Product Details

• Actors: Plácido Domingo, Shirley Verrett, Wolfgang Brendel, Kevin Langan, Arnold Voketaitis
• Directors: Kirk Browning
• Writers: Ferdinand Lemaire
• Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur Video
• DVD Release Date: November 28, 2000
• Run Time: 122 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B00004ZEQF
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #47,171 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Saint-Saens - Samson et Dalila / Rudel, Domingo, Verrett, San Francisco Opera" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

In an introductory talk for this production, conductor Julius Rudel revives the time-honored discussion of whether Samson et Dalila should be treated as an oratorio (Saint-Saëns's original intention) or an opera (his final decision). The San Francisco production chooses a solidly operatic approach, leaning more toward the style of a Hollywood biblical epic than that of an oratorio. Operatic features include colorful (even downright exotic) costumes, brisk tempos, hyperactive choreography for the orgiastic bacchanale, generally brisk tempos, and a spectacular ending that brings down not only the curtain but the scenery.

The story of Samson and Delilah excites skepticism in many modern minds; it is the story of a superhero who loses his power because of a haircut, suffers captivity, is blinded and humiliated, and gets his strength back just long enough for a spectacular suicide that destroys his enemies. The San Francisco visuals, exaggerating improbabilities, do not make it easy to suspend disbelief. But the singers go right to the psychological and emotional heart of this tale of seduction, betrayal, repentance, and expiation. Shirley Verrett and Placido Domingo were their generation's most celebrated exponents of the title roles. They were at their peak in 1981 when this performance took place, and they generate enormous emotional power. They are well-supported by an excellent cast, notably Wolfgang Brendel (Le Grand-Prêtre de Dagon) and Arnold Voketaitis (Abimelech). --Joe McLellan

From the Back Cover

Placido Domingo and Shirley Verrett star in the title roles of this live recording from the San Francisco Opera of Saint-Saens' great three-act opera, which closely follow the biblical tale of the struggle between the Hebrews and the Philistines and the downfall of Samson in the hands of the temptress Dalila. The colorful and evocative sets and costumes reflect Saint-Saens' melodic and sensual score, beautifully conducted by Julius Rudel.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

34 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars BRAVA! - BRAVO! - BUT NO BRAVI!, February 24, 2000

By 

"slofty" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saint-Saens' Samson et Dalila - San Francisco Opera [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This production (one of the only - if not the only available on VHS at the present) would warrant five stars considering Domingo and Verrett's performances alone.

However, there are times in this performance when the SF Opera Chorus' performance is sloppy....I think mostly due to Maestro Rudel's EXTREMELY fast tempi (particularly in Act 1) which defy musical common sense and at times actually destroy the beauty of Saint Saens' gorgeous choral writing.

One can only wonder - since this production was filmed for "Great Performances" in 1981 - if the maestro was under pressure from the PBS network to bring the length of the show in at under 120 minutes. There are also several short "cuts" in the chorus parts to make Act 3 shorter...which is disturbing if you know the show by heart.

The tempi "settle down" in Act 2 allowing Shirley Verrett to shine. BRAVA!

Domingo is powerful throughout and is especially Brilliant in the beginning of Act 3 - the scene at the millstone. Add this video to your collection for this 8 minutes sequence alone! BRAVO!

I would love to see this released in a letterbox "widescreen" version so you could see more of the beautiful sets, costumes and the stunning SIZE of this show....rather than the constant camera framing of the principals. Still, the sound is good quality and picture is clear in this presentation.

1981 seems like a long time ago. While the performances by the principals is fantastic, other artistic considerations leave something to be desired from this production. San Fransisco Opera is such a fantastic opera house today with such a fine chorus that I can't help but feel that a new production of one of my favorite operas -available on VHS/DVD - is overdue.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent cast & production, May 7, 2002

By 

operamaryc "operamarty" (DIAMOND BAR, CA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Saint-Saens - Samson et Dalila / Rudel, Domingo, Verrett, San Francisco Opera (DVD)

I've loved this opera for many years and purchased this on VHS and laser disc. I agree with the other reviewer as to the cast being superb but the chorus and conducting under par and perhaps because it was broadcast on PBS. Those were the days when you could see an opera on PBS! Domingo and Verrett are magnificent and since there aren't alot of productions to choose from, this is certainly worth the price to add to your collection.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Opera As It Should Be, June 4, 2006

By 

Mark E. Herriott "Mark" (North Bend, WA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Saint-Saens - Samson et Dalila / Rudel, Domingo, Verrett, San Francisco Opera (DVD)

I had seen this production years ago on PBS and its every bit as fantastic as I remember it. Placido Domingo was still at his vocal best here, which was not the case with his farewell performance in Samson et Dalila with the Metropolitan Opera. Some people see opera purely in terms of the singers. I see opera as a total package, singers, costumes and sets. I feel cheated when I pay good money and get stylized sets..or no sets at all. This production has all of the aforementioned characteristics. I only wished the film crew had pulled back a little further during many of the scenes so one could really enjoy the full effect of the production. If you go for opulent sets and costumes, check out the Metropolitan Opera production of Turandot with Domingo and Marton. I never really cared for that opera until I saw the Met's production and now I love it.