

The music and animation are beautiful and make a great introduction to opera. Parents should view the tape first to make sure it is appropriate for their children. My grandchild has loved the music since he was 3 months old, but he had to have the pictures of a few segments edited out. Adults with no background in opera will be surprised at the music, and perhaps want to learn more about this art form.

We received this as a gift years ago and we've played it innumerable times to the delight of our now 8 year old granddaughter who has viewed it since she was 2. It is so creative, perhaps the most imaginative approach to opera for persons of all ages.There are some scenes of violent acts (murder and suicide)which are managed in a reasonably sensitive way. Even so, children over the age of 5-6 will recognize what has occured.

This video is lots of fun and a great way to introduce opera to newcomers. The animation is original and creative, and the performances well above average. I highly recommend it.

LOVE THIS MOVIE, great animation and wonderful singing! My kids love it and has peeked their interest in the world of Opera.

We wore out this vhs tape looooong ago. WHEN will it be on DVD? Amazon would sell a ton.

While probably geared towards a more mature younger audience there's no reason that a small child couldn't enjoy this as well. Although there is implied violence and nudity in parts of the animation it is tastefully done and actually quite compelling and artistic. Imagine that! The scenes are beautiful, emotional and riveting and seem more like watching a series of watercolor paintings in progress than a "cartoon" with opera music.