Opera on Blu-ray

[Jett Rink]

[Show spoiler]

Amazon has this BD listed as Region B, but the back cover shows that it is Region A,B,C. Would it be a safe bet to assume that this title will play on North American players?

[tippykitten]

Originally Posted by Jett Rink

[Show spoiler]

Amazon has this BD listed as Region B, but the back cover shows that it is Region A,B,C. Would it be a safe bet to assume that this title will play on North American players?

I just pre-ordered this title earlier today. While it obviously won't be possible to confirm that it will play on NA players without having it in hand, I feel confident that it will because of the following: it shows region A,B,C on the back cover; as far as I'm aware, Sony Classical distributes Jonas' releases worldwide (no rights issues to warrant region restrictions); and Amazon is notoriously inaccurate as far as region information in product descriptions is concerned.

I'm fine either way because I have a region-free player. Once I receive my copy, I'll update the listing on this site with accurate region information (assuming no one beats me to it, of course).

[Bluyoda]

Indeed. Amazon cannot be trusted at all.
The back cover of a BD is far more reliable. That's for sure.

[Bluyoda]

Can you guys recommend any operas with a truly immersive/discrete lossless multichannel mix and great PQ?

I like epic/romantic/tragic.

[Jett Rink]

Confirmed this is in a Viva case. No slipcover.

[Jett Rink]

I am getting into opera as time goes by. Can anyone suggest any that have incredible set and lighting design and that are Region A/free? Thank you.

[ilovenola2]

Originally Posted by Jett Rink

I am getting into opera as time goes by. Can anyone suggest any that have incredible set and lighting design and that are Region A/free? Thank you.

Hi from ilovenola2 (Joe) who is a retired classical music dj and opera lover.
Here are some suggestions for some favorite opera titles that I have in my library and recommend highly:

The Carmen & Tosca are Royal Opera House, Covent Garden recorded.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Bizet...-Blu-ray/1936/

Superb performance with tenor-of-the-day Jonas Kauffmann and the exciting Italian soprano Anna Caterina Antonacci. The final scene is electrifying.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Pucci...Blu-ray/55657/

State-of-the-art performance for "today" by top stars Kauffmann, true "diva" Angela Gheorghiu and great Welsh baritone Bryn Terfel. "Classic" ROH production by Jonathan Kent. Gorgeous singing AND production!

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Pucci...lu-ray/147557/

The original "Spaghetti Western!" Another J Kauffmann-starrer, this time with the astounding Nina Stemme, recorded in performance at the Vienna State Opera. Interesting production with great if a bit confusing (era-wise) sets and costumes and a balloon exit in Act III that gives a new meaning to "riding off into the sunrise (or set)." Act 1 can be a chore for the novice opera goer but Acts II (especially-- poker game) and III are "opera" at its grandest and best! I highly recommend it!

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Verdi...Blu-ray/23587/

Beautiful production with fine performances from Renee Fleming, tenor Joseph Calleja and baritone Thomas Hampson. This is REALLY "grand opera at its grandest!"

The two below are releases from Arthaus Musik that include a large number of excerpts from their catalog of operatic and ballet performances available. The promos offer quite a look into at least one major "arts" operatic catalog.
I particularly recommend the "Rigoletto" if you can find it (check out this Blu-ray.com link). The performance by the aging yet still astounding TRUE "Verdi baritone" Leo Nucci is not to be missed. THIS is what "Italian opera" is supposed to be about.

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Verdi...Blu-ray/55133/

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Pucci...Blu-ray/31007/

If you search through Blu-ray.com reviews by Jeffrey Kauffman (no relation and only one "n"--LOL) you will find excellent commentary and direction on many works here. Jeffrey knows his stuff and his reviews are always worth checking out.
There is a series of excellent "cheap" releases, also from Arthaus Musik that offers some really fine performances of many standard-fare operas. These were originally released before the "wide-screen" era on TV (I think I'm right here) and sell for about 15 bucks.
Here's an example. an "Aida" starring Luciano Pavarotti with powerful sopranos Maria Chiara and Ghena Dimitrova fighting for his ample charms:

https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Verdi...lu-ray/133034/

Just a few suggestions on a Sunday morning-- and I didn't even include any German or Eastern European operas! Or any by my favorite, Mozart.
Please feel free to PM anytime if you would like any more suggestions. And ENJOY!! The world of opera is most inviting.

[atbodamer]

Originally Posted by Jett Rink

I am getting into opera as time goes by. Can anyone suggest any that have incredible set and lighting design and that are Region A/free? Thank you.

Cosi Fan Tutti
https://www.blu-ray.com/movies/Mozar...-Blu-ray/6837/