Jules Massenet: Manon | 
| Director: Vincent Paterson
Actors: Anna Netrebko, Rolando Villazon, Daniel Barenboim, Alfredo Daza, Christof Fischesser
Studio: Deutsche Grammophon
Category: DVD
List Price: $39.98
Buy New: $18.61
You Save: $21.37 (53%)
New (29) Used (11) from $17.00
Rating:  10 reviews
Sales Rank: 13911
Format: Ac-3, Dolby, Dts Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen, Ntsc
Languages: French (Original Language), Chinese (Subtitled), English (Subtitled), French (Subtitled), German (Subtitled), Spanish (Subtitled)
Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Region: 0
Discs: 2
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Number Of Discs: 2
Running Time: 158 Minutes
Shipping Weight (lbs): 0.4
Dimensions (in): 7.5 x 5.4 x 0.6
MPN: 001181609
UPC: 044007344316
EAN: 0044007344316
ASIN: B0012UQIW6
Theatrical Release Date: 2008
Release Date: September 23, 2008
Availability: Usually ships in 1-2 business days
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Description
International superstars Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazón give inspired performances in Massenet's passionate opera, Manon. Netrebko gives full range to her abilities as a singer and actress in portraying innocence, lust, greed and, above all, beauty. It is Netrebko's mesmerizing performance which makes Villazón's youthful passion and ultimate despair even more authentic and heart-breaking. The setting in this production has been updated to the 1950s and the entire opera takes place as if Manon were the star of her own film. Indeed, Netrebko transforms her character from the innocence of Audrey Hepburn through the voluptuousness of Marilyn Monroe into the tragedy of Ingrid Bergman. The work of director Vincent Paterson, known for his work on Broadway and in music videos, is especially effective in creating an energetic and ultimately tragic performance with stunning visual splendor. Netrebko and Villazón, the true dream-team for this opera, are joined by the conductor Daniel Barenboim who leads the Staatskapelle Berlin in a spontaneous and passionate performance.
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| Customer Reviews: Read 5 more reviews...
 Simply one of the best Opera DVDs available September 10, 2008
Valmont (Sydney Australia)
26 out of 32 found this review helpful
Anna Netrebko creates another magical performance as Manon in this updated production from Berlin. Originally performed in Los Angeles, the production then travelled to Berlin in 2007.
Anna Netrebko adds Manon to a list of amazing roles she has created on stage. Set in 1950's Paris, Manon is cast as a glamourous actress. Her coloratura is as beautiful as she is in a range of gorgeous period gowns. At one point she is pole dancing in a gold lame gown while singing some beautiful notes. Simply astonishing!!
Rolando Villazon is again superb in the role of the student Des Grieux. His beautiful sound serves Massenet's music very well.
You will regret not getting this DVD. It does not get any better than this. This simply is a must have DVD for anyone who collects opera on DVD.
Perfect balance of music and theater September 25, 2008
Constantine A. Papas
14 out of 16 found this review helpful
The theatricality of this life performance of Manon on DVD is amazing. Paterson's idea to update Manon into the 50s is the creation of a genius with so many metaphors and symbolism. Like many sixteen-year-old girls, Manon dreams of becoming a movie star for fame, prosperity and the "good" life. The presence of cameras on stage from the beginning gives a physical glimpse of her dreams. And every bobby soxer dreams of the day she'll put on sheer hosiery with the sexy seam in the back. The black magic-marker line Manon inscribes on the back of her nude sexy leg is a raw manifestation of her subconscious desire that Paterson captures to
perfection.
What about the music? After all, Manon is an opera. Personally, Manon is not one of my favorite operas. The first two acts, musically speaking, are rather tedious and tenuous. The heavy dramatic singing picks up later and if it's well sung, it makes Manon a heavyweight and a tearjerker. Netrebko's Manon, with the help of Paterson's intelligent direction,
projects the character's flaws, immaturity and shallowness with honesty that makes you feel sorry for her. And her singing? Netrebko's in total command with unbelievable either playful or dramatic color. And her death scene in the end is destined for prosperity. Netrebko not only sings and acts well but she even dies better!
Villazon is in excellent form with secure top but he appears to be a liitle cautious with the size of his sound. He and Netrebko make the "dream team" one more time, as this production shows; and this DVD is highly recommended. The sound of the orchestra is underpowered at times, maybe due to a little sluggishness from the podium.
Constantine A. Papas
El Paso, Texas
Outstanding theater that happens to be opera September 28, 2008
Robert G. Leroe (Saugus, MA USA)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful
The director admits in the documentary that he doesn't care for opera because too much attention too often is given to the singing and not enough to acting and staging. And he fixes that beautifully here in a Broadway-worthy theatrical presentation that should keep everyone glued to the action on screen. The updating to the 50's gives it a glitzy retro look similar to the Australian La Boheme. The sets, costumes, and especially the stars ("singing actors") make this a memorable piece, which viewers will want to watch repeatedly. No "stand-and-deliver" here.
Hepburn to Monroe September 27, 2008
terence reisman (tallahassee, fl USA)
8 out of 11 found this review helpful
And yet another treat for the eyes and ears from this "dream team" The concept is brilliant, acting is believable, and the singing is glorious. Cannot wait fot the upcoming Boheme movie!
 DISAPPOINTING October 11, 2008
Chilean Opera lover (Santiago, Chile)
5 out of 9 found this review helpful
I have been waiting many months for this DVD. Maybe I expected too much but there is no one better than Renee Fleming's Manon at the Paris Opera (really a Masterclass). Her singing (perfect technique) and acting are much much better than Netrebko's. Netrebko makes a cinical and cabaret type Manon and that is not the way that this role should be acted and sung. Her acting is cold and exaggerated. Fleming sings and acts a more human, sweet and sincere Manon and her voice is more adequate for this role than Netrebko's. Anna Netrebko is singins many roles and seems that for her is no difference between them, she does not capture the spirit of each role. In Fleming's DVD is missing Rolando Villazón, a convincing and passionate Des Grieux singing and acting. He is really spectacular in this role as in many others. Visually Paris' Manon is really beautiful. On the contrary this DVD's stage design is colorful but not attractive at all.
My perfect Manon would be Fleming-Villazón. If you want a good Manon, buy Flewming's.
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