Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

"Ring" cycles are almost sure to inspire controversy. The outrageous scenic demands, the fantasy elements, the horrific demands on the singers make it almost impossible to fully realize Wagner's vision. And everyone who has tried to stage the operas has had to make compromises, gloss over difficulties, and make due with what they have at their disposal. The Met Ring represents the neo-romantic approach to the operas, which for most casual viewers or opera "newbies" will probably make this the first choice for watching the cycle at home. Granted, many critics and opera affecianatos have hated this production. They have called it "too lush," "too old fashioned" or "too easy." But it is these elements which will make the opera comprehensible to the newcomer. Some of the more modern productions have been visually interesting, and indeed made the viewer rethink the story and its meaning to contemporary audiences. But too often they zero in on one aspect or meaning to the expense of others. Chereau's Industrial Ring was a fascinating production, but after awhile I couldn't get past some jarring inconsistencies, especially the clash between the fantasy elements and the gritty "real world" in which it was set. Why would Alberich want to control a magic ring, when he could organize a union or lead a workers' revolt? How is it that the world could progress into the Industrial Age but not understand the concept of money? Does taking an elevator really convey the descent into the underground caverns of the dwarves? And so on -- a mechanical dragon, the forging scene all seem even more silly when forced into "reality." Other staged productions fare no better... watching the laser show of another production brings to mind a late night stoner session watching Pink Floyd. Others have twisted the story so much that characters show up at inappropriate (and unscripted) times, new endings are tacked on, and so forth... all in the name of making the operas "relevant." Herein lies the strength of the Met's production - it tries to bring Wagner's vision to life, not that of some ambitious director. Set in a fantasy world of gods, heroes, and magic, the story flows more naturally and the elements have broader resonance. The sets, lighting, and presentation of the opera are particular strengths of this DVD. I doubt if the Rhineland has ever come to life in such a brilliant, visually stunning way, and those who fell under the spell of the recent "Lord of the Rings" movies should find many similarities here. The singing is not quite the caliber of the "golden age" but is generally fine. Levine and the orchestra are in tip-top form here... rarely do opera's sound this good! The acting is not this production's greatest strength, but several performers do quite well. Ludwig, Morris, Beherns are quite good, an Jerusalem is one of the better Siegfrieds around. Sure, viewers can ultimately move on to more complex productions, but this is the best place to start for those hoping to make that first plunge into Wagner's Ring.