Gone With The Wind (Four-Disc Collector's Edition) 1939

Gone with the Wind (Four-Disc Collectors Edition) 1939

Description

DVD Features: Disc 1 & 2 (The Film)
Commentary by film historian Rudy Behlmer
5.1 Dolby Digital Soundtrack
Original Mono Soundtrack

DVD Features: Disc 3
The Making of a Legend: Gone With The Wind the acclaimed 1989 documentary made by Selznicks sons and narrated by Christopher Plummer (125 Minutes, Never-before-available on DVD)
Restoring a Legend- An in-depth look at the restoration and Ultra-Resolution process utilized by Warner Bros. For this new DVD presentation
Footage from 1939 Atlanta and 1961 Civil War Centennial Atlanta premieres
The Old South - Fred Zinnerman directed this historical 1940 theatrical short, which was shown by MGM in theatres prior to the release of Gone With The Wind

DVD Features: Disc 4
Melanie Remembers: Olivia de Havilland Recalls Gone With The Wind - All new documentary produced especially for this new DVD set, features Ms. de Havillands personal recollections of the film
Clark Gable: A King Remembered - A Portrait of the legendary actors long and distinguished career as M-G-Ms most famous leading man
Vivien Leigh: Scarlett and Beyond hosted by Jessica Lange, this is an insightful look at Leighs short and troubled life
Mini documentaries covering lives and careers of the most prominent cast members

Amazon.com essential video

David O. Selznick wanted Gone with the Wind to be somehow more than a movie, a film that would broaden the very idea of what a film could be and do and look like. In many respects he got what he worked so hard to achieve in this 1939 epic (and all-time box-office champ in terms of tickets sold), and in some respects he fell far short of the goal. While the first half of this Civil War drama is taut and suspenseful and nostalgic, the second is ramshackle and arbitrary. But theres no question that the film is an enormous achievement in terms of its every resource--art direction, color, sound, cinematography--being pushed to new limits for the greater glory of telling an American story as fully as possible. Vivien Leigh is still magnificently narcissistic, Olivia de Havilland angelic and lovely, Leslie Howard reckless and aristocratic. As for Clark Gable: were talking one of the most vital, masculine performances ever committed to film. --Tom Keogh
Rate Points :4.5
Binding :DVD
Label :Warner Home Video
Manufacturer :Warner Home Video
MPN :D65917D
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Warner Home Video
Publisher :Warner Home Video
UPC :012569591721
EAN :9780790790497
Price :$39.98USD
Lowest Price :$53.99USD
Customer Reviews3 stars out of 4
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :0
The Bottom Line:

Its overlong, melodramatic, and dated in its perspective on race relations, but its also good soapy fun if youve got 4 hours lying around, you could do a lot worse than this enduring and entertaining film.

Classic
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
we all know and love this classic .. i purchased a copy of this for a good friend who had never seen it .. the product was in great condition and arrived much earlier than expected

GWTW FAN
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2
I have owned almost every copy thats ever come out. Its an all time classic for me. I have the original video cassettes. The first DVD that you had to flip for the 2nd half of the movie. The 60th anniversary 4 disc set and soon to have the 70th on Blu-Ray. Some of us are just collectors of something good. I enjoy watching this movie on a nice spring rainy day. Its fit for it. Its just fit.

Dont order from this seller
Rating Point :1 Helpful Point :0
I odered this on 1-29-09 and have not received my movie. I sent e-mails to the seller and received no response. Seller had 98% POSITIVE rating when I odered. Im not a happy camper!!!

"MAMMY! PULL UP YOUR SKIRT, LET ME SEE!" "OH LORDY, MR. RHETT! YOU IS BAD!"
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :2
THIS MOVIE IS A CLASSIC, LEGEND! IT HAS WITHSTOOD THE TEST OF TIME! I REMEMBER WATCHING THIS MOVIE WITH MY PARENTS, IN A DOWNTOWN THEATRE, WHILE I WAS SITTING, ON MY MOTHERS LAP. I REMEMBER THE AWESOME, WONDERFUL, MUSIC! RHETT AND SCARLETT, HAD GREAT CHEMISTRY TOGETHER, AND MY ALL TIME FAVORITE, WAS MAMMY! I LOVED THE BEAUTIFUL, EPIC, PLANTATIONS, AND THE BEAUTIFUL DRESSES, OH! HOW I WANTED TO BE A SOUTHERN BELL, AND RIDE IN A WAGON PULLED BY A MULE, OR A HORSE! IT ALSO SPARKED MY INTEREST ,IN THE CIVIL WAR, THE NORTH AND THE SOUTH. MY FAVORITE SCENE ,IS THE KISS RHETT GIVES SCARLETT, IN FRONT OF THE RED SKY! OH MY! WOW! AND THE SCENE WHERE RHETT GIVES MAMMY A RED PETTICOAT.

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Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Citizen Kane (Two-Disc Special Edition)

Amazon.com essential video

Arguably the greatest of American films, Orson Welless 1941 masterpiece, made when he was only 26, still unfurls like a dream and carries the viewer along the mysterious currents of time and memory to reach a mature (if ambiguous) conclusion: people are the sum of their contradictions, and cant be known easily. Welles plays newspaper magnate Charles Foster Kane, taken from his mother as a boy and made the ward of a rich industrialist. The result is that every well-meaning or tyrannical or self-destructive move he makes for the rest of his life appears in some way to be a reaction to that deeply wounding event. Written by Welles and Herman J. Mankiewicz, and photographed by Gregg Toland, the film is the sum of Welless awesome ambitions as an artist in Hollywood. He pushes the limits of then-available technology to create a true magic show, a visual and aural feast that almost seems to be rising up from a viewers subconsciousness. As Kane, Welles even ushers in the influence of Bertolt Brecht on film acting. This is truly a one-of-a-kind work, and in many ways is still the most modern of modern films from the 20th century. --Tom Keogh

Product Description

About an influential and ruthless publishing tycoon shines in a magnificient 60th-anniversary digital transfer with revitalized digital audio. Studio: Warner Home Video Release Date: 02/04/2003 Run time: 119 minutes Rating: Pg
Rate Points :4.0
Binding :DVD
Brand :Warner Brothers
Label :Turner Home Ent
Manufacturer :Turner Home Ent
MPN :TRNDT6565D
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Turner Home Ent
Publisher :Turner Home Ent
UPC :053939656527
EAN :9780780635203
Price :$26.98USD
Lowest Price :$8.99USD
Customer ReviewsThe Great American Tragedy
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
This film isnt for everyone.

Citizen Kane is an anomaly in the history of film. Orson Welles came to Hollywood, a fervent, raging 24 year old theater and radio prodigy with no film background whatever. He created in one film a tragedy meant to be larger in scope and power than any Shakespeare play, a film that would draw on the human need to piece together someone from stories and recollections (a non linear narrative- no film had ever been made in this way before), a film that would use every cinematic device available to tell its story. No studio ever gave a new director (or any director) this much power, and never had any new director seized on a such a complete vision for how to make a film in such a new way. The script by Herman Mankiewicz used the life of newspaper tycoon William Randolph Hearst as its main body, and this ignited a terrible battle of wills between Welles and Hearst. The included documentary the battle over Citizen Kane is crucial in understanding these 2 men. Because the ultimate irony here is that the message of the lone businessman who runs off everyone in his search for love is really not Hearsts story at all, but Welles. Welles lost all his clout, sank into obscurity, became an industry joke, and died. He became the bitter recluse, his onscreen creation. Thats the real tragedy, here.

Citizen Kane what can I say?
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
Citizen Kane is truly a masterpiece. The first time I watched it, I didnt really liked it. By the second time, it was awesome. I give the movie 5 stars and the DVD 5 stars.

Literally the most overrated film in history.
Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :1
Im probably going to be hated for this but here it goes. I really dont see what all the hype is about over CITIZEN KANE. Pros: yes, it is a classic. Yes, it is controversial. And yes, it is revolutionary. I know that the film represents mans struggle through life and that it demonstrates achieving the American Dream in order to conquer that struggle. It does also demonstrate that man is corrupt and full of greed but can still rise to the top. Cons: it is completely shallow and empty. The characters including the title character show little or no human quality or are even worth caring about. In fact, I cant even remember any of the characters besides Kane (only because he was in almost every scene). None of the others are worth caring for. I felt no connection with any of them. I think the reason people these days are preferring Shawshank Redemption as the best movie ever is because we love the characters so much. We are able to relate to them in some way at least. Thats not the case here. Plus, the whole "Rosebud" at the end (while slightly intelligent) seemed anticlimactic. I asked myself after finishing, "It was a sled? The whole movie was about a sled?" I know its supposed to represent the time of when he was young where he didnt have to worry about life but still I found that to be a pretty weak metaphor. I dont know if this film will last very long in the 21st century where times have changed so much. Thats another problem with this film: its dated. Its not able to stand the test of time. To me, the greatest movie ever has to be able to stand the test of time. This one doesnt. I think thats all I can think of right now. In short, CITIZEN KANE is a classic thats past its prime.

A must see for the cinema buff, but worthwhile for everyone.
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
This films impact on media is so far reaching that it is a must see on that basis alone. It sets the bar and gives inspiration for writing, cinematography, composition, and editing for the creatively inclined. If youve got more than a passing interest in movies, you should see this film.

Underated...ha ha ha!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
Seriously, this is a gripping tale about a man who had everything in the world. Except any companions. Those who keep giving it one star are looking for attention. If you havent seen it, do so. Stop what youre doing and see it. It deserves all the acclaim it gets.

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Verdi - Nabucco / Cappuccilli, Domingo, Dimitrova, Nesterenko, Valentini-Terrani, Deutschen Oper Berlin, Sinopoli

Verdi - Nabucco / Cappuccilli, Domingo, Dimitrova, Nesterenko, Valentini-Terrani, Deutschen Oper Berlin, Sinopoli

Amazon.com

Nabucco was Verdis third opera, and its filled with one great, energy-filled melody after another if the drama is a bit crude (the characters are one-dimensional at best), the emotions are sincere and the passions run high enough to make one forgive Verdis youthful enthusiasm. The role of Abigaille, Nabuccos evil daughter, is a voice-wrecker, but the animal-like Ghena Dimitrova sounds as if she could sing it in her sleep. She hurls the high Bs and Cs at us as ferociously as the Bs and Cs two octaves lower--this is a stunner of a performance. As the title character, Piero Cappuccilli sings with his usual big, unsubtle tone one wishes for more sensitivity. Placido Domingo, who will apparently sing anything written in the tenor clef, makes as much of the little part of Ismaele, and bass Evgeny Nesterenko fills out the High Priests music superbly. Giuseppe Sinopolis leadership is probing, nuanced, and, when needed, as big as all outdoors. This is a pip of a performance, highly recommended. --Robert Levine
Rate Points :5.0
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Deutsche Grammophon
Manufacturer :Deutsche Grammophon
MPN :410512
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Deutsche Grammophon
Publisher :Deutsche Grammophon
UPC :028941051226
EAN :0289410512260
Price :$33.98USD
Lowest Price :$16.84USD
Customer ReviewsMore than Exciting
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :10
I have listened to a few versions of this opera, even pirated scenes with Maria Callas. It is really an opera of vitality. Verdi may have still had many crudities in the way he wrote. He may have even been over the top at times. Yet, he is unmistakeably exciting. As he third attempt at opera, I would say, even if he did use the "required styles of the day" he produced a wonderfully vivid work. Of course, the characters are one dimensional (if even that deep), but they are exciting and enjoyable. The sound is excellent, and the singing is every bit on par with the excitement of the music. Of course, the person who makes the opera is Ghena Dimitrova, and not because anyone else is less good. They are all great! She just seems to make that voice-wrecker music seem easy, and even gentle on the voice. There is no strain at all! However, I read somewhere when this recording was first reviewed that she had been ill, and that making the recording was difficult. I have no clue if that is true, but I can assure anyone who buys this recording, if it is, they will not be able to tell. She blazes through the role and carries you away. Just for those who are not familiar with her in real life performances, she has a voice that would knock your socks off. It is HUGE! It isnt just loud, and seemingly could go on for ever getting louder and louder without difficulty or strain. It is EXCITING! She can also draw back the sound to a whisper, like Caballe, and send a tingle up your spine. This recording gets close to sharing those real life experiences with the listener. This is well worthy the money!

Bible Opera Packs A Punch
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :7
Verdis first big hit was Nabucco, based on the biblical account of the Hebrew captivity in Babylon by the imperious and vainglorious King Nebuchenessar. Nabucco is the Italian form of that name. While this is HIS opera, the web of characters form a powerful theme of love and thirst for power and longing for freedom. Isrele is the tenor part, a young Hebrew slave, in love with Ferena, sung by a mezzo soprano. Abigaille is the wicked daughter of King Nabucco, and her role is regarded as the most fiendishly difficult soprano role Verdi ever wrote, full of thunderous declamations high above C, and fully lyric with strong chest register. The cast in this early 80s recording is a dream cast, making this the best studio recording of Nabucco available today. Placido Domingo is singing a part that is not really the star, but he sings with passionate intensity and all his usual radiant flair. His was a voice that Verdi wrote for tenors, and Domingo himself considered Verdi to be his strongest vehicle as a tenor. In this recording we dont get the masculine ardor of Aidas Radames, or the refinement and passion of Alfredo in Traviata or the intensity of Otello nor even the ingellect of a Don Carlo or Don Alvaro from Forza Del Destino, but we have a fine character with religiosity and romantic feelings. The arias are well-executed by Domingo. He keeps up with the faster portions of the music. It seems to me listening to all this - Verdi was really trying desperately to make a hit. He had not had any success prior to this opera. The music is very dramatic, with far too many fortissimos even. Every aria and ensemble ends in such a BANG that it would seem the opera ends earlier than it should. Of course, the Overture is lovely. The highlights of this opera include great choruses. The first one in Act 1 and the more famous Va Pensiero, the Hebrews cry for freedom which even rises to nationalistic Italian heights.

Other than the tremendous talents of Placido Domingo, this recording is blessed with the fine voice of bass-baritone Piero Cappuccili in the eponymous role. As Nabucco, the evil, arrogant king, he is majestic and sometimes paternal (Verdi baritones ALWAYS sound paternal and it doesnt help that the music written fo them are mellow). Cappucilli is another great Verdi singer that together with Domingo make this recording exceptional. Opposite the more dragon-lady-like Ghena Dimitrova, he seems to be weak though....as in the scene "Prisoner ? Si! Prisioner SI!!"
But Cappuccili holds his own and is in fine shape in this recording. He is also the best Macbeth, and his voice is prominently displayed in a DG recording he sang opposite Shirley Verrets imperious Lady Macbeth.

The ladies in this recording are electrifying. Ghena Dimitrova, a Bulgarian-born soprano, is the best Abigaille ever recorded or performed. Not even Callas reaches the technical bravura and character integrity she essays. Her voice is strong, full and powerful. It is even said that Dimitrova had the highest and strongest dramatic soprano voice. Her career was short-lived because of all the intense roles she sang (Turandot, Tosca, Norma, Lady Macbeth). Abigaille she sang numerous times and it was even her signature role. Mezzo soprano Lucia Valentini-Terrani is prolly the weakest in the bunch, but she masters the role of Ferena with aplomb. I cant complain. I love everything about this recording, including the somewhat wooden Terrani. This recording deserves more recognition. Opera lovers go out and get this recording. Pass it on.....

comment to (editorial) reviews
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :1
In your editorial you call Nesterenko a superb High Priest. I believe he was playing the role of Zaccaria, while the High Priest was sung by Kurt Rydl.
In the the review below I read "the very young Domingo and Lucia Popp shining in the early stages of their careers". According to my information Domingo was 41 at the time (same age as Dimitrova, by the way), while Lucia Popp was even 2 years older. Are we talking about the same performance?

Exhilarating
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
If theres still a Nabucco vs. Macbeth rivalry out there, I admit to coming in squarely on the Nabucco side. Verdis third opera - and the first to really show his originality, despite being somewhat rough orchestration-wise - is a highly dramatic, energetic work (at least in the right hands, e.g. Sinopolis), including what is possibly, in the role of Abigaille, the most difficult soprano role in the whole Verdi oeuvre. Sinopoli doesnt exactly try to play down the slight whiff of vulgarity in the score, but that doesnt mean hes unsubtle -letting go of the reins of restraint in the more exhilarating parts is a virtue in this opera its supposed to be a little crash and bang. The Berlin State Opera Orchestra and Chorus follow suit, making for a thrilling experience.

But, of course, the singing is the crucial factor, and I am happy to say I have nothing but praise. Cappuccilli might not rival Gobbi for color and assuredness in the role of the deranged king, but he still gives us a good portrait. The famous Dio di Giuda! is amazingly done. But even he is overshadowed by Dimitrova, whose Abigaille must surely be a candidate for the most riveting performance ever - simply breath-taking. Domingo is also eminently satisfying as Ismaele, so is Nesterenko, and the smaller roles are splendidly sung as well.

Completed with good sound, I think this set is hard to beat - it is surely the most energetically exciting account around, and the singing of Dimitrova must be heard.

Brava Dimitrova!!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :3
Ive listened happily for many years to the Gardelli/Gobbi/Suliotis Nabucco. That version is so great, that I only listened to this one to hear Sinopoli. Well, this one is just a great. Neither is perfect, but theyre both so damned good, you really cant go wrong with either.

Of special interest in this Nabucco are the very young Domingo and Lucia Popp shining in the early stages of their careers. But they are definitely not the main players in this opera (although Domingo does have the tenor lead). Comparing the two, I prefer Gobbis Nabucco, but I find no real fault with Cappuccillis voice or portrayal.

I thought that Abigaille belonged to the late Elena Suliotis (who did sound at times very much like Callas), but Ghena Dimitrova was a revelation. She is just superb as the mostly evil (till the very end when dying) role of the spurned Abigaille, the apparent daughter of the Nebuchadnezzar, but who is really the daughter of slaves! (Let me know if you find this twist in the Bible! Just possibly the story has been enhanced a bit for both dramatic and political reasons.)

Suliotis may have a slight edge dramatically, but I think the edge goes to Dimitrova vocally in this very demanding role. Powerful and dynamic and displaying great technique and vocal agility (as described by other reviewers), she is also softly touching and sings beautifully in such arias as "Anchio dischiuso un giorno."

Why did I wait so long to listen to this Nabucco! It truly flies on golden wings.

Oh, yeah, and Sinopoli definitely didnt disappoint.

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Tchaikovsky: The Queen Of Spades

Tchaikovsky: The Queen of Spades

Rate Points :4.5
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Opera D'oro
Manufacturer :Opera D'oro
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Opera D'oro
Publisher :Opera D'oro
UPC :723724344525
EAN :0723724344525
Price :$20.98USD
Lowest Price :$11.17USD
Customer ReviewsFine historic performance from 1940 Bolshoi
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :4
If this performance of "The Queen of Spades" had been recorded in 1970 or even in 1960, it would be a solid contender for first choice among the several recordings of the opera. As it is, it remains a very fine performance with first-rate singers and a better sense of drama than is to be found in some of its successors.

This very modestly priced set is certainly worth serious consideration if you are looking at a second copy for your opera collection.

Genuine Tchaikovsky from Bolshoi golden age
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :12
This 1940 year studio recording made by Bolshoi Theater forces has historical value as one can hear some excellent Russian singers such as Khanaev, Derzhinskaya, Maksakova.
Knanaev is incomparable deep Hermann and Derzhinskaya is excellent lyrical Liza.

Sound quality is good enough for 1940 due to restoration made from 78 rpm plates.

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Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Iolanta

Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky: Iolanta

Amazon.com

Iolanta was Tchaikovskys final opera, a one-acter written to play on the same bill with The Nutcracker. It tells the story of a blind princess whose disability has been kept from her, and who learns of it along with the love that gives her the strength to overcome it. The composer personally preferred the opera to the ballet, but subsequent audiences have not agreed with his assessment, and Iolanta has languished in obscurity. There are dramatic reasons for that, but from a musical standpoint this score deserves to be heard. This recording is a part of the Gergiev/Kirov/Philips series of Russian operas, and a fine cast has been lavished on it, including the luscious-voiced soprano Galina Gorchakova in the title role, baritone Dmitri Hvorostovsky as Robert, to whom she has long been betrothed, and stentorian tenor Gegam Grigorian as the knight who falls in love with Iolanta and helps her gain the will to see. --Sarah Bryan Miller
Rate Points :4.0
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Philips
Manufacturer :Philips
MPN :442796
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Philips
Publisher :Philips
UPC :028944279627
EAN :0028944279627
Price :$33.98USD
Lowest Price :$40.40USD
Customer ReviewsBlind Passion
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :20
Not only a brilliantly creative mind, Tchaikovsky was the only Russian composer of his time with a formal musical education. Iolantas original woodwind treatments is one example of why the late Igor Stravinsky was so enamored with this composer. However, replacing traditional string accompaniment with woodwinds drove Rimsky-Korsakov to trash the piece in his memoirs. Nicolai went on to mention how much more favorably Iolanta was received over Tchaikovskys Nutcracker (So much for that critique!). Gustav Mahler tried to make a case for Iolanta to become regular opera repertory, but with little luck.

Iolanta is yet another buried Russian opera. However, Tchaikovsky simply didnt write a bad opera. The story about a blind princess learning to see through love was a deliberate choice of subject matter by the composer for this, his last, opera. The ironically symbolic connotations reflect Tchaikovskys own troubled love life. Once again, his brother Modest wrote the libretto. There has been some criticism of that writing. Just chalk the librettos limitations to the subject matter (medieval fairy tale) and the fact that the brothers were just coming off Pique Dame, possibly operas most original libretto (cant hit all of them out of the park). Still, the music is as powerful as any of Tchaikovskys operas and better than almost all the French operas (except Carmen) that influenced him.

The main cast requires ten very capable singers (another reason this isnt performed too often). And thats where the Philips Kirov series comes to the rescue. If youve purchased any of them before, youre probably getting familiar with some of the Kirovs cast. Galina Gorchakova (Pskovitjanka, Invisible City, Maid of Pskov) is wonderful and very moving as Iolanta, the blind princess. Gegam Grigorian (Prince Igor, Pique Dame) is remarkable as the love-struck count. Pulling it together is the silky bass sound of Sergei Alexashkin (Mazepa, Sadko, War and Peace) as King Rene. This recording is an easy listen. After the first few times, it becomes downright haunting. As for Iolanta, it will continue to gain ground over the next century. Buy it! Just base the purchase on blind faith.

Highly emotional performance of this fairytale
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :16
Having listened to the CD as well as the same orchestra, chorus and director (but different singers except for King Ren) performing in the Amsterdam Concertgebouw I must say I have seldomly been in such high spirits after an opera. Its a highly moving story, although not historically accurate, more like a fairytale. This opera was performed together with "the Nutcracker" and at that first performance in 1981 was received better than "Nutcracker".Having listened to it with such delight it is only a pity that nowadays mainly Russian audiences have the pleasure still to see it performed live. The music is the strongest part here, which was intended by Tchaikowsky:he meant to give a deeper meaning to what was happening on the stage mainly by the music. It doesnt fail to deeply touch the listeners heart. It has lots of melodies that seem typically Russian to me, full of passion and these melodies keep haunting my imagination in a sense I hadnt thought anymore to be possible. The CD is a little expensive given the fact that it only lasts 96 minutes (just 24 for the second CD, why not put parts of "The Nutcracker" on it ?) but is well worth the buy. Like with me it may well change your whole preference for styles and languages in opera. The booklet has the Russian cyrillic, Russian transliteration, English, German and French texts, as well as an introduction in these languages and in Italian but no Italian text (remarkably).

A forgotten jewel
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :2
This a an unusual production among Tchaicovskys operatic work. Lightful, full of symbolic lyricism, the pure melodies used thorough the play captivate any listener, along with the moving story.
This version isnt ideal just for one point (not minor): Gorchakovas voice is too dark and heavy for the part. Thus said, lets move on: Grigoriam is moving, passionate... just wonderful. All the rest of the singers are perfect. Gergiev misses some details in the score but all put together, he is a fine conductor. Tchaicovskys rare beautyful gem is worth to get this set.

A different Tchaikovsky experience, but fully worthwhile
Rating Point :4 Helpful Point :12
Anyone who is familiar with Tchaikovskys propensity for big emotional melodies will probably find "Iolanta" to be, initially, a little dry. It lacks the high voltage of "Pique Dame" and "Eugen Onegin" and is more intimate in scope. Having said that, this is still a worthwhile listen and evidnece that Tchaikovsky could do more than excite emotions. Certainly, Gergiev and his ensemble, notably Gorchakova and Hvorstovsky, make the best case for this opera. Id still probably prefer Tchaikovskys other operas, but this is a rewarding listen.

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Tchaikovsky Complete Songs 1

Tchaikovsky Complete Songs 1

Rate Points :4.0
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Naxos
Manufacturer :Naxos
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Naxos
Publisher :Naxos
UPC :636943435724
EAN :0636943435724
Price :$8.99USD
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Eugene Onegin

Eugene Onegin

Rate Points :4.5
Binding :Audio CD
Label :Opera D'oro
Manufacturer :Opera D'oro
MPN :1197
ProductGroup :Music
Studio :Opera D'oro
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UPC :723723563026
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Customer ReviewsJust short of perfection....
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :3
The "just short" only refers to the studio instead of a live recording. I had been looking for something "new" to hear (Im priviledged to do nothing but hear or see opera every waking moment). Because I hadnt heard or seen Eugene Onegin for at least a year, I went for that, and this recording. So I was curious to see what others thought of it, and was not suprised, only very satisfied to know that its so well thought of. I think I bought this immediately it was released sometime in 2002 after all, just look at the cast

A great "Onegin"
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :16
Previous Amazon reviewers have commented on the history of this recording and its performers. I have nothing to add to that.

I shall say only this. When you hear the opening words of the very first duet you will be impressed. With each succeeding number, you will raise your opinion until you realize that this is one of those amazingly rare performances in which everything is right. This "Eugene Onegin" is the true measure of the opera, and a worthy companion to the Schipa "Don Pasquale," the Gigli "Andrea Chenier" and the Callas "Tosca."

Eugene Onegin
Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :0
I think this particular recording is poor : the singers, the sound quality, the selection of excerpts....

Amazons service was fine !

Very good in ALL respects
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :8
Those reviewers discussing the artistic merits of this great recording have pretty much said it all. As to the one reviewer taking serious issue with the sonic quality -- perhaps he got a bad copy or else Opera dOro has cleaned it up since then. My copy, just purchased, has extremely clean sound, a bit on the dry side, but overall satisfying. I totally agree that this is one of the gems in their catalogue.

Onegin Sings From Inside the Box
Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :1
If you have any concerns for audio fidelity, pass by this offering. Like the other Opera DOro discs I have purchased, this one suffers from wretched sound quality. It appears to have been recorded from vinyl lp to disc. While this can be done with reasonably good results, it has not happened in this case. The vocals sound uniformly constrained. The higher frequencies appear to roll off abruptly, which yields a dull character, as if playing from inside a box. If your stereo system is poor, you might not notice, maybe...

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