Mozart - Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute) / Levine, Battle, Serra, Metropolitan Opera

Rating:
Summary: It DOESN'T get any better than this . . .
Review: This DVD of Mozart's "Magic Flute" is one of the best I ever seen (over-shadowed only by the CD set with Gedda, Janowitz, Berry and Popp). I approach this opera with skepticism as all the roles are incredibly difficult to sing (coming from experience singing the role of Tamino in college). Araiza's vocal expertise and physical stature make him a convincing Tamino. Battle's ever-innocent features make her a perfect Pamina (check out her Zerlina also). In my eyes nothing could ever surpass Lucia Popp in the role of the Queen of the Night but Serra certainly gives it run for the money. Her features (the "beautiful villainess" reminiscent of Malificent from Disney's "Sleeping Beauty") and the sheer vocal power of her Queen makes her as stunning as she is beautiful. This is one of the BEST casts I've ever seen put together.

Rating:
Summary: Fun and bright for the eyes and ears
Review: This is a modern staged version performed by the Metropolitan Opera. It's interesting staging (reminiscent of ancient Egypt!) and excellent singing. Lots of great special effects, too! James Levine conducts the Met Orchestra. This version does have English subtitles. It's all on one video tape.

Rating:
Summary: You wanted, you got it. Mozart
Review: This is by far one of the best operas of all time. And thats to I don't know who, this is one of the best Zauberflotes around. Araiza is a great Tamino, his voice is batifull and he dosn't shout. Battle is a good Pamina also. The most interesting singers are of course Kurt Moll and Luciana Serra. Kurt's sarastro is deep and moving, and Luciana's Queen of the Night is fabulous. Manfred Papageno is well acted and with good voice, something that is not very importanr in that role, but i apreciate it.

Rating:
Summary: Magic Battle
Review: This opera is fantastic. The fact Kathleen Battle is in it makes it 5 stars. What a voice and what beauty. Don't forget to buy her CD'S also.

Rating:
Summary: Good flute
Review: This very good Met production have an excelent LPCM sound; the singer aren't weak, just depend the sound mode you select. The Pamino(Araiza) and Pamina(Battle) are very good, but really good is Sarastro(K. Moll). But the DVD have an error: a poor menu, you can't select easy( like in the Pioner Met operas DVD)the chapters, and have no other kind of related information ( the sony classical DVD ( Karajan Legacy) have it)like singers biographies, production notes, etc. But I'm happy whit this DVD.

Rating:
Summary: This is getting absolutely Ridiculous!!!
Review: Why are these people objecting to a black Pamina when numerous white sopranos sing Aida, Turandot, Butterfly etc. You racist bigots with warped morals!!! Utter shame on all of you!

Rating:
Summary: Magic Mozart
Review: With a star-studded cast and orchestra led by Levine, what could one ask more for? Battle is truly ravishing, both in looks and voice, Araiza however, slightly harsh in tone and dull in acting. Moll, Hemm and Serra are real treats! A must-have in terms of both singing and staging!