Magic Flute (Metropolitan Opera)

I purchased this version to mainly see Taymor's treatment of "The Magic Flute". I was astounded. Having performed in a production of this opera myself, I know it can be difficult to "bring to life", understand and "sell" to an audience. Taymor's version made me truly enjoy this opera as I had not before...THANK YOU!. I have subsequently used this with my elementary students, who have also delighted in the opera and even asked to see it again! It is vocally as well as visually gratifying. I loved the minimalist sets and the work that must have gone into acting, enunciation, etc. (By the way, The Magic Flute is often done in vernacular language of where it is performed. It is an opera, yes, but has singspiel aspect of spoken dialogue. The singers have to work with dialogue acting coaches oftentimes.) I like this abridged format of the opera! It made more sense to me dramatically and I still saw all the "bits" I was accustomed to. This is well worth the price (I paid over $100 when it was out of print and it was still worth the cost.) I'm purchasing a second copy of this as I know mine will wear out from use!

Very well done production and is perfect for English speaking kids to learn about opera. Excellent voices especially the baritone Papageno and the lyric soprano Pamia. I showed it to a seven year old boy and a five year old girl and they loved it. The shortened version of this opera is perfect for kids. The original three hour German version is fine for adults but is to much for the kids to handle. This was done by the Metropolitan Opera of New York so the production values were superb. Many schools show this production in their music classes. Nice way to introduce kids to real music rather than the hip hop sonic toxic waste that is so oppressively prevalent. The opera is quite funny which went over well with the kids.

We saw this when produced for television and taped it. My 7 year old granddaughter was mesmorized. She periodically would watch it and would sing the mother's aria in the shower. Of particular interest to her was the beginning showing the backstage preparations. When we changed our DVR player we lost it and she (now 8-1/2) was heartbroken. Thank goodness through Amazon the Met Store had a copy at a very reasonable cost. The sound quality is wonderful as is the picture. This is a wonderful introduction to opera for young people. Julie Taymor's production is fascinating. She brought the same imagination in staging she used in The Lion King. Although opera purists might object and this version is abridged it is truly a delight. Now we have it forever.

This was truly a feast for the eyes and ears. I take a star off because one of my favorite duets is omitted. Pamina and Papageno Act 1 duet. Does anyone know why? The cast is picture perfect. The voices are amazing! Julie Taymor is a genius! What an absolutely breathtaking spectacle! This is truly a great dumbed down introduction to opera for a child or novice. The solos,duets and choruses are magnificent! Will revisit this many times in the future.It is criminal that the Met is on such a financial down turn these days. Progressives with major capital need to step up to keep this historic institution operating! It's about upholding classical culture!

Mozart at its best!

The costume, puppet, lights and stage are beautiful and very creative. I do not like the English version of the operas. But after watching this production I change my opinion. The singing is the first class. Especially the Queen of the Night Erika Miklósa is super. This opera has important role of the Three Ladies. The Three ladies are marvelous. Should the producer consider put the show on Broadway? I like Lion King but I think Magic Flute is much better than Lion King in terms of the puppets, lighting and songs. The sound and video quality of this DVD are the top notch.

This is a delightful production of Mozart's The Magic Flute. The colorful costumes, creative sets, imaginative puppetry, engaging choreography and excellently performed arias make for a superb entertainment experience. The English libretto renders the plot easy to follow. Because there are some spoken lines, it seems likely that the opera has been abridged, but the two-hour performance time is just right.

I am a professional pianist, so opera is not my first love. However, this particular performance had costumes and set designed by the same person that did Beauty and the Beast. For that reason, I watched this opera, and absolutely loved it! I did have to use the subtitles (even though it was in English ) just for the sake of clarity. It was a thoroughly enjoyable work (I have always liked Mozart ) with humor and virtuosity galore. I have loaned it out several times already. If you are not sure you would like opera, give this particular performance a try! You will be amazed!

I will never forget the first opera I ever saw in 1959 when I was 26 years old - a gala performance conducted by Karl Bohm at the Vienna State Opera. Most memorable of all was the Queen of the Night appearing on a rising moon that eventually rose high above the stage. This production is very different but is highly recommended for its originality and for being visually stunning. A most gifted cast of outstanding performers give their all in an exciting performance conducted by the always outstanding James Levine. I love this DVD do much that I have bought additional copies to give to relatives and friends. All have enjoyed it as much as I have.

Voilà une "Flûte" en anglais. J'ai beau ne pas connaître l'allemand je me suis vite rendu compte que ce n'était pas chanté dans la langue de Goethe. Surprise! Puis... après tout qu'est-ce que ça peut faire? Ici la mise en scène joue sur le côté conte de la "Flûte" et pas sur le côté message spirituel, maçonnique, philosophique. Et ça marche car le Papageno de cette version (Nathan Gunn) est drôle, vivant, agile, tonique et chante bien en prime. A lui tout seul il assure une bonne partie du côté jouissif qu'on a ici. Je me suis régalée et je recommande cette version à tous ceux qui cherchent une "Flûte" où on ne se casse pas la tête à essayer de comprendre quelque chose. Et comme c'est une production du Met, tous les moyens sont mis en oeuvre pour en faire un grand spectacle aussi bien visuel qu'auditif.

Wonderful version of the Magic Flute - costumes/scenery what I have come to expect from the Metropolitan Opera House - fantastic, and certainly adds to the performance. The artists themselves are wonderful as is James Levine conducting. Certainly one to add to every opera lovers collection.

Rasche Lieferung, tolles Produkt. Empfehle ich sehr.

I had been looking for this production since many years. I think this is the most magic and visually-stunning Magic Flute ever. I strongly recommend even if it is sung in english and not in the original german. The actors are magnificent and Julie Taymor direction is striking. It is a joy for the eye and the ears.