Rating: 
Summary: A magnificent achievement
Review: Although this production is not perfect, as seen on DVD, it is still a magnificent achievement. The drama unfolds powerfully on the stage, and the direction is always appropriate, often superb. The singers make a fine team, headed by Gwyneth Jones's glorious Brunnhilde. Manfred Jung is a macho Siegfried, even though the character doesn't earn one's sympathy. The Bayreuth Orchestra plays with great skill under Boulez.
Rating:
Summary: Don't hestiate to purchase this remarkable Götterdämmerung!
Review: Due to the high cost of this collection, I decided to purchase my favorite opera from the Ring, which is Götterdämerung. If the rest of the Chéreau Ring Cycle is as incredible as this production of Wagner's Götterdämmergung, then my only regret will be that I didn't save money and buy the entire Ring, which as a set is sold at a special price. This glorious production is on 2 discs (over 4 hours) with rich, full stero and surround sound of the highest quality that DVD has to offer. The sound quality is superior to a lot of opera productions on DVD that were made much later than this one. Unfortunately, the picture quality is not always at the same high level of the sound quality, especially in the darker scenes, of which there are many in this opera. Even so, the picture quality is no worse than slightly below average, and often it is quite good. The singing is first rate--Gwyneth Jones' Brünnhilde especially captivated me. For me the entire cast was outstanding in bringing this amazing work to life. Of course with Wagner the orchestra as is vital as the singing, and the Bayreuther Festspeile Orchestra under Pierre Boulez is radiant throughout. This is a modern production, and while controversial some 20 years ago, it seems just right for today. I prefer it to the more traditional Ring productions, but that is a question of personal taste. I look forward to viewing the rest of the highly acclaimed Chéreau Ring cycle, for if the standards are a high as they are for Götterdämmerung, it will rank for me as one of the greatest accomplishments for opera on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Brilliant!
Review: I won't be able to write a lot. Suffice to say that I found the production to be brilliant and the singing and acting to be of superlative quality. This is the kind of modern operatic performances that can prove to most people that the genre is as exciting as any other kind of theatrical performances and is worthy of doing.
Rating:
Summary: An outstanding production
Review: I'm completely bowed over by this ultra-dramatic rendition of Wagner's opera. The drama moves so relentlessly on, and that the conflicts between the characters are put in such sharp focus, that I almost think that I were watching a gripping soap opera! The standard of the acting is very high, and the singing no less inspiring and energetic. Gwyneth Jones's Brunnhilde, in particular, provides a central focus to the plot, and she did a marvellous job here. Although I'm not sure if Boulez's interpretation will be my favourite, he moves things on well and the Bayreuth orchestra gives a powerful performance.
Rating: 
Summary: A disappointing ending to a questionable enterprise
Review: Out of the entire Boulez/Chereau Ring, this is probably the weakest of the set (Valkyrie is the strongest). The modern sets lose whatever thematic coherence they may have had (which is not much; for a coherent 'modern' production, see Kupfer). Act III Scene II, set back at the dam, is poorly staged, and the ending immolation is a complete anti-climax. The whole 'chorus as proletariat' doesn't work particularly well, either. But the true weakness is the singing, most of all Jung. He's simply too weak to sing the part, and is often squally. Jones has a wonderfully powerful voice, but is hunting for pitches by the end. Hagen is fairly good, if not quite as dark as one might want. In addition, the sound quality is wildly variable, with plenty of distracting fluctuations.
Even if you like the rest of the Chereau Ring, this installment is much weaker than the others. I recommend the Met videos (not out on DVD yet) particularly for this opera; you should see the ending of the Ring done all-out at least once.
Rating:
Summary: Splendid summation of a memorable cycle
Review: This is a splendid summation of a memorable Ring Cyle. The drama and stage direction are compelling, and the standard of acting is superb across the board. Although Wagner probably doesn't forsee that such dramatic and scenic up-dates would occur to his mighty dramas, to a modern audience like myself who is familiar with such a kind of approaches in straight theater, I found the production immensely enjoyable. As I've suggested above, the standard of acting is wonderful. Much of the singing is also very fine, with the entire cast led by Gwyneth Jones in one of her best recorded performances ever. I do like Manfred Jung's Siegfried that much, but I believe such an approach is part of the production's dramaturgy. The others, including the chorus, immersed themselves totally into the production and drama, and Boulez's kept a tight rein on his fine orchestra and, thanks to Bayreuth's unique acoustics, never overwhelmed the singers. It's all very memorable indeed. I suppose that I'll be watching it over and over again in the days and years to come.
Rating: 
Summary: Good music strange production
Review: This is a strange production of the Gotterdammerung, which first appeared in the 70?s and was apparently met by booing. Since then it has achieved some measure of acceptance. The general response to the release of this production that apparently was filmed in the 80?s has generally been positive as far as the music is concerned although it is thought that Jung who sings the role of Siegfried is not up to it. Prior to this I have heard recordings of the work by Karajan, Solti and Janowski. Although I preferred the Solti the sound quality of this DVD is excellent and generally the singing appears flawless. It is hard however to watch the production totally dispassionately. Part of the problem with Opera on DVD is that one is a lot closer to the action than one is in the theatre. The appearance of the characters can jar one from the suspension of disbelief which is critical to any film or entertainment experience. In this case Gwyneth Jones is simply to old for the part of Brunnhilde. The looks a fare way the wrong side of 50 and she wears a rather shapeless smock. When she appears one is continually jolted back from being part of the action to realising that this is a performance in which she has been chosen for her voice. The production sets the actions around the late 19th early 20th century so that the aristocratic characters wear eveningwear and suits and the tribesmen dress as French factory workers. Obviously trying to suggest that the opera had something to say about the break down of a society based on privilege and aristocratic values under the pressure of revolutionary ideas. From memory Wagner himself might have muttered something along these lines before he became conservative and in love with notions of race. However again it is difficult to suspend one?s disbelief. Hagen wanders around looking like a dishevelled bank clerk holding a rather large spear. Siegfried seems to ponce around with a breast plate and a small dagger which is meant to be his sword. Gunther?s retainers, the French factory workers grab spears in the action scenes. Still as you see it more, it seems to make sense. When I first saw it I would have joined those who wanted to burn the producer at the stake, but you sort of get used to it.
Rating:
Summary: Splendid production
Review: This is in many ways a splendid production of a mightly opera. The staging is pleasing to the eye and the direction is imaginative. The acting of the singers has reached a level rarely attained on the operatic stage. The singing here is also fine, although perhaps a notch below the level of acting. Fortunately, we have the magnificent Brunnhilde of Gwyneth Jones to anchor the entire enterprise. Handsome in stage presence, Jones sings with great power and abandon from start of finish. This is really an exhilarating portryal of a hugely demanding role. Manfred Jung's voice is not of a high quality, but he definitely looks the part. Anyway, it's a very memorable stage performance that is now well-captured on DVD.
Rating:
Summary: Highly recommended
Review: This is in many ways and exciting ending to a most interesting production. The director and producer have managed to make the story of gods and heroes both easy to appreciate and relevant to our times. Other than the grumpy Siegfried of Manfred Jung, the performers are excellent. Highly recommended.
Rating:
Summary: Thrilling performance
Review: This is one of the best DVD recording of an opera that I've watched. Brian Large's videography is simply great! The sets are good, and the acting and direction are of superior quality. The singing is, by and large, forceful and true to the spirit of the music. I admire Gwyneth Jones in the role of Brunnhilde - a great actress and a powerful singer, even though there're a few (very few, actually) squalls. Manfred Jung is not the traditionally heroic Siegfried, but his portrayal works well in this specific production. The other characters all look their parts as well. The chorus sings lustily and Boulez and the excellent Bayreuth orchestra do a fine job. I would recommend this recording to all.
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