franf's stats
- Review count12
- Helpfulness votes1
- First reviewSeptember 23, 2008
- Last reviewFebruary 17, 2012
- Featured reviews0
- Average rating4.8
Overall rating
5
/
5
they missed the boat
PostedFebruary 17, 2012
This was an excellent presentation, but I was amazed how many people who would have really loved it, didn't know anything about it. Perhaps they'll show it again sometime, but they're missing the boat in the Fathom publicity department. We go to tons of these and that's where I learn about them. If you don't go, you never know. A missed opportunity. Sad!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Opera was great, but...
PostedMarch 7, 2011
I brought 3 friends who have little experience with opera and I so wanted them to love this. I doubt that I'd seek out 3D again as it didn't add that much, but the opera was very well done, excellent cast. The problem was the subtitles didn't show at all unless they were two lines and then the top lines showed. And the sound was just not good. The theater gave guest passes and will reshow soon, but none of my friends will go back. While they enjoyed the opera, they missed so much without subtitles; I tried to whisper updates as we went along. Disappointing to me.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
A Fast Five Hours
PostedDecember 13, 2010
A rare chance to see a great opera, perhaps Verdi's best. Not produced very often due to length and the large cast needed, so this was a treat. The leads were all very strong, the music was wonderful, the staging was intriguing. Very special and I'm tempted to see it again at the Encore performance.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Glad I went
PostedOctober 28, 2010
I went to the encore performance, much smaller audience so no real energy to enhance. The Met in HD is a wonderful series and I'm glad I saw this. However, I'm not a big Wagner fan nor am I particularly well educated in his operas. Regardless, I thought this was fascinating. I was afraid the "machine" would detract from the performers. Instead it seemed simpler and most of the time highlighted the music performance. A few times I found the wires and the actors sliding up and down, walking up backwards to be distracting, awkward at best. And the two and a half hour, no intermission format was long for me in an evening. Probably fine at the day time presentation. Thought the cast, on the whole, was excellent and costumes were great. I try not to miss any of the operas as each offers a new experience, new exposure. So, while this won't stand as a favorite, it was a pleasurable experience and I'm glad I went.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
wonderful cast, but frustrating viewing
PostedNovember 8, 2009
Everything about Turandot was wonderful, staging was lavish and this cast is very, very good. Liu stole the show (as often happens). But the Met needs to get this technical stuff ironed out. Last time it was something about the satelitte. This time, I'm not sure, but the interruptions were agonizing. I'd go back to see the encore, but wonder if the same transmission problems will occur. This is such a wonderful opportunity, and there were so many new opera goers in our theater. What a shame to have those problems. Our theater gave re-admission passes, so hopefully people will try again. We had a sell out crowd, too.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
SRO
PostedOctober 25, 2009
At least two of our theaters were sold out... popularity of these HD live performance is growing. Loved the overhead camera shots espeically of the dancing. Wonderful performances; cast met the vocal challenges very well, indeed. This production never seems to get old. Great operas ahead! Get your tickets early...
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
What a Start!
PostedOctober 12, 2009
Excellent! Some complained that the staging was too minimal; I thought it was perfect, allowing focus to be on the music and drama. Challenging, especially for the tenor, to sing a role done so often, by so many great voices prior, and yet, it was very, very well done. Bravo!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Ah, Butterfly
PostedMarch 8, 2009
The incredible, but minimal staging allowed you to focus on the magnificant music. The traditional Japanese puppetry, and other staging elements were impressive. I was so attached to the "child", I was ready to take him home. Performers were very good in very challenging roles. Met needs to square away the sound problems in the telecast, but otherwise, it was marvelous. Looking ahead to next year, Met starts off with three great, familiar ones Tosca, Aida, Turnandot. Perfect to introduce new viewers! Met members get tickets in advance! Join the Met!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
4
/
5
Lucia di Lammermoor
PostedFebruary 19, 2009
Audio was not insync with video; theater gave guest passes to compensate. Wasn't necessary, but it was distracting. Production was excellent! Performers were great, but intermissions were obnoxiously long. Perhaps on a Saturday afternoon it wouldn't have been so bad, but made a late evening. All said, these HD simulcasts (and encores) are one of the greatest things the Met has come up with. I've gotten many people to "try just one" and it works!
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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Overall rating
5
/
5
Wonderful!
PostedJanuary 11, 2009
Wonderful Cast! Wonderful opera, seldom performed, but hopefully it will be done more frequently. We went with a young lady for whom this was her first experience with opera. She's hooked. I do hope opera companies will perform this one frequently as it is a wonderful introduction to opera. Our Westminster theater staff was very thoughtful through the technical difficulties extending free passes to everyone to return, explaining the problems and attempting to resolve or lessen.
Yes, I recommend this movie.
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