Rating: 
Summary: Sheer splendor
Review: The 1989 performance of the San Francisco Opera's production of Boito's 'Mefistofele' could not have been more brilliant, more vibrant, more beautiful. It was captured well during the original performance and the transfer to DVD was superb. Having not seen the show performed live, I should state that I am at a bit of a loss in that department, but having seen enough operas live in my days and having recorded them as well, I can safely say that this particular DVD is well worth the money.Ramey's performance is without question phenomenal. The supporting cast shines as well, but in contrast they are merely props to his indomitable presence on stage. He owns the role and he steals the show. The staging, lighting, set design, choreography, and costuming are without a doubt some of the best opera has ever seen or will ever see. If ever a company could capture both the choirs and angels in heaven and the sin and vice on earth so perfectly, the SanFran Opera Co outperforms on all levels. The sound quality on the DVD is excellent and the picture was great. Overall, any and all opera fans should add this one to their collection. For that matter, any and all stage/theater fans should pick this one up, as well. You will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Sheer splendor
Review: The 1989 performance of the San Francisco Opera's production of Boito's 'Mefistofele' could not have been more brilliant, more vibrant, more beautiful. It was captured well during the original performance and the transfer to DVD was superb. Having not seen the show performed live, I should state that I am at a bit of a loss in that department, but having seen enough operas live in my days and having recorded them as well, I can safely say that this particular DVD is well worth the money. Ramey's performance is without question phenomenal. The supporting cast shines as well, but in contrast they are merely props to his indomitable presence on stage. He owns the role and he steals the show. The staging, lighting, set design, choreography, and costuming are without a doubt some of the best opera has ever seen or will ever see. If ever a company could capture both the choirs and angels in heaven and the sin and vice on earth so perfectly, the SanFran Opera Co outperforms on all levels. The sound quality on the DVD is excellent and the picture was great. Overall, any and all opera fans should add this one to their collection. For that matter, any and all stage/theater fans should pick this one up, as well. You will not be disappointed.
Rating:
Summary: Devilishly good
Review: This DVD puts my old (much played) VHS copy in the shade; colours and picture definition are good and the soundtrack is superb, especially in the climactic moments when the grandeur of the piece is quite overwhelming. Maurizio Arena propels the music along nicely while the principals (Ramey in particular) do a fine job on stage. The stage design is eclectic but, unlike so many operas produced today, the drama is complemented rather than compromised. But it is Ramey's night; I've never heard or seen him in such commanding form. Benackova as Margarita/Elena sings well, too, and Dennis O'Neill is a competent Faust. Full marks, too, to the members of the chorus, especially in the deliciously gaudy Sabbath scene - a real show stopper. Last but not least, all praise to veteran video director Brian Large who instinctively frames the action perfectly. A must for every opera lover's collection, so don't hesitate!
Rating:
Summary: Overwhelming
Review: This is one of my two all time favorite operas on tape - the other being the imcomparable Abbado/Von Stade Cenerentola which is probably the finest opera video ever. Don't know what someone else mean by minimalist sets - they are completely over-the-top. I can never watch it without wishing I could watch it with Boito just to see what he would make of the production - I think it brings out a lot of the wryness and irony that has been lost in most traditional stagings - most significantly, that God wins the wager by cheating! I got to say a good word for O'Neil. I think he's great in this, and his voice really complements Ramey's. I managed to catch the opera live, after seeing it many times on the tape, with an inferior tenor, and the difference was notable.
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