Rating: 
Summary: Plodding performance
Review: The production of this Ring cycle is OK for me. It's not very interesting, but it's also true to the spirit of Wagner's work. I'm however disappointed by the performance. I know that there're different views as regards James Levine conducting and I belong to the group who found him disappointing. The speed that he adopts is far too slow and lifeless, which renders the performance a plodding one. The singers are not that outstanding with a few who're below their best, including some in the major roles. I don't think this is a very inspiring and invigorating performance.
Rating: 
Summary: Much better than any other video production available
Review: This production is a strong one because it is performed as the composer intended. Unlike the pretentious Boulez Ring this is how we are meant to experience Wagner. The full heroic myth unfolds admirably. It is a visual feast and has first class musical values. This is the Ring I will watch, until Solti's Ring is computer animated!
Rating: 
Summary: Best production for Wager newcomers
Review: "Ring" cycles are almost sure to inspire controversy. The outrageous scenic demands, the fantasy elements, the horrific demands on the singers make it almost impossible to fully realize Wagner's vision. And everyone who has tried to stage the operas has had to make compromises, gloss over difficulties, and make due with what they have at their disposal. The Met Ring represents the neo-romantic approach to the operas, which for most casual viewers or opera "newbies" will probably make this the first choice for watching the cycle at home. Granted, many critics and opera affecianatos have hated this production. They have called it "too lush," "too old fashioned" or "too easy." But it is these elements which will make the opera comprehensible to the newcomer. Some of the more modern productions have been visually interesting, and indeed made the viewer rethink the story and its meaning to contemporary audiences. But too often they zero in on one aspect or meaning to the expense of others. Chereau's Industrial Ring was a fascinating production, but after awhile I couldn't get past some jarring inconsistencies, especially the clash between the fantasy elements and the gritty "real world" in which it was set. Why would Alberich want to control a magic ring, when he could organize a union or lead a workers' revolt? How is it that the world could progress into the Industrial Age but not understand the concept of money? Does taking an elevator really convey the descent into the underground caverns of the dwarves? And so on -- a mechanical dragon, the forging scene all seem even more silly when forced into "reality." Other staged productions fare no better... watching the laser show of another production brings to mind a late night stoner session watching Pink Floyd. Others have twisted the story so much that characters show up at inappropriate (and unscripted) times, new endings are tacked on, and so forth... all in the name of making the operas "relevant." Herein lies the strength of the Met's production - it tries to bring Wagner's vision to life, not that of some ambitious director. Set in a fantasy world of gods, heroes, and magic, the story flows more naturally and the elements have broader resonance. The sets, lighting, and presentation of the opera are particular strengths of this DVD. I doubt if the Rhineland has ever come to life in such a brilliant, visually stunning way, and those who fell under the spell of the recent "Lord of the Rings" movies should find many similarities here. The singing is not quite the caliber of the "golden age" but is generally fine. Levine and the orchestra are in tip-top form here... rarely do opera's sound this good! The acting is not this production's greatest strength, but several performers do quite well. Ludwig, Morris, Beherns are quite good, an Jerusalem is one of the better Siegfrieds around. Sure, viewers can ultimately move on to more complex productions, but this is the best place to start for those hoping to make that first plunge into Wagner's Ring.
Rating:
Summary: English subtitle does not make any sense...
Review: On Walkure Act III, English subtitile is messed up.
Majority of the dialogues does not make any sense as English.
If you understand English but German, stay away from this product until they fix and announce it. I love the production, though.
I'm waiting to get email back from Grammophon about replacement of the Walkure disc. ----- As of Dec. 3, 2002, Grammophon quickly answered my email and promised to send me replacement Walkure discs. According to them, the faulty subtitles appear on the whole first circulation.
Rating:
Summary: Taken on a whole, a valuable addition to your library...
Review: First and foremost the question must be asked if you could live with this performance of the Ring on DVD. Most assuredly yes, for though the production is not without its flaws, it is an entertaining evening, or evenings, well spent. Since these are live broadcasts and not studio bound, you will have some vocal frailties come forth. Jerusalem is vocally spent by the third act of Siegfried but admirably holds his own agianst a fresh voiced Behrens. Morris is a noble Wotan and was starting to get the full measure of the role, from the youthful power hungry god in Rheingold to the world weary wanderer in Siegfried. Heinz Zednik and Ekkehard Waschiha play the villinous Mime and Alberic perfectly, Zednik relying less on his usual comic camp than in previous productions. Finally kudos must be given to Matti Salminen who is evil incarnate in the role of Hagan. His black bass and imposing characterization are a pleasure to hear and watch. On the negative there is Jessye Norman who possesses a voice which is simply too powerful for the role of Seglinde. Also her acting ability, along with Gary Lakes as Sigmund, leaves much to be desired...you felt no passion between the two which is essential in understanding their parts. While James Levine does not take the quick tempos of Bohm's justly praised Bayreuth performance, he is not as dull as many believe,and the pacing and drama in the second act of Gotterdammerung is the highlight of this Ring. The costumes (no space suits or tuxedoes here) and sets are not a distraction, and that's a compliment, considering so many produtions rely on visual eye candy to hide other inadequecies in the performance. It was no small fact that many Europeans came to the MET to see this Ring because they were tired of the pseudo new age productions that proliferated in their homelands.
So, since there will not be a truckload of alternate Ring cycle's flooding the market, I suggest you not hesitate in purchasing this fine adaption. Recommended, with minor reservations.
Rating:
Summary: Getting gradually worse as the cycle progresses
Review: I'm afraid this production doesn't making very enjoyable viewing/listening as the performances get gradually worse as the cycle progresses. Rheingold proves to be a promising start, but the tension begins to sag a bit in Walkure. A big decline in performance standards greets the viewer/listener in Siegfried whereas Gotterdammerung provides an anti-climatic end through some lifeless tempos and inadequate singing. I'm OK with the staging but it isn't much help to the performance as a whole. I've no regret buying the set, but I'm indeed quite disappointed by the performances.
Rating:
Summary: Let down by direction and cast
Review: I must disagree with anyone who suggests that Levine's conducting is no good. I find his interpretation in this cycle absolutely astounding! Few conductors, past or present, is able to have such a complete mastery of this difficult score, and Levine has it in his blood. He is here supported by the Met's orchestra in top form. What more can one ask? However, I must voice my dissatisfaction with 2 aspects of this production. The first is the bland direction. I like traditional stagings. But traditional stagings don't mean that the stage directions have to be as unimaginative and static as what we see here. The same can be said of the sets, which are a little too rigid from a visual perspective. But it's the singing that is most disappointing. No one would reasonably expect that the singing here can compare with the best of the past. Yet, much of the singing here is uninspiring and, in one crucial role, less than competent. I'm referring here to the inadequate Brunnhilde of Hildegard Behrens. While her silvery top register do give pleasure, her patchy voice often ruins Brunnhilde's phrases. In my view, she's overparted. Siegfried Jerusalem, though slightly past his prime, is much more satisfactory. However, Lakes and Norman disappoint as the Walsung twins, as they're not that suitable for the parts, both physically and vocally. Morris is, by contrast, a commanding Wotan. On the whole, I can give this set only 2 stars, most of it being earned by Levin and the orchestra. The other aspects of this production is, honestly, not that up to standard.
Rating:
Summary: Rheingold great, Walkure defective
Review: So far, Rheingold is awesome, but Walkure 3rd act has garbled English subtitles in the third act. (Another person I know who owns the set noticed this problem.) For me, it renders it unwatchable.
Rating:
Summary: best available for the forseeable future
Review: the orchestra is the best in the world (and not coincedentally, the best paid.) The singers are the best available. The recorded sound is spectacular on DTS, and the format the state of the art (although the original video is not). No need to buy any more "rings" in my lifetime.
Rating:
Summary: The one to own
Review: There are problems with this 1990 staging. The sets are glorious. (Did the ending of the Ring ever look this good?) It is beautiful to the eye and (mostly) easy on the ear. But as other reviewers have pointed out, often the acting is poor, just meandering around stage. This is especially a problem for the Siegfried. Still, given a choice between this Metropolitan production and the kinky Centenary Ring from Bayreuth, I would take this one without hesitation. I'm giving several copies for Christmas presents this year.
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