Vintage opera performances on Arthaus Musik BDs

[Bruce Morrison]

Arthaus Musik has recently released on Blu-ray a number of classic live opera performances, previously available on DVDs (many of which I own). These performances were in various European opera houses (Vienna, Salzburg, Berlin, etc.) and date mainly from the 1980's. They are therefore in a 1.33 aspect ratio, which has thankfully been preserved on the BDs.

I am wondering whether it would be worth upgrading to these BD editions. As far as the PQ is concerned, this would depend on whether these performances were captured on film or on video. I have always ASSUMED that opera performances during that era were shot on video for broadcast on TV and later release on home video. But does anyone know for sure whether this was the case? If they were shot on film, then obviously there is scope for re-mastering them in HD as with any other film material.

I suppose the audio quality can certainly be improved for BD, and this is of course not insignificant for an opera performance, but I would be interested in any views regarding the technical issues relating to the video side.

If anyone actually has any of these BDs, of course their views would be extremely welcome!