Product Details

• Actors: Matthew Polenzani
• Directors: Julie Taymor
• Format: Color, Digital Sound
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Studio: Metropolitan Opera
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001MSC61A
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #66,784 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The Magic Flute on DVD! Experience Julie Taymor's breathtaking production of Mozart's timeless operatic fairy tale in an abridged, English-language presentation for families. This newly released DVD of Taymor's staging was featured as the inaugural transmission of the Met's Emmy Award-winning Live in HD series in 2006. Conducted by Met Music Director James Levine, the 110-minute production, with English translation by J.D. McClatchy, was created to appeal to music lovers of all ages. Heading the cast are Ying Huang as Pamina, Erika Miklósa as Queen of the Night, Matthew Polenzani as Tamino, Nathan Gunn as Papageno, and René Pape as Sarastro.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

38 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars "I wanted magic and I got it!(mostly)", December 27, 2008

By 

Lawrence D. Devoe "OperaDoc" (Augusta,GA,USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - The Magic Flute (The Metropolitan Opera HD) (DVD)

This is the much anticipated release of the first HD broadcast by the Met from 2 years ago. I saw it in the theater and was overwhelmed by the spectacular effects and, although I am not a big fan of abridged works as well as works not done in the original language, these concerns were dispelled by this production. It continues to play well on second and third viewings-something I cannot say for all video opera productions. With the exception of Rene Pape, none of the principal performers are operatic household names although, Nathan Gunn, a relative newcomer, steals the show as Papageno. Close seconds are Greg Fedderly (Monostatos) and Jennifer Aylmer (Papagena).
While the whole show is largely enjoyable, there are some caveats for diehard opera fans. The principal female roles of Pamina and Queen of the Night are somewhat disappointing both in their characterization and delivery of their big arias. Matthew Polezani (Tamino) is not a very interesting performer in this production; his stiffness in this role is in sharp contrast to the dynamic performance of Nathan Gunn.
The surround soundtrack lacks ambience and crispness.
These caveats aside, I think that most viewers will enjoy this version for its showmanship, humor (it is after all a comic opera), and visual impact.

25 of 26 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent for education!, March 21, 2009

By 

WestSider851 (New York, NY) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - The Magic Flute (The Metropolitan Opera HD) (DVD)

First, let me begin by saying that I am a huge fan of this production. I saw it live at the Met at the premier performance and was absolutely thrilled. This very fresh, imaginative staging brings this extraordinary Mozart masterpiece to life.

As an elementary school music educator, I have used this HD performance in the classroom as an introduction to the genre. We spend a few classes studying the story and discussing what opera is so that the students understand everything, and then show the film. They absolutely love it! With top-notch artistry, it is an invaluable resource.

It is important to note that this is a cut version of the opera sung in English. If you're looking for the original sung in German, this is not the item for you.

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Stunning performance, January 7, 2010

By 

Richard R. Hays "Movie affectionado" (Indiana, USA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - The Magic Flute (The Metropolitan Opera HD) (DVD)

A stunning performance. I had seen a school production of the English version and encountered this one on TV. When I saw this for the first time, I was enchanted, enthralled, etc.

The costuming is very colorful and very original. The performance was first-rate. My grandchildren found the performance by Nathan Gunn amusing. Since the first time, I have seen this at least five times, reflecting how much I enjoy this production.

The Met has done it again!