Erich Binder, Orchester der Wiener Staatsoper, Francisco Araiza, Ruggero Raimondi - Gounod: Faust (2006/1985)
NTSC 4:3 (720x480) | Français | LinearPCM, 2 ch | DTS, 5 ch | Dolby AC3, 5 ch | 7.06 Gb+4.17 Gb (DVD9+DVD5) | 176 min
Classical | Deutsche Grammophon | Sub: Francais, English, Deutsch, Espanol, Chinese
NTSC 4:3 (720x480) | Français | LinearPCM, 2 ch | DTS, 5 ch | Dolby AC3, 5 ch | 7.06 Gb+4.17 Gb (DVD9+DVD5) | 176 min
Classical | Deutsche Grammophon | Sub: Francais, English, Deutsch, Espanol, Chinese
The production and video direction are by British film-maker Ken Russell who puts his own stamp on the production. Russell told an interviewer he felt the plot was "silly" so he turned Marguerite into a young nun, eliminated the Walpurgis Night ballet, had Marguerite use sign-language for Valentin's deaf-mute children, and had Mephistopheles disrespectfully urinating in the stoup in church. However, the overall effect is visually engrossing, the vivid sets and costumes by Karl Toms are effective. And the singing is outstanding.