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Title: Surprisingly moving
Review: I delayed watching this DVD because of the mixed reviews it has received. I should not have. This DVD has quite a bit going for it. Firstly Chailly's conducting is superb and the very sound of his orchestra is outstanding. Secondly the production in effect translates the opera into a two act affair with disk one playing nonstop through Act 2, scene 2 and disk two doing the same for the rest of the opera. This works quite well for home viewing. Thirdly the acting, singing, and movement all highlight the drama and tensions of this opera and keep one involved with what is going on with the characters. I was particularly impressed with Villazon, Croft, and Lloyd in this regard. Needless to say I am quite happy to see Carlo played as an anguished adolescent. And the sets and costumes? Well they don't get in the way of the drama. Is this THE Don Carlo? I will not say. Is it an exciting night at the opera? Definitely.
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