Rating: 
Summary: An fascinating production
Review: This production may seem shocking to those who prefer traditional productions. In up-dating the action to the Industrial Revoluation, Patrice Chereau robs the cycle of its universality (even though class-struggle is perhaps still relevant to our age). Yet, I suppose that Chereau's principal aim is not to expatiate on the drama's universality, but is instead to place the drama in a specific context and see how it works within such ambits. While some people may not like it, I do consider it to be, on the whole, a very effective and powerful piece of drama (and stage direction). It truly deserves to be seen.And heard, too. For the singing here is certainly better than most Wagnerian productions that one can see these days. My only reservation is in Manfred Jung's Siegfried, for his voice sounds a little bumpy. Yet, it's only fair to report that he survives the strenuous role. I like Gwyneth Jones' powerful Brunnhilde, Hofmann's romantic Siegmund and even McIntyre's rather unsympathetic Wotan. Most of the other roles are well taken, and all act convincingly and are loyal to the production concept, which helps a lot to make it a success. Boulez's reading of the score is brisk and less pompous that one would have encountered elsewhere but he succeeds in pushing the drama ahead relentlessly. Contrary to common belief, he's actually quite an exciting conductor. The Bayreuth orchestra and chorus perform very well.
Rating:
Summary: A successful production concept with fine performances
Review: This production will not appeal to those who prefer a traditional approach in staging Wagner's masterpiece. It is also true that up-dating the background to somewhere sometime during the Industrial Revoluation may have stripped the drama of its universality. Yet, I think the director, Patrice Chereau, merely wish to test out the Ring's drama in a specific historical and political context, and within such an ambit his "experiment" is, on the whole, a success. Much has been said about the superlative standard of acting of the singers in this production as well as Brian Large's wonderful videography. I also tend to think that the singing is also very good, at least better than the case of many Wagner productions that we're treated to nowadays. I admire Gwyneth Jones's Brunnhilde, which is one of the singer's greatest achievements on records. Donald McIntyre's Wotan is tonally monotonous, but his interpretation has considerable stature. Hofmann and Altmeyer are pretty moving as the pair of Walsung twins and most of the other roles are more than competently handled. Boulez's conducting is accurate, and although his approach isn't too heroic (as one may expect for the Ring), this swift-paced approach is not out of place (and pace) with Chereau's dramatic and passionate production. The video does show a bit of its age, but both the picture and sound qualities on this DVD release are still very good. On the whole, I think this is an interesting and cherishable production, and one which the audience may discover newer things with each repeated viewing. In fact, I found myself growing more and more fond of the production and performance, which probably is evidence of their success. I can warmly recommend it for home viewing.
Rating:
Summary: An unforgettable viewing experience!
Review: This rather modern, but dramatically compelling, production of the Ring cycle, which was taped at Bayreuth, is proof that opera, as an art form, can transcend the ages and would appeal to a modern audience, including those who're not not familiar with opera, just like myself. Viewing it on DVD is a riveting experience. Besides one or two disappointing touches (which is unavoidable in any theatre productions, let alone one of such length), this rather modern interpretation is very illuminating. It is also supported by a host a excellent singers, who not only sing well, but also act with utmost conviction. In short, it's wonderful!
Rating:
Summary: Magnificent
Review: This wonderful production makes magnificent home-viewing. Brian Large video direction is excellent, and although both the sound and the picture reveals the original video's age, both have been enhanced in this new DVD format. It's difficult to describe in a few words the production style of such a mammoth opera cycle. While Chereau's direction has been considered iconoclastic in the seventies, it now seems to be (mostly) intelligent and dramatically appropriate. The same can be said for the sets and costumes. In fact, this production has already become a sort of classic in opera production, and it's therefore wonderful to have it on DVD. The standard of acting at Bayreuth is always high. But it reached lofty heights for this centenial production. No one disappoints and their acting skills often rival those who ply their trade in theatres. As regards the singing, while it may not rival the best in history, with hindsight, it's much better that what we're treated to these days. And there're some transcendent performances, too. While playing a video of an opera performance at home cannot be compared with experiencing the work live in the opera house, such is the powerful of this production that one can't help but be thrilled from time to time when watching it.
Rating:
Summary: Great production
Review: Visually and conceptually, this is a great production. Brian Large's direction is also a magnificent achievement. While Boulez's conducting may be controversial, the orchestral playing is always alert and transparent. The standard of acting is extremely high and most of the singers live their parts. While the level of singing here is definitely not an all time high (though not at all bad when compared with more recent productions of the Ring around the world), the whole thing makes compelling viewing. A stunning production.
Rating:
Summary: modern wagner with a vengance!
Review: warning: not for traditionalists, conservatives,or those wagnerians with pre-conceived notions.
this is the grand daddy of avant garde opera productons and it really does deserve all the accolades and controversy that it aroused.
the boulez-chereau film remains still far more challanging than
all those over inflated, unimaginative stagings done by levine and his ilk since.
only the barenboim-kupfer version (outrageousely deleted) can hold a candle to this.
much has been written on chereau's staging and can't really add anything to that, but it is also the transparent, cooler colored conducting of boulez that is something to behold (and alas, what with boulez's recent recordings, something that is sorely missed. one needs only to compare his two recordings of la mer or the miraculous mandarin as evidence that he has, for the most part, lost his powers).
but, this is a historic recording and film.
truly indespensable
Rating:
Summary: A joy to watch!
Review: What a joy it is to watch this stunning production! After watching through this finely produced DVD set, which boasts a very enlightening production concept, strong singing and excellent acting, I must say I'm no longer afraid of these long Wagnerian music dramas. This should be a wonderful gift to those who enjoy opera.
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