Bizet: Carmen in 3D (presented by RealD and the Royal Opera House) [Blu-ray]

If there was ever going to be a first true 3D filming of an opera, why not make it the most popular opera in the world? That's right, Carmen is the first commercial high definition release filmed entirely in RealD-3D by Julian Napier. Before I get to the reasons why this one should be on your wish list, I should point out that you must have all the necessary 3D components to view this disc. There is no 2D alternative. If you don't have a full 3D HDTV, bluray3D player, active shutter glasses, and a fully compatible high speed HDMI cable, don't buy this product. However, if you're all set to view 3D imagery on your entertainment center, by all means, don't hesitate to pick this up. So, now to the good stuff. How's the picture? In one word, simply stunning. Smooth, lifelike, breathlessly three dimensional. The stage is deep and Napier takes full advantage by creating layers of dimensions between all the goings on. As extras and principles move across the stage, there is a real sense of depth dimension. When the credits begin and the camera pans across the theater, one can simply marvel at the ingenunity as rows of patrons sweep by the camera in full 3D. How's the sound? I was surprised that the sound format is only dolby digital and not true DTS HD master audio or the Dolby equivalent. However, the sound even still is magnificent in 5.1 channels when played back on a surround home theater system. All the tunefulness and orchestral coloring that Bizet wove into Carmen is sumptuous and realistic. How's the stage production? As I said, knowing the production would be filmed in 3D, there is plenty that pops out of the screen. The sets are relatively simple, but effective. There are real animals on stage as well. Don't expect Zeffireli extravagance, but you'll definitely get your money's worth. Francesca Zambello does a wonderful job polishing a production worthy of 3D. And, what of the performance itself. It's a memorable one. Christine Rice as Carmen is seductive and conniving, passionate and enflamed. Her voice is beautiful and she uses it to the hilt. How's her chemistry with Don Jose played by Bryan Hymel. It's potent. It has to be, right? For all this to work! Hymel is handsome and has a charming tenor with just the right desperation and agony in all the right places as he becomes ensnared in Carmen's wicked charm. Aris Argiris and Maija Kovalevska round out the principles and what a fine job they do. The whole cast is uniformly excellent. Have there been better Carmen's?...Don Jose's?...Escamillo's ect.? You could balk about this or that performance having this something or that something, but as a whole, I couldn't recommend this production more even if it were only in 2D. Constantinos Carydis conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House and what a fresh and intuitive reading it is. It has a kind of flow and spontaneity about it that keeps the whole performance briskly moving along. So, my final verdict is: BUY THIS NOW! If you're looking to expand your 3D movie collection, what a great way to go about it. If you love opera, and just happen to have a 3DTV, this speaks for itself. I loved it, and definitely consider it a worthy purchase. I hope you do too. Peace!

Coming to yet another version of this old favourite it was a pleasure to see it done well with a good cast who pushed all the right buttons. It is a very good performance and is an excellent introduction for anyone new to opera given the many interpretations which are available on CD and DVD. That is said in appreciation of the wide choice we have so to come to another version with many others in the background is the context for this review.For me it is unfortunate that only a 3D version is available as it deserves wider distribution to those only able to see it in 2D.Given the time effort and technology involved the 3D experience is pleasurable but currently as flawed as it was in cinemas all those years ago when 3D movies were to be the next big thing so I wait with interest to see if it lasts.Would I buy the equipment to watch this ? Not yet as international standards for 3D formats have yet to be settled so i would hold off for those and knowing that OLED screens are on the way.SACD suffered in a format war and is now a niche market and perhaps 3D will go the same way-what is added to the catalogue will determine that so the tipping point has a long way to go.So in the meantime pro : Adding spatiality on stage is a pleasing effect very well achieved.All close-ups done sympathetically without unnecessary perspiration.Camerawork is fluid clever and unobtrusive, costuming is excellent.Sets are apt and stagecraft overall is smooth.Con : The limitations of the medium-having to watch with special glasses over one's spectacles is irritating as is the loss of picture brightness with active systems. (Roll on those which do away with them and I see they are on the technology horizon).As for the performance- I'm more inclined to prefer Agnes Baltsa and Jose Carreras on dvd or add my own mind images listening to Victoria de Los Angeles and Nicolai Gedda with Sir Thomas Beecham on CD but that of course is just my preference.Otherwise for those of us who have assembled the equipment with the caveats above this is an enjoyable experience of a good production.The sound is as good as others have said (even if not DTS which is odd- why would you not ?)It's not my first choice but as a way of demonstrating the potential of good 3D effects it is worth having for that alone as an obvious labour of love in producing it.Hopefully more productions will pick up on this and I look forward to the first ballet performance in this format.

I watched the projected version of this in 3D on screen on board the Queen Mary 2 and loved it. Great filming, combined with excellent singing from the ENO and tremendous 3D brings the stage play to life. I bought the DVD as soon as I realised it was available to buy. Brilliant, I wish there were more 3D productions round of this quality.

It is an exceptional Convent Garden production with a very 3D video reproduction. More operas and theater performances in 3D will be received successfully (for instance, London, Paris, Madrid, New York stage performances like Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, etc.)

5 Star performance and great 3D images from this DVD. Superb music Background a bit dull but still a great DVD

Excellent 3D version, great quality and first class singing. Highly recommended for opera lovers.

Carmen has never really been my favorite opera, but if this first 3D production is a foretaste of what is to come "please sir, I want some more."I am now looking at it in awe and listening intently - enjoying every moment.