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[Tassie Devil]

Disc Title: MANON Disc catalog: DGG 073 4477 Recording Date:  2007  Program Length: 158 + 19 mins bonus  A modern Staatskapelle Berlin Opera Production

Video rating : 5/5 Audio type: DTS HD  5.1, PCM Stereo & PCM5.1 No mention of bitrates Audio rating: 5/5

Overall rating: 5/5

Summary comment: Another "must have" BD opera production with great singing, acting music and production.

Author: Tassie Devil Date: August 12 2009

Detailed Comment: I have had a laserdisc copy of this opera on the shelves for many years but never managed to get past the first act so this BD was my first exposure to the complete opera.  
A movie with a relatively thin story line succeeds because of the artistic ability of the actors just as one with a strong story line can fail because of poor acting.  A successful operatic production requires just so much more with great acting, great singing, great music and great staging because most have rather thin story lines.  Well this production of Manon has it all and I did not find the modern setting used by Staatskapelle at all inappropriate.  The balance between voices and orchestra is fine as is the audio and video generally.
Now I must confess to a love affair with  Anna Netrebco as her beautiful & powerful voice combined with stunning good looks have me completely captivated so be aware of this prejudice.  But combine her talents with those of Rolando Villazon with the music of Massenet and you have a winner here.  Their singing and acting brought tears to my eyes.  What more can be said?  Unreservedly recommended.