Rating: 
Summary: Essential Document - Wonderful Quirky Centennial Production
Review: There have probably been more words about this (in)famous production than about any other production, with the possible exception of the first in 1876. This is the centennial production at Bayreuth, which debuted in 1976. This particular version was made especially for video in 1980. It was made in the Festspielhaus but it is not a recorded live performance. Patrice Chereau had never staged an opera when he was invited to produce the centennial production at Bayreuth. Legend has it that on the opening night in '76, the production was almost booed off the stage; four years later, when the production closed, there was a 45 minute standing ovation. The best thing about this production is that it takes the drama entirely seriously, completely discarding operatic traditions including the ones that Wagner himself was explicit about. The Rhinemaidens are prostitutes, the Rhine is shown as a water processing plant. In Rhinegold, the actors are dressed in 18th century gear - powdered wigs, etc. By the time we get to Gotterdaemmerung, the characters are in early 20th century evening dress. This is an a-historical production, though. There is never any sense of moving forward in time - this is evident from the first two scenes of Rhinegold: The Rhinemaiden scenes are post-industrial; the gods have powdered wigs, while Alberich, et al. look indistinctly late 19th century. Walkure and Siegfried are similarly unanchored in time - it could be the 15th century; it could be the year your mother was born. As to the singing, it ranges from satisfactory to excellent. Without running through the whole cast, suffice it to say that the principles are satisfying. Donald McIntyre's Wotan is not as musically dominating as, say, James Morris's, but Wotan's dilema and his growing desparation are perfectly conveyed by this great singing actor. Gwyneth Jones was past her prime in 1980 (she tends to be a little wild, vocally); but what a great performance! First of all, much of her singing is very fine, and all of it is intensely moving. Peter Hofman is good and good looking, and (can't remember her name) is a soulful Sieglinde. It's a rare treat to see two slim, blond Wolsang twins and find their relationship physically credible (as opposed to the Met production which has a black Sieglinde and a white Siegmund, for example). Matti Salminen's Hunding is surpassed only by his Hagen in the Met production. What a great actor and singer he was/is. This is really an essential DVD set and it comes much cheaper than it ever did on VHS or laser disc. Every Perfect Wagnerite will want this set.
Rating: 
Summary: audio problem? Not at all!
Review: There is a guy down there from Naples who complains about the audio quality. I'm surprised because my copy has very good audio. I guess it's only the problem of his sound system. It's really dreadful to give 1 star because of his own problem.
Rating: 
Summary: VERY contrasty VIDEO recording.
Review: This DVD is VERY contrasty and is therefore difficult to discern details. Furthermore the general videography (this recording is from the 70's)apparently one of the early VIDEO recording of this opera gives OVERALL views of scenes and is lacking in closeup shots of individual singers hence, it is is difficult to see and appreciate the character's expressive and psychological developments. Also beware, that the set design is of a more CONTEMPORARY interpretation which some may find difficult in accepting - but this is a matter of personal taste. The most serious flaw in this production is that there are very VERY few chapter queues, which in a massive piece like this is necessaary. The 3 star rating is strictly for the extremely contrasty visuals inadequate chapter queues. Still this set is a BARGAIN considering a complete CD set of the Ring Cycle could be easily double or triple the price!
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant and riveting performance
Review: This DVD recording has given me so much pleasure! Although it is often said that the standard of Wagnerian singing has declined a lot over the years, what I heard on this recording is still quite admirable for most of the time. Besides, what a high standard of acting the singers are able to present here! The production, though having its eccentricities, work very well for most of the time. In fact, I found the production dramatically as riveting as anything I've ever seen in the theatre. Obviously a great production. The videography is excellent, too. My love for opera has advanced by leaps and bounds after watching this production. I would recommend this marvellous set to all.
Rating:
Summary: Fabulous viewing experience
Review: This DVD recording is simply fabulous! I initially regarded it with some trepidation as I'm not at all familiar with Wagner's operas and to watch 16 hours of his works could be quite a tall order for me. However, I soon found myself mesmerised by the brilliant stage direction and the wonderful performances of the singers, who act extraordinary well! While I cannot comment in detail about what makes this performance work, I can only say that I'm thoroughly bowed over by this production, which, to me, is imaginative, exciting and dramatically fluent.
Rating:
Summary: Simply spectacular
Review: This is a spectacular production in every way. Not only is it well sung and well acted out, the sets are also marvellous and the direction is excellent. Brian Large's videography is exemplary. Both the picture and sound qualities are good. (I've heard from friends that it's a significant improvement from the video versions previously released.) I can recommend this with great enthusiasm!
Rating:
Summary: Superb in many ways
Review: This is a superb release in many ways. Although one can still see its age (after all, it was taped in 1979 and 1980), the DVD picture and sound qualities are extremely good. Looking at the production now, it's not at all provocative. Instead, it has become almost a sort of classic and it serves the drama and the music very well. The cast here is a strong one, in particular the emotionally riveting Brunnhilde of Gwyneth Jones, the vocally commanding Wotan of Donald McIntyre, and the youthful pair of Walsungs in the like of Peter Hofmann and Jeanine Altmeyer. As many have observed, the standard of acting is impressive. A remarkable achievement that has happily been preserved and released in this new format. What a joy!
Rating:
Summary: Unusual but spectacular production -- great for DVDs
Review: This is an excellent film version of the famous Bayreuth production that premiered for the Ring's centennial. It certainly is an unusual production, straying far from the naturalistic production seen at the Met in recent years. Most of the time, the visual images work well and are quite striking -- the opening of Rheingold, for example, takes place in front of what looks to be some sort of hydoelectric dam for example. The highlight of this Ring is the acting -- Film director Patrice Chereau designed this Ring and really set it up so that the singers actually act and are expressive. I feel that the Ring operas more than any other opera(s) are really helped by having subtitles to follow the opera -- here the combination of expressive singers and a clear understanding of what is being sung really captures the drama of the works. There are complaints that this Ring is not well sung, though I think most of the singers were more than adequate (certainly compared to those at recent Bayreuth Rings!). Some would say that Boulez leads an underpowered performance, which is probably true relative to (say) teh drive of a Solti performance. Again, this is perfectly fine for this Ring, in part because the somewhat quieter and clearer orchestral texture helps to bring out the themes of the music and highlight the drama. The conductor's approach makes this a relatively fast moving Ring rather than a weighty Ring. The DVD picture quality is excellent, camera work is good as our views move around the stage, and the sound is also excellent with little if any audience and stage noise. This is an excellent Ring to have in any case and would nicely complement the Levine Ring from the Met if and when it is ever fully released on DVD (only Walkure is out now).
It is a definite buy.
Rating:
Summary: Eye-opening production!
Review: This is an eye-opening production. Not only can it destroy the oft-held impression that opera is boring and static, it shows how powerful and emotionally shattering a first class opera production can be, even when viewed at home in a small TV screen. The standard of acting here is superb and that for the singing is almost as good. The sound and picture quality, while not of today's best standards (this production is filmed in 1979 and 1980), is better than good. What an enjoyable set of DVDs!
Rating:
Summary: Fascinating viewing
Review: This is not a flawless performance or production. However, what makes it so fascinating is the innovative (but never too wild) production concept as well as the dedication of the entire cast. Although this production strips the drama of a certain degree of heroism (and in this production, the central character of Siegfried is quite an unlovable one), it does provide an interesting angle to view the epic drama. The dramaturgy works well most of the time, and the stage direction is generally very good, with a few very imaginative and dramatically compelling touches. I don't quite like Boulez's interpretation of the music. However, to be fair, his reading is concentrated and surprisingly (for Boulez) passionate. It serves the production well enough. As I've said above, the entire cast deserve great praise, even though they may not be the greatest Wagnerian singers of all time. Their acting is of an extremely high standard and the singing is often good or more than good. They make a very fine ensemble indeed. Brian Large's videography is superb, which makes this DVD set an item to treasure.
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