Product Details

• Format: Classical, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Kultur Video
• VHS Release Date: February 17, 1994
• Run Time: 60 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• ASIN: 6301666542
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #316,455 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The world renowned soprano Joan Sutherland is joined by her three lovable puppet friends in these fun-filled mini-versions of two opera treasures: Mignon and La Perichole. The diva introduces the plot to her zanny companions, then Joan in full costume and in front of elaborate sets, gives a memorable performance of the opera's highlights. At key moments, she returns to her friends to reveal more of the story. In the comic opera Mignon, Joan portrays the exuberant Philine, whose affections are much sought after. And as the title character in La Perichole Joan displays her lively flair for comedy as well as her amazing vocal abilities. Children and adults are sure to agree that opera has never been this much fun!

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Are the first three volumes no longer available???, July 1, 2001

By 

A Customer - See all my reviews

This review is from: Who's Afraid of Opera? Vol. 4 - Mignon & La Perichole [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I've been watching these movies for 14 years, ever since I was two, and they are not only an excellent way to get young children started in opera, they are wonderful to watch no matter what age you are! The world-famous soprano Joan Sutherland, and her three puppet friends; Billy, a little goat, Sir William, an older goat, and Rudy, a lion, condense famous operas into half an hour, mixing dialogue with the famous arias, and with explanations from the puppets and Joan. Oh but don't suppose that it's trite, they're actually VERY well-done. They don't attempt to dumb it down, they make them very intelligent so that even a 24-year old Opera connisseur can take pleasure in watching these. In 'Mingnon,' I was surprised to see Joan as a supporting role instead of the title character, yet she shines through nonetheless. This tells the story of a gypsy taken in by a count she falls in love with, who in turn loves Joan, an actress in a company of traveling players, and the mysterious old man that seems to follow Mingnon. Jealousy drives the mysterious old man to set fire to the theatre the players were performing Midsummer Nights Dream, however all are safe, even Mingnon although she suffers smoke inhalation. She is taken in by the old man, who turns out to be her father, and a rather wealthy count. Mingnon regains her memories of her childhood, and marries the man she loves. In the second of the two operas on each tape in this series, La Perichole, we are taken to Peru on a delightful comedic opera. Joan and her boyfriend in this opera are two street performers trying to earn money for their marriage liscence. Joan is then wooed by the viceroy who agrees to become one of his ladies in waiting, and by some twist of fate the gentleman the viceroy chooses for her to marry is her boyfriend, Pechilio. However, at the wedding, in a very comic scene, they bride and groom are too drunk to know who they are marrying. Two delightful arias come out of that scene. Later at the reception they realize they are married, Pechilio creates a scene, and is arrested. Joan comes to his rescue and after being chased by the viceroy and hiding in a cafe, he finally agrees to let them go free and live happily as husband and wife. After all, it's true that Spaniards know about love. Commentaries from the three puppets are often quite amusing with humor adults and children can enjoy, and also add to the plot. Balancing dialogue with arias, Who's Afraid Of Opera makes for a wonderful addition to any opera fan's collection, and will not disappoint.