Rating: 
Summary: Spectacular production values but a let-down overall
Review: I agree with other reviewers who praise the production values in this performance. Zhang Yimou's stage direction is very impressive and reflects his wonderful visual sense. Although at times he appears to have everyone under the sun on stage, the direction does not veer into the worst excesses of Zeffirelli. Zhang makes some interesting decisions regarding how to stage the chorus-dominated scenes, and, by and large, they work quite well (especially the invocation to the moon).The DVD direction, on the other hand, is another story. The director keeps cutting to shots of the chorus, who are static because they are arranged like a choral society on the steps of the Forbidden Palace, while very interesting and/or beautiful things are happening on stage(such as the wonderful dance during the 1st scene's choral hymn to the executioner). Another example of the director's strange choices is his insistence on showing the viewing audience the artificial moon during the moon invocation (oh, look, it's the moon! and there's an axe superimposed! how clever!) when Zhang had staged a beautiful and effective scene. The performances were generally disappointing. Larin's singing was adequate, no more, and his acting dismal. Casolla sounded fine and she generated some heat during the riddle scene, but the final love duet was limp. Frittoli was an effective Liu, but the PPP trio was made more annoying by using pointless affectations to create character (one was, apparently, suppposed to be drunk in the 1st scene. Why? who knows?). I'd really give this performance 2 1/2 stars.
Rating: 
Summary: Woke me up to the power of opera
Review: I don't like opera - or so I thought. But in watching this performance I was so completely riveted and engaged that it has entirely revised my understanding of the art. Wow!
Rating:
Summary: Astounding!
Review: I first saw this on PBS and could not believe the costumes and staging. Later I found it was done in China. The "costumes" I think are not really costumes but authentic 5th century dress for that period in time. I was overwhelmed by the "costumes", staging and the authentic setting, beautifully incredibly done, hence the 5 star rating from me. The opera itself was secondary to me, nothing to scream about. I am not one who appreciates huge elderly ladies playing a young princess, no matter how good they sing.
Rating: 
Summary: Most Spectacular Production
Review: I have just seen "Turandot", in it's biggest production. Set in Beijing, it is certainly the best achievement yet produced in DVD's Operas. Thousands of people involved, for sure one will be entertained by all the magic of the settings, the costumes, the performance, the music - it is hard not to be amused by Puccini music, as long as one appreciates Opera. The sole remark is on the music itself, not sung with all that brilliance. But you can always listen to the CD, also included in the DVD, which has a much better sound quality. Whoever has ever heard or seen "Turandot", and likes it (which is another story) must see this DVD. Better thinking, I would recommend it even to those simply interested in big opera productions, or DVD "state of the art" technology.
Rating:
Summary: TRANSCENDENTAL! ! !
Review: I have never seen anything like this performance. WOW
Rating:
Summary: spectacular - extremely good acting and singing
Review: I have not seen such a steel and commanding singing Turandot since Eva Marton. The chinese costumes she wears are authentic and reminded me of the chinese ancient movies from HongKong (I am chinese and I truly feel at home!!!) Liu was heartbreaking and her pianissimis are truly melting. Calaf was as good or better than dominggo or carreras.
Rating:
Summary: Wish I had seen the production live!
Review: I have rarely seen better opera on video. Even my 8 year old daughter stayed up until 11PM to see the ending ... I only wish I had seen it in person!
Rating:
Summary: One of the largest and grandest opera ever performed
Review: I have seen a life performance of Turandot by the Omaha Opera company three years ago. The stage was 1/10th the size of this production and the actors and constumes were 2nd grade compared to this 1st grade authentic design of ancient Chinese costumes that reflect the Ming dynasty. I like the stage design and all, but at times I wish they had more lighting on the background to reflect the techni color of the the Chinese monuments and buildings. I think in term of stage lighting, they can learn something from the San Francisco production, which had great back drops and good lighting. A must have for Turandot fan.
Rating:
Summary: I LIKE THIS MOVIE
Review: I LIKE IT TOO MUCH ,YOU HAVE TO SEE IT
Rating: 
Summary: The quality of this video is horrible beyond belief!
Review: I saw this performance in Bejing, and this video in no way reflects what I saw. Some scenes are out of focus, there are no long shots which give a sense of space and place. The direction is totally haphazard, with no continuity of shots. It is so horrible to watch, that I was distracted to the point where I could hardly listen. The cast is ok, but totally undistinguished. If you love or don't know Turandot, this video is to be avoided at all costs.
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