Donizetti - L'Elisir d'Amore
|
List Price: Our Price: $15.71 You Save: $14.27 (48%) Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days Buy Used: from $11.98 (click here) Category: DVD See more DVD releases |
|---|
Buy this DVD movie at online store in your country
Canada
Canada
Movie Reviews of Donizetti - L'Elisir d'Amore
Movie Review: Pavarotti - Donizetti L'Elisir D'Amore DVD
Summary: 4 Stars
This was a wonderful L'Elisir DVD purchase. I have a CD recording of L'Elisir with Luciano Pavarotti and Joan Sutherland from 1971 which I absolutely love more than the DVD. Nonetheless, I truly enjoyed the performance. I thought Luciano Pavarotti did an outstanding job as Nemorino. I have always felt this role was one of those that Pavarotti owned, especially in the 70's & 80's. I have not preferred anyone else as Nemorino. Regarding the rest of the cast, Juan Pons is also one of my favourite Belcore. His performance is consistently excellent. I cannot ask for anyone else better in the pit other than James Levine. I gave this a 4 star instead of 5 because of Kathleen Battle. I credit her with having a lovely voice and she sang beautifully. However, I have a few minor gripes. 1)I felt her voice was not powerful enough for Adina. There were certain parts my husband and I had a difficult time hearing her. I much prefer Dame Joan Sutherland for Adina. 2)My other gripe about Battle is her somewhat poor Italian pronunciation. It was very obvious throughtout especially when she pronounced any word w/ a "t". Granted Dame Joan was not perfect with the Italian language but nontheless, better. 3) When Battle sang, I found her mouth somewhat distracting. At times, we had to look away. She often does this mouth curling inward thing which makes her mouth look like an "O" on certain note. If you purchase the DVD, you'll know what I mean. Overall, I would definitely recommend this to beginners and seasoned opera fans alike.Movie Review: Worth owning, even if dated.
Summary: 4 Stars
Originally recorded in 1992, this 2005 DVD re-release of the Kathleen Battle/Luciano Pavarotti "L'Elisir D'Amore" (The Elixir of Love) recorded live at the Met under the baton of James Levine, holds up rather well, given the dated scenery and trend toward more fit, younger performers singing romantic roles. Pavarotti was big then and he sweats up a storm when he sings. But for sheer power and enjoyment of watching a cast of talented singers at their peak, well, this DVD is eminently worth owning. The picture quality is digital, but it is taken from tape, making the clarity somewhat gauzy. But the sound quality is what may ultimately rule here - and the sound quality of this DVD is deep and rich and full, and the high point of this release, especially if you happen to be watching this production on a system equipped with an enhanced sound system. Kathleen Battle, at the height of her career, is magnificent and beautiful and when she is on stage singing, it's easy to be seduced by the wonderful, mellifluous tones that she produces. The entire cast and chorus does a superb job, making this production enjoyable. It probably doesn't hurt that Donizetti's score is easy on the ear, melodious and filled with harmony and loaded with plenty of emotion. Though dated, it is a great performance and worth owning. This review appeared at OperaOnline.us.Movie Review: Italian at its best
Summary: 4 Stars
Donizetti's L'Elisir d'Amore is a wonderful opera. Light, entertaining and distracting us from all evil things going on in the world. But also reminding us how easily we all are fooled by these charlatans who know the art of changing our hopes into money in their own pockets. The performance claims for both singing and acting and the winner is Mr Battle who is absolutely outstanding as the convincing seller of the functional food of the time, l'elisir d'amore - the love-potion. Miss Battle is also very good with a wonderful, sensitive voice. Of course, Pavarotti is the great tenor but here also confirming his often less successful talent as an actor. Unfortunately his voice can't always compensate his woody performance and (too) impressive body - reducing the rating from 5 stars to 4. Maestro Levine is the ideal conductor to keep it all together with both humour and discipline.
Movie Review: Perfect but marred with Pavarotti's performance
Summary: 4 Stars
What a delightful and fun opera. I disagree with others too. In all respects 5 stars. This is not a dream cast unless you close your eyes when Pavarotti is on stage. His golden voice is now a silver voice. And he is a large lump on the stage with absolutely no acting ability. Opera singers should be judged on their voice, acting ability, stage presence and presentation. His costume was literally a tent due to his massive size. He was hardly engaged with the cast and certainly not a credible love interest for Ms. Battle. A buffoon yes. I now will search for another Elixer of love with a tenor with better acting ability. If you want to see acting watch Domingo in Carmen and Pagliacci.Movie Review: The Music is the Thing
Summary: 4 Stars
Pavarotti voice flows through this great music. The kudos for both incredible voice AND saucy acting goes to the lovely Kathleen Battle, ever so spoiled in her role and generous with her upper register. Most funny was Dara as the doctor, I never doubted him for a moment. Luciano, for me, sometimes seems to be winking at us self-consciously, like this is not really me, see me act like a country peasant. Then his great and extended voice grabs me and I feel honored to be in the presence of his singing and Donizetti's music. Afterwards, I felt what a great night at the opera! I'm going back again.