Tchaikovsky - Eugene Onegin / Fleming, Vargas, Hvorostovsky, Gergiev, Carsen [Metropolitan Opera 2007]

This production was on the web for months by now, and every opera lover is dying to own it in a neat and snug DVD set (also for gifts during Christmas).
Dmitri Hvorostovsky previously sung a CD version in the late 1990's with Nuccia Focile as Tatyanna. I would say with 100% certainty that this MET production's Onegin and Tatyanna topped the previous version. Baritones are like wine; in the case of Hvorostovsky, exceedingly good wine. I remember well the last parting scene of the two protagonists in this production - devastating is the only description I could think of.
Fleming and DH were like being engaged in a vocal dual, each singing and acting their hearts out. Their proficiency simply unblievable. I strongly recommend this recording to students undertaking operatic training.
Ramon Vargas delivered an aria ("Kuda, Kuda") that earned him an applause for well-nigh 2 minutes. He is in his absolute prime in this performance.
Gergiev - yes, he's the person chiefly responsible for bringing out the best in his cast. Rene Fleming's so-called 'mannerisms' were no where discernible in this performance.
Miss this one, and die.

I was thrilled seeing this at the movie theater knowing the considerable talent of the three principals and couldn't wait until it came out on DVD. I've purchased a few for Christmas presents to the friends who were with me on that day and, yes, we opera "buffs" have been discussing it ever since. The first reviewer is spot on in the details of the review. The only detraction was (as most usual) the production, however, those made no difference in the wonderful pleasure derived from the artistry of the singers. Dmitri owns the role, period. Renee was at her very, very best and the chemistry between the two jumped off the screen. This is a must purchase for anyone who loves the art of pure singing and acting singers. Performances of perfection!! I was in attendance at the Met for my favorite performance of all time, that of Domingo and Fleming in "Otello", also available on DVD. This is just about as good as it gets in the world of great opera singing. I've seen all three in person many times and the DVD is a must for memories of these extraordinary artists in a beautiful opera. Russian is a language that sings beautifully as well. Don't leave this one in Amazon's inventory. Buy it!

I saw this live at the Met and then waded through a storm to see an encore broadcast in a movie theater in Times Square. Read the other reviews for the details--all I'll say is, people, it was every bit as ravishing as that, and more.

This was one of those productions opera fans will be talking about for YEARS! I WAS THERE, folks and was completely blown away.
This video is the next best thing to being there. If you enjoy perfect performances, you NEED this video.

I saw the moviecast of this production. For those who don't know, the moviecast was a live performance of a matinee at the Met in New York shown in movie theatres across the country; it had almost all the excitement of being in the Met itself for this unforgettable performance. I just wish I too had a program to tear up and rain confetti down on the singers as the audience at the Met did. Yes, it was that great a performance.

This is a lushly romantic opera about unrequited love and deserves to be far better known than it is.

As for the performance, it's one for the ages and I count myself lucky to have seen the moviecast. I agree with the previous reviewer about the spare sets not always doing justice to the intent of the opera, but the performances are so stellar, it really doesn't matter.

I've been anxiously awaiting the DVD and am very relieved that it's one of only two releases from last season's Met moviecasts.