I love the HD Met Opera performances, and this was no exception. Despite suffering from bad colds, the two principals, Susan Graham and Placido Domingo, were wonderful. The costumes of the populace were subtly varying shades of oranges (curry-like). The overall impression was like seeing a medieval painting come to life. This was well-directed and acted.
The interviews during intermissions were illuminating, as usual.
My only criticism is of the dances. They seemed out of time and place.
The HD Broadcasts from the Met are fantastic. Very informal, inexpensive way to see the best of opera. The intermission interviews are very informative, and you see everything so much better than at the Met. Not the excitement of being there, but the trade-off is well worth it.
Armida was a new one for us and we LOVED it. Besides beautrful music and incredible singing and acting by all, the sets, costumes, and choreography were outstanding.