Mozart: The Mozart Glyndebourne Collection (Box Set)

Advantages: Excellent transfer from stage to screen
Disadvantages: Those accents

..."Amadeus" is about the life and works of Mozart, who seems to be hailed nowadays as the musical Shakespeare, the greatest composer who ever lived. Surprisingly then, Mozart is portrayed as childish, lecherous, and insensitive - but capable of producing the most brilliant music. "I am a vulgar man, but there is nothing vulgar about my music," as he says. Unfortunately, rival composer Salieri is waiting in the wings, envious of Mozart's talent and the harsh knowledge that not only is Mozart beating him in the composer stakes, but deserves to as well. With this in mind, Salieri's underhand machinations send Mozart to an early grave. In fact, Salieri is a far more interesting character, as he is fuelled by his human hatred but equally aware of the crime he is committing. The film is funny and fascinating, with some brilliant set... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Superb music, script, sets, acting
Disadvantages: None

...are lavish and the scenes are huge. The opera productions and stages are as meticulously planned as you would expect from any real opera company. You cannot take your eyes off the film. And the soundtrack is beautifully constructed using mostly Mozart’s music – each piece carefully selected in keeping with the mood and pace of the scene. Even if you cannot get anything else from this film the music is sure to move you. But with the superb acting, backdrop, sets, costumes and music combined, we have a film which well deserved the 8 Oscars that it won. So what is the story? At its highest level the story is of how an embittered Salieri set into motion a series of events which led to the demise and death of Mozart. But it is far deeper and much more complex than that. It explores issues such as inadequacy, humiliation, jealousy, longing... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful

Advantages: Comic opera, beautiful melodies, superb ensembles
Disadvantages: Cannot compare to a live performance

...with conviction. The ensembles at the end of each act are the highlight of the performance with each separate voice sounding distinct and brilliant and the action fast-moving and thrilling. Nikolaus Harnoncourt's conducts the Zurich Opera House Orchestra with precision and attention to detail. The result is outstanding with defined contrasts and full of tension. The only criticism, I could make is that it does not always fully convey the brightness and playfulness expected by Mozart’s musical directions. Jürgen Flimm directs the performance staying close to the original. The costumes are historically accurate with plenty of low cut dresses and absurd breeches. Set on revolving sets, the scenes of the farce are played to great comic effect particularly the scene of act two in which Susanna and the countess dress the page in a dress are disturbed... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful