great disappointment
Bought the DVD after watching a PBS program on the making of this production. The documentary was quite interesting alas very misleading. Bought the DVD with great expectations, waited for its arrival with anticipation... what a disappointing experience. The production concept is interesting and fairly well acted BUT the voices are not operatic in nature at all. Also the well worn story was presented in an awkward disjointed manner. Forced myself to watch it through. Then decided to 'share'this experience with some opera loving friends along with some 'regular' ones! The evening started out with everyone in high spirits, what with food and drinks provided! I had not shared my opinion with anyone else. As we watched the film the mood evolved thusly ; curiosity, disbelief, stunned silence, groans, raucous laughter. This soirée is still brought up occasionally, much to my chagrin, as a point of negative reference amongst my friends even by some who were not in attendance!