Rating: 
Summary: I was thrilled!
Review: The music and acting were supurb. I have seen and loved this opera many, many times. I was not expecting much when I bought the DVD -- I was really suprised how wonderful it was. In addition to the wonderful voices, I loved the setting in which it was filmed.
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Summary: No opera was ever filmed better.
Review: The music is wonderful and it looks just GREAT. No opera was ever filmed better than this. When I saw the movie originally in London, I had to make a 400 mile round trip and it was worth all those hours and then some.
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Summary: A hybrid opera-movie perfect for DVD
Review: Everything other reviewers have said about the passion Migenes-Johnson brings to the role is true. In DVD, the viewer controls the subtitles, so those VHS complaints go away. This realization of Bizet's opera is really a hybrid -- neither true movie nor true opera, but the medium is perfect for the story and the music. I loved the camera angles and the adaptation of the original to this medium. Not a substitute for the staged opera, but much more satisfying visually and the singing is superb.
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Summary: Brava Julia! Bravo Placido!
Review: I can't imagine what Maltin was thinking when he panned this video. Firstly, unlike most opera videos, it is a film, not a record of a stage performance, which can be stultifying, however good the production. OK, I suppose he's only comparing it to regular movies, but that's not the challenge here. Secondly, it's got Placido Domingo on top form, not just in his singing, but in his acting, too, as a rather homesick wimp knocked off his feet with passion. Thirdly, Julia Migenes was born for the role of the sensuous, carefree, but also dark and doomed Carmen. Even the Paris Opera extras are superb; take a look at the scene where they dance in the town square after work. These are real people, in a real place, but transformed by the music.My copy of this tape got ruined years ago, and I despaired of getting another copy. Now I'm wondering if it's the moment to get a DVD player and make this my first purchase.
Rating: 
Summary: Carmen
Review: I first saw this film upon release and I agree that this version of the opera is not for the purist officionado. However, since my first viewing I could not forget the film. The production is wonderful compared to many "on-stage" productions trasferred to film, if you consider the audio alone. The soundtrack is fabulous on its own, and Julia is outstandingly sensual in many of the scenes, especially the one where she rolls the cigar on her thigh. Although the film is in subtitles, I think the criticism toward this fact is ineffectual since the opera is sung in the original language. I do not know anyone who enjoys foreign films who does not cringe with the gratuitous dubbing of the original films. On its own merit, it has style, beauty, location, great opera stars, and inherent qualities of educating children of the performing arts --if not adults-- at the very least. The overall acting notwithstanding, this full length feature film version of a timeless story should be considered as a wonderful addition to anyone's musical film collection.
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Summary: Defiant
Review: Julia's Carmen becomes progresively more attractive, irresistable and exciting with her near perfect display of defiance. She almost steals the show from the wonderful music.
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Summary: Wonderful, interesting, beautifully done
Review: The music is magnificent, the story told is such manner that if you didn't like opera the visualization alone is enough to keep you spellbound.
Rating:
Summary: A treat for the eyes and ears.
Review: I saw the movie when it came out, and have had the tape for years. Filmed in Spain, the settings are authentic and beautiful. Migenes-Johnson is a terrific Carmen. Domingo's a bit wooden, but in great voice. I'm waiting for the DVD, and will buy it the moment it appears.
Rating:
Summary: fun, colorful and terrific melodies
Review: I agree with the reviewer from Amana, Iowa that this is a great video for opera novices! I first saw it in an art theater in Carmel, CA and couln't get the songs out of my mind for days afterward. It also turned me on to Julia Migenes-Johnson. I hope the video market will keep it in circulation.
Rating:
Summary: A superb work of art in every discipline.
Review: There couldn't possible ever be a better version of Bizet's masterpiece. Carmen herself could not have been cast any better. She is a spitfire. She is sexy. She IS Carmen. The direction is wonderful. The photography is simply breathtaking. Almost every scene is reminiscent of an old master painting. Even WITHOUT the music it would be a great movie. If I had more stars to give, this exquisite work of art would garner them all.
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