Baby Einstein 25 DVD Gift Set with Lullaby time, Baby Mozart, Baby Van Gogh, Neighbourhood Animals, World Animals ... in One Gift Set

Product Description

Region 1. The award-winning early years education series Baby Einstein contains 25 DVDs in a gift box. Language: English, French and Spanish. 1. Baby Einstein®: Baby BachTM Musical Adventure. Release Date: Nov 25, 2003. 2. Baby Einstein®: Baby BeethovenTM Symphony of Fun. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 3. Baby Einstein®: Baby da VinciTM From Head To Toe. Release Date: August 10, 2004 4. Baby Einstein®: Baby GalileoTM Discovering The Sky. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 5. Baby Einstein®: Baby MacDonaldTM A Day On The Farm. Release Date: August 10, 2004 6. Baby Einstein®: Baby MozartTM Music Festival. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 7. Baby Einstein®: Baby NeptuneTM Discovering Water. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 8. Baby Einstein®: Baby NewtonTM Discovering Shapes. Release Date: Nov 25, 2003. 9. Baby Einstein®: Baby Santa's Music BoxTM. Release Date: October 24, 2004. 10. Baby Einstein®: Baby ShakespeareTM World of Poetry. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 11. Baby Einstein®: Baby Van GoghTM World of Colours. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 12. Baby Einstein®: Language NurseryTM. Release Date: August 5, 2003. 13. Baby Einstein®: Neighbourhood AnimalsTM. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 14. Baby Einstein®: Numbers NurseryTM. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 15. Baby Einstein®: World AnimalsTM. Release Date: March 16, 2004. 16. Baby Einstein®: Baby NoahTM. Release Date: October 26, 2004. 17. Baby Einstein®: Baby MonetTM. Discovering The Seasons. Release Date: March 8, 2005. 18. Baby Einstein®: Baby WordsworthTM. Release Date: August 2005. 19. Baby Einstein®: On The GoTM. Release Date: November 2005. 20. Baby Einstein®: Meet the OrchestraTM. Release Date: Feb 2006. 21 Baby Einstein®: Baby's Favorite Places 22 Baby Einstein®: Baby's first Moves 23 Baby Einstein®: My First Signs - See and Sign with Baby 24 Baby Einstein®: Discovering Shapes-Circles 25 Baby Einstein®: Lullaby time

Customer Reviews:

Excellent:)).......2008-03-05

This set is great value for many, as buying every DVD separately is just so expensive. And my son just loves watching it. Very usefull when you need a coffe brake or have some house work to do and don't want to be disturbed. Even my friends kids that are much older love to watch them.

Worth every penny!.......2008-02-05

The lady who created these dvds deserves to be made an honorary dame! They are fantastic. My wee boy loves them and if he's a bit fractious they really help to distract him and he will sit and happily watch at least one at a time. They are ideal for the slot in the late afternoon when you need to make tea! When my husband and I first watched them we wondered what the big deal was, as there just seemed to be a lot of footage of toys and colours. However, now we are mesmerized by them too. We actually prefer the ones that are less educational, probably because we know our colours and numbers, and would rather be soothed by beautiful music and fascinating toys (some of which I'm tempted to buy for myself!). Our son gets excited when he hears the opening music and it makes him smile when he sees other children on the screen. Unlike so many children's dvds, these are not irritating in any way- I even like the very sweet American accent of the lady who does the voiceover! Definitely worthwhile buying the boxset, as you get 24 dvds for a fraction of the cost of buying several individually.

Only American commentry.......2008-01-22

I ws a litle disappointed to find printed on the box that this collection is only meant to be sold in the USA and therefore you are unable to select a language, so the commentry and language is very American and not always good!! Great value but a little confusing for those just learning language. Think this should be made clear before purchase

Wonderful Gift - See Ages below.......2007-12-16

I ordered this for my 3 month old daughter and strongly suspect it will turn out to be the best £33 I've spent so far (and I've spent plenty). The way these are packaged is basic but also space saving. The visuals are wonderful, clear and bright with a soothing classical soundtrack. The only downside of this set is is does not state on each individual dvd the appropriate viewing age. So as it is the season of giving....... I have listed them for all of you parents, I have checked each individual dvd on amazon.com so it comes straight from baby einsteins mouth (so to speak :-). I have used a permament marker and written direct onto each dvd for ease.
3+ months - Language Nursery, baby mozart, baby bach, baby beethoven, lullaby time, babys 1st moves, baby monet.
6+ months - World animals, baby neptune, baby van gogh, baby's 1st signs, baby da vinci, neighbourhood animals, baby shakespeare, santa's music box.
9+ months - discovering shapes, baby macdonald, baby wordsworth, baby noah, baby gallileo, on the go.
12+ months - numbers nursery, favourite places, meet the orchestra, baby newton.

Highly recommended.......2007-09-22

This boxset is excellent value for money as it contains 24 DVD's all about half an hour long. About five of the DVD's are suitable from birth and the rest from about 9 months old. My son has watched these DVD's since he was about 3 months old and he is 10 months old now and still loves watching them. I would recommend this boxset as the DVD's are educational and will leave your little one mesmerised for half an hour which is great if you need to get on with some housework. I would imagine that my son will carry on enjoying these DVD's until he is about 2 or maybe a little bit older.

Average customer rating:

Excellent a real stayer
Forget Pretty Woman... this is my new favourite DVD!
A fab product!
Excellent
My daughter loves it!!

Baby Mozart - Music Festival
Baby Einstein
Manufacturer: Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainm
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000934BJ
Release Date: 2003-04-28

Amazon.co.uk Review

Baby Mozart is from the award-winning infant-developmental media company Baby Einstein, whose goal and philosophy is the satisfaction of a child's curiosity through sight and sound. In the main Theatre section of this disc you'll find lots of simple shapes, primary colours and favourite toys passing across the screen. Unlike the simpler earlier releases, this is focused on the works of Mozart, and so just like the Bach and Beethoven releases all the images are choreographed around the chosen pieces of music. This release was named Video of the Year by Child and Parent magazine and is a wonderful expansion of the company's original ideas. It's a slight advancement in expectation of your child from the more basic initial releases but has a Video Tutorial to help the parent understand how it all works.

On the DVD: Baby Mozart is the name of the feature itself, but from the Main Menu you can enter a Concert Hall to replay the musical cues from the main show. Split into three sections (Little Ears, Playtime or Bedtime) you can mix and match from the main feature playlist (for example: Magic Flute, Concerto for Flute and Harp in C and movements from Piano Sonatas in C and D). There's also a Resources section with the aforementioned Video Tutorial and a Toy Chest crediting all the toys used, just in case a certain someone wants one of their own. --Paul Tonks

Customer Reviews:

Excellent a real stayer.......2007-09-23

This is an excellent product. I got this when my little girl was a few months old, but unlike some of the other reviewers' children, my girl wasn't glued to the set. Don't get me wrong, she was interested but not fascinated. At 17 months now in September '07 I have started to put it back on for her and she is now transfixed by it. I was amazed by how quickly she was picking up on things, shouting "Choo" when the train comes on (as it often does) and how excited she gets when the furry animals come on.

I have just ordered the box set as I wanted the baby shakespeare for her and the box set was a bargain compared to getting them all individually.

My advice to all parents and uncles/aunts/godparents and grandparents is that this dvd will definitely by a boon to any child. For parents in the same position as me, don't worry if your infant doesn't seem too interested, just put it away for a couple of months and they will enjoy it all the more at a slightly older age.

Forget Pretty Woman... this is my new favourite DVD!.......2007-04-28

I was given this DVD as a gift when my daughter was 3 weeks old. I tried it then but she didn't seem too keen. I now know that she was obviously just too young! I tried it again when she was about 6 weeks old... and she loved it. She is 4 months old now and watches it nearly every day.

Its a god-send as it gives me half an hour just to 'get organised'. Some days I use the time to do a bit of housework or make up the bottles etc, but most of the time I put it on in the morning. Once my daughter has been washed and dressed, she goes in her bouncy chair with a wee blanket over her and sits perfectly content from beginning to end (this means that I can have a shower and get dressed without having to entertain her by playing peekaboo and singing old macdonald had a farm the whole time...) It saves her getting bored and means I can get ready a lot quicker!

She loves all the bright colours and the music makes it seem more educational than just letting her watch normal tv. She squeals with delight as soon as it comes on and coos all the way through it.

As for the review which moans about it just being a half hour long toy ad - so what if it is? As all mums know, a baby that can be kept captivated for 30 minutes is very rare - and this DVD can do it!

A fab product!.......2006-11-09

I bought this for my son when he was a few weeks old and he loved it- it was great to entertain him while I was washing bottles etc. He is now a VERY playful 17 month old but still loves sitting on Mummy's lap and telling me what he can see on the screen. These DVDs are fab and something you can enjoy watching with your child.

Excellent.......2006-05-17

This dvd is a god send. My 5 month old loves it. We bought it for him when he was about 3 months old and he wasnt too interested in it then, but now he really enjoys watching it. He even talks and shouts to the tv when its on. I find its half an hours peace for you as well.

My daughter loves it!!.......2006-03-19

My daughter was eight months old when we first introduced her to the baby einstein dvds. Baby Mozart was the first we tried and she absolutely loves it. She gets really excited when the catapillar comes onto the screen and blinks at the beginning. The puppets make her laugh and the music seems to relax her. It is great to put on to entertain your baby while you get on with some housework, but also good fun to sit and watch with them as you can talk them through the images and bounce them up and down in time with the music.

Mozart's Don Giovanni / Raimondi, Opera de Paris, Maazel [Deluxe Edition] [1979]

Average customer rating:

superb sound remastering but . . . .
Buyer beware - Great sound but faulty second disc

Mozart's Don Giovanni / Raimondi, Opera de Paris, Maazel [Deluxe Edition] [1979]
Starring: Ruggero Raimondi , Kiri Te Kanawa , José Van Dam , Teresa Berganza , and Edda Moser
Director: Joseph Losey
Manufacturer: Second Sight Films Ltd.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000ZK9SZI
Release Date: 2008-02-18

Customer Reviews:

superb sound remastering but . . . ........2008-03-07

I will not comment about the film itself because it's beyond reviews, I will focus on this edition. I agree with the previous reviewer that some more care should have been taken on the packaging. When you read "Deluxe Edition" you expect a deluxe edition.
I received the set here in South America with the discs of Act I and Act II dislodged and therefore I thought that the problems with the sound in Act II were due to the journey and movements of the dvds during the trip.

I see now that the problem is manufacturing and not "delivery".

One other thing: for Opera lovers there is a major problem: incredible as it may sound in the XXIst century, this edition has English subtitles that CAN NOT BE REMOVED from the screen!!!! You have to watch a masterpiece with annoying subtitles interfering. Incredible! Furthermore: they should have had the care of inserting a menu with Italian subtitles for those who enjoy Opera in that language. No other subtitles available, I suppose this set is intended for sale in the UK only.
The bonus features are very short and there was no need for a third disc. A very good feature about the sound mixing!

Buyer beware - Great sound but faulty second disc.......2008-03-05

I owned this DVD in its previous 'tinny' sounding incarnation. This remastering has achieved the sound track this film deserves. The surround sound is magnificent, with every detail enhanced with tender loving care.

It is unfortunate that there are now two discs, one per act, instead of just one, as before. The packaging is also poor. A 'trendy' new way of holding the discs does not hold them secure and they are prone to become dislodged and scratched. There is a third disc with three documentaries, which is a big bonus.

Unfortunately, I have now returned my copies three times because the second disc (Act 2) has a fault in manufacturing. About ten minutes into play time the sound cuts out for a number of seconds. If the next discs I received have the same problem I will cancel my order and wait for the fault to be corrected before buying this. Buyer beware! Its such a shame because this film version of the opera is magnificent. I have therefore awarded it five stars despite the manufacturing fault.

Mozart: Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute) -- Royal Opera House/Davis [2003]

Average customer rating:

A Teenager's Review On A Mozart Opera
The best
A Magical Production
Not what I expected
Stunningly Effective 'Flute'--Highest Recommendation

Mozart: Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute) -- Royal Opera House/Davis [2003]
Starring: Willi Hartmann , Dorothea Röschmann , Diana Damrau , Franz-Josef Selig , and Simon Keenlyside
Director: Sue Judd
Manufacturer: Opus Arte Media Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0000BV1JB
Release Date: 2003-09-01

Customer Reviews:

A Teenager's Review On A Mozart Opera.......2005-01-05

I have seen loads of mozarts operas and this is my favourite,
and here is the reason why:

1, Colin Davis Conducts this opera very very well, he really brings out the best in mozart's music.

2, Tamino (Will Hartmann) Has an amaing voice and he seems suited to the role of Tamino, he can sing and he can act, which is very important in opera.

3,Pamina (Dorothea Roschmann), has a lovely soothing voice and is also well suited to the role. Her 'Ach, ich Fulh's' is really moving and relaxing. She is also very good actress.

4, The Queen Of The Night, (Diana Damrau), is the best Queen of the night I've ever heard. Not Only does she sing her role well, but she is also very dramatic and powerful.She also seems suited to the role.

5, Sarastro (Franz-Josef Selig), he has a gorgeous voice and is also very moving.He really seems to enjoy the role, and is well suited to it.

6, Papageno (Simon Keenlyside) is the best Papageno ever.
He has a great voice, which is very moving at times. And is I think the star of the whole opera.
He's My favourite Baritone so- far and is well suited to the role. He is a really energetic performer.

7, Monastatos is a real creep and is performed very well by Adrian Thompson. He has a nice voice and is a good actor. He also seems suited to the role.

8, The Speaker Of The Temple, is performed really well by Thomas Allen. As is Richard Van Allen and Matthew Beale's performances as the Two Priest

9, The three ladies were performed extreamly well by Gillian Webster, Christine Rice and Yvonne Howard.
The Three boys and the two armed men where also well performed and well acted.

This Is The Best Production Of Die Zauberflote, I Have Ever Seen.

I Highly Recommend this DVD for all Mozart and Opera Fans.

A.Adele Aged 14...

The best.......2004-11-16

This is the best Magic Flute I've ever seen, the production is wonderful throughout. I like my Queen of the Night and her Three Ladies to have balls and they don't disappoint, all four are fantastically sung but especially the Queen. I like Opera on DVD to be well staged and well acted, as I do in the theatre, only on CD do I find the need for perfection of the voice. I've seen far more enjoyable performances by supposedly second rate companies then I've seen sometimes when I've paid the earth. Tamino is in this respect, as usual, a tad inert but that seems to go with the role, maybe it meant more in Mozart's time. Papagano is on the other hand outstanding in every way, by far the funniest performance of this role I've ever seen and also by far the most assured. For the Queen, her ladies and Papageno this is a must. Very rearly are performances perfect but this one is near enough.

A Magical Production.......2004-10-03

This is a captivating production, but clearly not one for the traditionalists. Opera does move with the times and I thought the characterisation on every level was accessible, moving, fun and dramatic. The sets were stunning, the performances fully in tune with the spirit of the production, and the pace terrific. I almost cried when Pamino was rescued from suicide by the three boys, and this scene for me encapsulated the crossover between traditional and more contemporary production values. It resonated with symbols and images that are accessible to the modern audience without losing anything of Mozart's original intent. It even managed to offer some escape from the inherent sexism of this opera (which you have to accept as being a feature of the time and place Mozart was in when he wrote it). I absolutely loved the tarty papagena and the working class anti hero form of papageno, and the scene with the children pillow fighting on their bed made me laugh out loud. Well done all concerned with this production, it kept me entranced the whole night long. Excellent video and editing too by the way - not always done well in DVDs of live opera.

Not what I expected.......2004-08-08

Having read the previous review, I ordered this version of Mozart's final opera and awaited its delivery with eager anticipation. It was therefore a bit of a shock to find that I was more than a little disappointed when I sat down to watch it. Do not expect a traditional performance of this opera.
Papageno is no longer the feathered friend of old, nor is Papagena his perfect mate. He has mutated into a 1940/50's tramp/poacher and she has become a 1960's 'Dame Edna Everedge' lookalike. Monostatos has been transformed from Mozart's black Moor into an exaggerated camp lecher and the three boys are now Papageno's 1940/50's playmates traversing the skies in a celestial boxkart, while everyone else is still well and truly ensconced in the 18th century!
For me, the only character that I felt was believable was Dorothea Roschmann's Pamina and she was the only one that drew tears with her beautiful aria 'Ach ich fuhls'. I wondered whether the other singers were frightened of giving full force to their voices for fear of perhaps upsetting the recording equipment. The Queen of the Night especially seemed to be far too much in control of her temper in what was supposed to be her rage aria 'Der Holle Rache'.
All in all, I found this production to be an unnecessary messing about with Schikaneder's wonderful collaboration with Mozart and a distraction to the music, presumably in an effort to appeal to modern tastes. Unfortunately, not mine...

Stunningly Effective 'Flute'--Highest Recommendation.......2003-10-01

Many of us hold up as the standard filmed version of 'The Magic Flute' the one that Ingmar Bergman did at Drottningholm perhaps twenty years ago. Obviously the film opened up the stage and made the opera more cinematic than a staged version could be.

This DVD is of a production taped digitally in January 2003 at Covent Garden, a new production staged by David McVicar, designed by John Macfarlane and conducted by that eminent Mozartian, Sir Colin Davis. And, of course, it is simply of a stage production; there is no breaking down the walls of the stage. However, the direction for video is both masterful and unobtrusive. And then there's the production itself.

The leading singers are all quite wonderful. The only slightly less than top-drawer singer, in my opinion, is Franz-Josef Selig as Sarastro; he has the cavernous bass required for the part but there is an incipient wobble that distracts. In the 'wonderful' category are some singers previously unknown to me. Tamino is sung by a young German tenor, Will Hartmann, whose voice reminds me of that star German tenor of yesteryear, Rudolf Schock; it is not innately beautiful but it is solid, masculine and has a ringing top. His acting is basic but more than adequate; Tamino is not a role that calls for great acting. The Queen of the Night, Diana Damrau, is not one of those coloratura canaries so often assigned to the role; she is a dramatic coloratura and not only does she sing the role well, her acting is believable. Her makeup and costume make her look, appropriately, like a cross between Morticia Addams and Cruella de Vil. A scary lady. Pamina is sung, and acted believably, by German soprano Dorothea Röschmann. Her 'Ach, ich fuhl's' is moving and utterly gorgeous. She has floated high notes that cause gooseflesh.

The lesser roles are also taken well. Papagena is humorous, physical and well-sung by Ailish Tynan. Monastatos is properly repellantly lecherous and sung with impeccable diction by Adrian Thompson. It was particularly heart-warming to see well-loved veteran basso, Richard Van Allen, as the First Priest; the voice is still there and his acting, as always, is spot on. Thomas Allen's Speaker is a bit less effective but still quite good. The three Ladies, the three Boys and the two Armed Men are all effective sung and acted.

My highest praise, though, goes to Simon Keenlyside who is quite simply the best Papageno I've ever seen. His is an extremely athletic performance; he takes some tumbles and makes some leaps that have you gasping in surprise. At one point he slides across the stage--trying to catch a bird at the end of his entrance aria--as well as any short-stop you've ever seen. His comic acting--aided by lots of close-ups--has you laughing out loud, and yet he portrays the longing for 'eine Weibchen' in a way that puts a lump in your throat. His sturdy baritone is one of the best around these days. A real triumph for him. The audience gave him, deservedly, the loudest and longest applause during the curtain calls.

Overall, this is the best staged production of 'Zauberflöte' I've ever seen. I was riveted and didn't even take a break between the two acts I was so drawn into it. Extras on the DVD inlude brief interviews with McVicar and Macfarlane, and a long interview--quite informative and utterly charming--with Sir Colin. There is also a spoken synopsis that is quite well done, and I'd suggest you view it before you view the opera if you're not very familiar with the plot.

I give this DVD my very highest recommendation.

Scott Morrison

Average customer rating:

A wonderful production let down by lack of sound quality

Another rental gem

A very satisfying Glyndebourne production

Figaro on a double-sided DVD.

Sound quality subpar...and what's the deal with having Renee

Mozart: Le Nozze di Figaro (The Marriage of Figaro) -- Glyndebourne [1994]
Starring: Gerald Finley , Alison Hagley , Renée Fleming , Andreas Schmidt , and Mandred Röhrl
Director: Derek Bailey
Manufacturer: Warner Music Vision
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Mozart: Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute) -- Royal Opera House/Davis [2003]

Cosi Fan Tutte - Mozart [1989]

Mozart: Don Giovanni -- Glyndebourne [1995]

Rossini: Il Barbiere di Siviglia (The Barber of Seville) -- Glyndebourne [1982] (NTSC)

Don Giovanni - Mozart [1987]

ASIN: B00004CYO6
Release Date: 1999-10-25

Amazon.co.uk Review

Mozart's immortal adaptation of Beaumarchais' satirical tale has always been a Glyndebourne staple, so it was appropriate that this delightfully traditional production of Le Nozze di Figaro was chosen to reopen a refurbished Gyndebourne in May, 1994. Here, John Gunter's set design is airy and uncluttered, leaving the actors plenty of breathing space, while director Stephen Medcalf likewise allows the characters to speak (and sing) for themselves. Gerald Finley's Figaro and Alison Hagley's Susanna make a charming central pairing; Renee Fleming and Andreas Schmidt are a formidable aristocratic duo, while Marie-Ange Todorovitch fills Cherubino's trousers with pleasing playfulness. Haitink and the London Philharmonic sparkle, as of course they should. Unfussily filmed, this is as close to the real thing as you are likely to get without a Glyndebourne season ticket.

On the DVD: This is a double-sided disc requiring a changeover between Acts 2 and 3. With a running-time of 189 minutes, the disc is no longer than some epic Hollywood movies, so such flipping is hard to justify. But at least opera lends itself to natural breaks like this. The sound options are Dolby stereo or 5.1 and the picture is in 4:3 ratio. Subtitles are provided in English, French or German and the booklet contains a plot synopsis. --Mark Walker

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful production let down by lack of sound quality.......2008-03-03

If it were not for the poor sound quality, this would be five stars; but in the modern age, there is an expectation that a DVD should produce quality sound and this does not. This opera is one of the greatest artistic achievements in the world ever; the music is simply stunning; its ecstatic music that makes one rejoice in simply being.

Another rental gem.......2007-12-22

Finding good DVD titles of any description to rent is always a problem for us: most of the best films we have seen in the cinema and don't want to waste a rental on seeing them again. So on one occasion we rented a Mozart Opera and we were so pleased with it we have rented a number of others.

This particular production is almost flawless and were please with our choice yet again, especially as it arrived in the week before Christmas and so filled in a couple of dead broadcasting evenings. Sit back and enjoy.

A very satisfying Glyndebourne production.......2007-11-16

Vocally and visually, this is a very satisfying production made by Glyndebourne Festival Opera in 1994. Musically there is hardly any weakness, while the sets and staging are traditional and admirable.

All the four main characters are ideally cast: they sing well and look their roles. Alison Hagley (Susanna) - an attractive singer - is particularly delightful in her singing and acting. She is one of the best Susannas this reviewer has seen and listened to. Gerald Finley (Figaro) is excellent in characterization. Andreas Schmidt is a youthful Count, and Renee Fleming is a very good, if slightly mannered, Countess. The supporting cast is also very good.

Haitink's pacing is superb: he does not drive the music hard, giving the singers ample opportunities to sing the wonderfull tunes. One can just sit back and enjoy this comical masterpiece about feudal rights. One will get carried away by the genius of Mozart and da Ponte.

Both the picture quality and the stereo sound are excellent. The camera work is good, often focusing on singers in close-ups, but it does not get too obtrusive. This DVD is a bargain, as the recording (lasting three hours), which includes features about the cast and characters, is made on both sides of one DVD, thus relatively low price.

Figaro on a double-sided DVD. .......2006-08-29

Many things combine to make this an ideal production to enjoy in the home. There are enough shots of the newly-enlarged opera house at Glyndebourne to remind us that we are at an actual performance. The camera work, however, gets us closer than is possible in any theatre; indeed, during the Countess's first aria we are lying beside her in the bed. Amongst the principals, it is Figaro (Gerald Finley) and Susanna (Alison Begley) who dominate, and rightly so. With subtitles provided and every note of Mozart's score included, we might well conclude that this is the most entertaining of all operas.

Sound quality subpar...and what's the deal with having Renee.......2004-03-15

Fleming rolling around on the ground during "Deh vieni..."?
Alison Hagley as Susanna was delicious and her chemistry with Gerald Finley is one of the highlights. Their fight scene before "Pace, pace, mio dolce tesoro" is hilarious.
Andrea Schmidt as the Count was a bit too uptight, acting AND singing, and Renee Fleming, while in good form vocally, is not exactly the best acting Rosina.
Marie-Ange Todorovitch, on the other hand, absolutely shines as Cherubino.
I've read reviews about the production where the sets were portrayed as being unimaginative and too confining...I liked it. I thought it struck a good balance between a too sparse staging and a more traditional set where the eyes are pulled every which way.
The sound quality BITES. Compare it to the sound quality in John Gardiner's DVD with Alison Hagley and Bryn Terfel as Susanna and Figaro. Not even close.
Which leads me to suggest the Gardiner DVD as an alternative to this good but flawed disc. Of course, if you don't like Sir John's lively pacing of the score compared to Bernard's more deliberate approach, better sound quality might not exactly be a good thing.
By the way, I am basing my remarks on the Region One disc.

Average customer rating:

Brilliant singing from the two women principals
Some heavenly music
Sheer perfection

Mozart - Cosi Fan Tutte [2007]
Starring: Topi Lehtipuu , Luca Pisaroni , Nicolas Rivenq , Miah Persson , and Anke Vondung
Director: Nicholas Hytner
Manufacturer: Opus Arte Media Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000NIWI9K
Release Date: 2007-03-05

Customer Reviews:

Brilliant singing from the two women principals.......2008-01-01

When it was first performed, this opera was described as an opera buffa, but although there is much comedy (and the comedy element is given emphasis in this production), the opera has a dark and somewhat disturbing side. The plot, slight and amusing at first glance, deals with the sometimes anguished struggles that take place among constancy, sexual desire, and love between the sexes. The Victorians thought Così fan Tutte outrageous and vulgar, but times change and nowadays Così is generally considered to be one of the most satisfying and thought-provoking of the Mozart operas. The music without doubt is astounding, and is representative of Mozart at the very height of his powers.

This beautifully presented production (the singers appear in period clothes, for once, and perform against plain and well lit, pastel-coloured sets) is very successful indeed. The stars are the gifted young Swedish soprano Miah Persson (as Fiordiligi) and the German mezzo-soprano Anke Vondung (as Dorabella). Their singing is never less than excellent and is often quite ravishing. Miah Persson reminds me very much of Elisabeth Schwarzkopf as she was in the mid-1950s (when I began to collect classical music records). Anke Vondung is almost equally impressive, and some of the duets sung by the two young women are quite brilliantly done. Though the two women principals stand out (in part, it must be said, because they have the best of the music) the rest of the singing is very good indeed. The two young male singers (Topi Lehtipuu and Luca Pisaroni) who share the centre of the action with the two ladies are very accomplished, and sing impressively. Conducting and orchestral playing are of a high standard throughout.

This is essentially an opera for six voices, and the only disappointment, in my opinion, is the relative weakness of the third pair of singers - Ainhoa Garmendia (as the scheming maid Despina) and Nicolas Rivenq (as the manipulative Don Alfonso). The former somehow gives the impression of not being thoroughly at home in her role, and the latter, who seems a little under-powered and takes quite a while to get going, has been poorly characterized by the director, who presents him as a rather good and even jolly sort of fellow instead of the unattractive and world-weary cynic that the libretto leads us to expect. But these are relatively small quibbles. The weaknesses of this production are far outweighed by the strong points, and this version of the opera can be confidently recommended.

Some heavenly music.......2007-10-29

This is not to compare this version with others: it just happens to be the one I am listening to as I write. Prospero said, in "The Tempest" (Act V, line 51, since you ask) "When I have required some heavenly music, which even now I do, to work mine end upon their senses that this airy charm is for....". I cannot say fairer than that!

Sheer perfection.......2007-04-04

I have many versions of Cosi, including the Ponnelle, which I thought unsurpassable - until I encountered this from last year's Glyndebourne. I first saw it last Christmas on the box, and itched to get a DVD. Now I have a copy, I am reminded forcefully how well the cast (unknown to me) drew every ounce of wit and humour from a piece that can easily go sour. There are many ingredients that go to make this such a success. Not only the singing, which is fresh as paint, but the acting, which I think is some of the best I have seen in a Mozart comedy. All cast members contribute to an ensemble performance. Clearly Nicholas Hytner deserves mention and Fischer, whose brisk, dramatic and characterful overture immediately has me in its grasp. I cannot reccommend this performance enough. If you can only have one recording, this should be the one. If you alrady have several, this should be added as soon as possible.

Bryn Terfel - Don Giovanni - Mozart [2000] (NTSC)

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Wonderful Met production but the Don does not frighten us
Wonderful Met production but the Don does not frighten us
Mozart would have been proud

Bryn Terfel - Don Giovanni - Mozart [2000] (NTSC)
Starring: Bryn Terfel , Solveig Kringelborn , Paul Groves , Hei-Kyung Hong , and John Relyea
Director: Gary Halvorson
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Deutsche Grammophon | Special Features | Music
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ASIN: B000787WZG
Release Date: 2005-03-14

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Met production but the Don does not frighten us.......2005-07-15

This is one of the best versions of Mozart's masterpiece presently available in DVD. Its greatest attraction is obviously the presence of Renée Fleming and Bryn Terfel. Ms Fleming's interpretation of Donna Anna is truly exceptional: the candor and purity of her voice make a perfect expression of the pain and suffering of that noble woman who's father has been killed by the man who tried to rape her. Bryn Terfel is undoubtely a great singer, but he is not a credible Don Giovanni. His voice lacks that touch of evil that makes of the Don the seductor that everybody admires and fears at the same time, specially when he seduces Zerlina and sings below Donna Elvira's balcony. Mr. Terfel's physical appearance is the other factor that prevents us from believing that he can make harm every person that surrounds him. He is obliged to replace body movements with grimaces. I would have liked much better in the role of Leporello, instead of Furlanetto, who is still a great singer (I saw him last year at the Met playing Mustafa in L'Italiana in Algieri) but he is not anymore the memorable servant who accompanied Samuel Ramey and Thomas Allen in those legendary recordings (also available in DVD). He has really let himself go during the last ten years not only phisically (he has gained much weight) but his voice is not the same that we admired during the late eighties. Solveig Kringelborn is a gorgeous Donna Elvira: her beauty, her voice and her acting make us believe that she is really in love with the devil and wants to rescue him from hell. Paul Groves is great as Don Octavio and the same can be said about Hei-Yung Hong as Zerlina. I was surprised to see John Relyea as Massetto. He was acclaimed at he Met this year for his role of Figaro in Le Nozze. Is a big surprise to see such a good singer in this role. Here you can appreciate him in his beginnings.The sound and image are excellent (this comment goes for the german DVD) and the orchestra is superbly conducted by James Levine. Can we ask for more? Maybe a more aggresive Don Giovanni and a younger Leporello.

Wonderful Met production but the Don does not frighten us.......2005-07-15

This is one of the best versions of Mozart's masterpiece presently available in DVD. Its greatest attraction is obviously the presence of Renée Fleming and Bryn Terfel. Ms Fleming's interpretation of Donna Anna is truly exceptional: the candor and purity of her voice make a perfect expression of the pain and suffering of that noble woman who's father has been killed by the man who tried to rape her. Bryn Terfel is undoubtely a great singer, but he is not a credible Don Giovanni. His voice lacks that touch of evil that makes of the Don the seductor that everybody admires and fears at the same time, specially when he seduces Zerlina and sings below Donna Elvira's balcony. Mr. Terfel's physical appearance is the other factor that prevents us from believing that he can make harm every person that surrounds him. He is obliged to replace body movements with grimaces. I would have liked much better in the role of Leporello, instead of Furlanetto, who is still a great singer (I saw him last year at the Met playing Mustafa in L'Italiana in Algieri) but he is not anymore the memorable servant who accompanied Samuel Ramey and Thomas Allen in those legendary recordings (also available in DVD). He has really let himself go during the last ten years not only phisically (he has gained much weight) but his voice is not the same that we admired during the late eighties. Solveig Kringelborn is a gorgeous Donna Elvira: her beauty, her voice and her acting make us believe that she is really in love with the devil and wants to rescue him from hell. Paul Groves is great as Don Octavio and the same can be said about Hei-Yung Hong as Zerlina. I was surprised to see John Relyea as Massetto. He was acclaimed at he Met this year for his role of Figaro in Le Nozze. Is a big surprise to see such a good singer in this role. Here you can appreciate him in his beginnings.The sound and image are excellent and the orchestra is superbly conducted by James Levine. Can we ask for more? Maybe a more aggresive Don Giovanni and a younger Leporello.

Mozart would have been proud.......2005-05-21

This performance of Don Giovanni from the MET is probably the best version I have encountered on DVD and I can recommend it wholeheartedly. There are many versions on DVD to choose from, each with their own merits. However, you will not find a version so finely staged, sung or conducted. Terfel as the Don is a real rogue, with the eyes and voice to match. Furlanetto as his sidekick (a Don himself) acquits himself with disctinction, repeating an excellent performance seen earlier with Karajan from 1987. Fleming offers a vivid and exciting performance as Anna with no mannerisms in the singing. Kringelborn's strong voice contrasts well with Fleming as Elvira, reminding me of Schwarzkopf in her youth. The remainder of the cast is strong vocally. The production by Franco Zeffirelli is well conceived. Mozart would have been proud. What more can I say?

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Mozart - Le Nozze Di Figaro
Director: David McVicar
Manufacturer: Opus Arte Media Productions
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0013HA838
Release Date: 2008-03-03

Average customer rating:

BRILLIANT IN EVERY SENSE
Unforgetable

Cecilia Bartoli - Live In Italy [1998]
Starring: Cecilia Bartoli , and Jean-Yves Thibaudet
Director: Brian Large
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Italian | World Cinema | Categories | DVD | Video

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Decca Records | Custom Stores | Substores | Music
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ASIN: B00005BEYC
Release Date: 2001-06-25

Customer Reviews:

BRILLIANT IN EVERY SENSE.......2003-11-27

This is the best Cecilia Bartoli concert DVD (so far), the clarity of performances matched by the clarity of imagery, thanks to the direction of Brian Large. The concert opens with Cecilia accompanied (for the first five songs) by the rich tones of Sonatori de la Gioiosa Marca. Jean-Yves Thibaudet accompanies Cecilia for the rest of the concert, another twenty-five songs and arias, five of them encores. Cecilia always sings with clarity, precision, power and passion, but this is the best piano accompaniment she has ever had-never has the piano sounded less like a percussion instrument. The DVD also gives plenty of close-up shots of Jean-Yves Thibaudet with Cecilia standing beyond the piano, their shared glances revealing their laser-like conspiratorial communication. Cecilia's joy in performance transpires at every pore with instant fires igniting the audience (and dazzling this viewer).
The CD of this concert has only twenty -four tracks. Still very good of course but not the complete picture.

Unforgetable.......2000-12-26

In the awe-inspiring Teatro Olimpico,Vicenza, Cecilia Bartoli, recognised as one of the best singers of our time, gives the most outstanding recital of work from a variety of composers such as Caccini, Schubert, Handel, Vivaldi, Bellini, Donizetti,Mozart, Rossini, Viardot and Bizet.

Such a huge variety of work is explored in this performance, that it would take too long to review each song individually. However the highlights of this video (which includes the entire performance unlike to accompanying CD of the same title) include Cecilia's breathing life into Caccini's 16th century love songs, the dazzling colloratura in Vivaldi's "Agitata da due venti" and Rossini's "Riedi al Soglio", and the timeless beauty of her performance of Handel's "Lascia la spina". However, this is only the beginning, she delights the audience by bringing a distinct spanish feel to the evening, singing in spanish, flamenco dancing and playing the castanets. And for the first time, beguiling the audience with an interpretation Bizet's famous Seguidilla from Carmen.

I would highly recommend this video even to those that have a full collection of her CD's as it includes pieces which have not been recorded onto CD. It would also bring a great deal of pleasure to anyone who would like to sample some of Cecilia Bartoli's amazing artistry.

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Baby Einstein 25 DVD Gift Set with Lullaby time, Baby Mozart, Baby Van Gogh, Neighbourhood Animals, World Animals ... in One Gift Set

Manufacturer: Disney
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Categories | DVD | Video | Action & Adventure | Children's DVD | Classics | Comedy | Crime, Thrillers & Mystery | Documentary | Drama | Fitness | Gay & Lesbian | Horror | Interactive DVDs | Music DVDs | Musicals & Classical | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Sports | Television | World Cinema
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Baby Einstein 25 DVD Gift Set with Lullaby time, Baby Mozart, Baby Van Gogh, Neighbourhood Animals, World Animals ... in One Gift Set

Annabel Karmel's New Complete Baby and Toddler Meal Planner

Baby Einstein - Baby Noah

Baby Santa's Music Box

Mirror Me! (Baby Einstein)

ASIN: B00103FC5O

Product Description

The award-winning early years education series Baby Einstein contains 25 DVDs in a gift box. Language: English, French and Spanish. Region 1. 1. Baby Einstein®: Baby BachTM Musical Adventure. Release Date: Nov 25, 2003. 2. Baby Einstein®: Baby BeethovenTM Symphony of Fun. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 3. Baby Einstein®: Baby da VinciTM From Head To Toe. Release Date: August 10, 2004 4. Baby Einstein®: Baby GalileoTM Discovering The Sky. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 5. Baby Einstein®: Baby MacDonaldTM A Day On The Farm. Release Date: August 10, 2004 6. Baby Einstein®: Baby MozartTM Music Festival. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 7. Baby Einstein®: Baby NeptuneTM Discovering Water. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 8. Baby Einstein®: Baby NewtonTM Discovering Shapes. Release Date: Nov 25, 2003. 9. Baby Einstein®: Baby Santa's Music BoxTM. Release Date: October 24, 2004. 10. Baby Einstein®: Baby ShakespeareTM World of Poetry. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 11. Baby Einstein®: Baby Van GoghTM World of Colours. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 12. Baby Einstein®: Language NurseryTM. Release Date: August 5, 2003. 13. Baby Einstein®: Neighbourhood AnimalsTM. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 14. Baby Einstein®: Numbers NurseryTM. Release Date: August 10, 2004. 15. Baby Einstein®: World AnimalsTM. Release Date: March 16, 2004. 16. Baby Einstein®: Baby NoahTM. Release Date: October 26, 2004. 17. Baby Einstein®: Baby MonetTM. Discovering The Seasons. Release Date: March 8, 2005. 18. Baby Einstein®: Baby WordsworthTM. Release Date: August 2005. 19. Baby Einstein®: On The GoTM. Release Date: November 2005. 20. Baby Einstein®: Meet the OrchestraTM. Release Date: Feb 2006. 21 Baby Einstein®: Baby's Favorite Places 22 Baby Einstein®: Baby's first Moves 23 Baby Einstein®: My First Signs - See and Sign with Baby 24 Baby Einstein®: Discovering Shapes-Circles 25 Baby Einstein®: Lullaby time

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