Customer Reviews

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart - The Magic Flute (The Metropolitan Opera HD)

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

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.

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.

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!

What a gorgeous staging of The Magic Flute. The English translation is very good. Not having a good sound system set up at home, I cannot speak to the technical expertise of the singers. Nonetheless, this is one of the most entertaining versions of the Magic Flute that I have.

We saw this when produced for television and taped it. My 7 year old granddaughter was mesmorized. She periodically would watch it and would sing the mother's aria in the shower. Of particular interest to her was the beginning showing the backstage preparations. When we changed our DVR player we lost it and she (now 8-1/2) was heartbroken. Thank goodness through Amazon the Met Store had a copy at a very reasonable cost. The sound quality is wonderful as is the picture. This is a wonderful introduction to opera for young people. Julie Taymor's production is fascinating. She brought the same imagination in staging she used in The Lion King. Although opera purists might object and this version is abridged it is truly a delight. Now we have it forever.

I bought this for the grandkids to watch when they come to the house.They loved it so much after watching it 3 times,that we took them to the Met to see it live.Again a smash with them.Ages 8 and 5.This is a great way to get the young involved with opera and classical music.Buy it and spread the magic--Bill

This is a gorgeous production, and Nathan Gunn's Papageno steals the show. I've seen Gunn both in the live production at the Met and in this video, and he's just perfect for the role.

I used this DVD to introduce my school-age children to opera. First, I played the CD in the background for a few weeks, so that the music would be a bit familiar. And then we watched the DVD--over and over again! They just loved it. Highly recommended for young and old alike!

I can't believe it has been almost 4 years since this Opera production's first performance. When I saw it on PBS in 2006, I believed opera productions just got a breath of fresh air. Little did I know the Met was breathing fresh air into many new productions...

In this Magic Flute director Julie Taymore has hit a home-run in many respects with this production. First, she has made this masterpiece extremely accessible to young people...I mean young...4,5 and 6 yrs and up. I have shown it to preschoolers and older - they don't move from the TV. Many want to see it again! Second, the opera is extremely well sung and spoken in English making it more enjoyable without sub-titles. Finally, the costumes are well... recall Taymore's Lion King...perfect and well suited for this breathtaking re-think of The Magic Flute.

This production sets the bar very high for the next creative genius to top.

I do take exception with any comment regarding the cast. Although many may not be well known, the Met's GM Peter Gelb has chosen his singers very well. You will enjoy this DVD as no other opera video you own.

This production of The Magic Flute just plain blew me away! I've seen six others and this one is by far the best! The costumes and sets are magical, just what this fantasy opera requires. The English translation is true to the story and fits the music perfectly. Further, the diction of all the singers was clear as a bell.

There are no weak links in the cast; all were superb. But, I particularly loved Nathan Gunn's athletic Papageno and Matthew Polenzani's Tamino. Erika Miklosa's Queen of the Night was likewise wonderful, including her negotiations of her elaborate costumes. The only off key notes of the opera were rather endearing, coming from the high notes of the three young boys, called "spirits" in this English production.

I think Mozart would love this version. I know I'll watch this again and again. This would be a great gift for a Mozart fan. I recommend it highly.

Finally an opera I can understand - I've always loved the music but did not understand the play (language barrier). This ENGLISH version is perfect and done of course by the first class Metropolitan Opera.