IMDb > Carmen (1987) (TV) > IMDb user reviews

IMDb user comments for
Carmen (1987) (TV) More at IMDbPro »

Filter: Hide Spoilers:
Index 4 reviews in total 

8 out of 9 people found the following review useful:
radically underrated, 23 September 2004
10/10
Author: rgluchowski from Poland

Before all, my English is far too poor to write anything. But I can't believe my own eyes, seein' so PERFECT production with so PERFECT cast(marvelous Ramey, wonderful Baltsa, very good Carreras)with such low rating 3.4 !!!!!!! 3.4 ??????????????

Jesus Christ and God in heaven, one must be blind and totally deaf voting this way.

I want to say, that that Carmen (MET Carmen) is the BEST opera I've ever saw (and I saw hundreds of'em, I'm total opera freak)

I vote with all my heart 10

PS How, for God's sake, is possible to vote 1, 3 or even 6 for that production ? Please, write your comments, all you "wrongvoters"

PS 2 Sorry for my ghastly English

Was the above comment useful to you?

2 out of 2 people found the following review useful:
Another stark opera from Deutsche Grammophon, 7 May 2007
Author: Blueghost from the San Francisco Bay Area

I've seen "Carmen" before, and even the most modest productions tend to fill the stages with vibrant colors to help enrich Carmen's native atmosphere.

But not so here. The performances are very solid, but the backdrop is hard on the eyes. Almost as if the director wanted a gritty presentation for this well known piece with an extremely memorable score.

I personally found it hard to watch, though nice and easy to listen to. In fact, as I stated, the performances are very solid, and the singing is top notch. But the visuals don't compliment the live talent.

What the viewer is left with is a mixed bag, probably aimed at presenting a more "real" Carmen. It's worth looking at, but I've seen better, though admittedly I have not heard better. Yet when it comes to opera one needs the other. Judge for yourself.

Was the above comment useful to you?

You must see Samuel Ramey perform the "Toreador Song", 1 September 2006
7/10
Author: Operamilnes from United States

Samuel Ramey's performance of the "Toreador Song" is so phenomenal, I have to go back and play that part of the opera at least two more times every time I watch the video. The high note that hits in this area must be heard to be believed and Ramey's power is unparalleled by any bass past or present.

However, I thought Jose Carreras was below par due to perceptible pitch problems throughout the opera.

Agnes Baltsa is better than your average Carmen and sang rather well.

Leona Mitchell is also rather good in her portrayal of Micaela and the supporting cast did a good job in acting and singing their roles.

Was the above comment useful to you?

Try this, you' ll like it., 24 June 2005
9/10
Author: 1nadon from montreal, canada

This 1987 production of Carmen is quite good. There is a lot of great singing by Agnes Baltsa and Jose Carreras.Their spoken French lacks precision and fluidity but who cares?, probably not a lot of people will feel this.Agnes Baltsa displays a lot of knowhow as an actress as well as a singer. Carreras as an actor, well... but when this man sings you forget about it.And when you think that this was taped in 1987, it becomes rather poignant to see him singing with so much energy and art knowing that he would soon be diagnosed with leukemia. Kudos for the sets, the costumes and the orchestra direction.« Carmen » can be ruined by badly inspired directors.This is certainly not the case. I agree with the preceding review. This is underrated.But I think there is an explanation. There was once a man who said:« The medium is the message.» Nowadays, alas! the medium is the culture. This is traditional opera perhaps but if you consider what we usually see on television these days, this becomes an exceptional 3 hours in your experience as a television viewer. Many thanks to the Met for keeping this DVD available in the stores and at so low cost. By doing this they are truly contributing to the democratization of what is badly named « high culture ».

Was the above comment useful to you?

Add another review

Related Links

Ratings Plot keywords Main details
Your user reviews Your vote history