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Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1 Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated) Binding: DVD EAN: 0824121001735 Format: AC-3, Classical, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD-Video, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC Label: Tdk DVD Video Manufacturer: Tdk DVD Video Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Tdk DVD Video Release Date: November 21, 2006 Running Time: 121 minutes Sales Rank: 81397 Studio: Tdk DVD Video Theatrical Release Date: 2002
Rating: - Once in a while...
This is an opera which deserves to be staged once in a while, and a DVD which is enjoyable enough to watch once. Rent it, don't buy it.
Four stars for the opera within the canon of Donizetti's buffa. It's quite ingenious musically, the ensembles reaching par with Rossini, but there's no momentum or development, just one musical trick after another. Much the same might be said of the comic action, which is so much stock slapstick that the viewer has to choose to laugh out of courtesy. In short, it's not a great libretto but it makes for a better evening than Fox sit-coms.
Likewise the ... Read More
Rating: - "A charming portray of Donizetti's loved buffa opera"
This performance was taken from Cagliari Lyric Theatre live in 2002. The set and customs are traditional caring for every single detail resulting in a very effective accomplishment. As some other theatres around the world, the stage is kind of "transformer" being able to change from one scene to the next without moving the curtain, keeping audience tied to the action.
Friedrich Haider conduction is balanced and well leaded allowing both the orchestra and singers to breath without hurries. The behind the scenes bonus DVD gives a good view of his commitment and professionalism.
The ... Read More
Rating: - Over-Done "Don..."
I wanted so much to like this DVD of Donizetti's comic masterpiece, but was ultimately done in by the unrelenting mugging and stage business on display here. The director has absolutely no trust in the inherent comedy of the piece, but instead piles schtick upon schtick until his singers end up looking like Warner Bros. cartoon characters, their faces and bodies are so frantic and animated. Believe me when I say that every note is accompanied by a hand gesture or a facial tick or a roll of the eyes; Donizetti suffers as well as the viewer. If things had only been turned down a notch or two (or three) ... Read More
Rating: - Buy it!
It puts a large burden upon me to know that I am the first to rate this item, given that I am not very eloquent. Don Pasquale is a wonderful comedy with lots of patter songs (fast singing, think Gilbert and Sullivan). The acting is fantastic in this production and I will never become tired of watching it over and over. The stage setting is also great and looks like much money has been splurged on it. Donizetti is always great whether in buffa or seria. I cannot think of anything negative with this item so do not think I am not being helpful. The story in short is about an old man who fancies a younger ... Read More
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