San Fran Opera hopes for high-def
I
can't say that I've been to see an opera performance; not because I'm afraid to publicly admit it, I've just never had
the opportunity. If the San Francisco Opera has anything to do about it, that may
change. Towards the very bottom of San Fran's 2006 season announcement, this tasty tidbit crossed our path: the
Opera house is hoping to set up a high-def studio for spreading the Has anyone seen an opera and if so, would you expect it to transfer to well to a high-def video presentation or is there a "live" factor that would be missed?
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Ron White @ Jan 12th 2006 11:01AM
I remeber Franco Zefirelli LASER discs of famous operas like Rigelletto , Carmen, Ottello etc.
They now are available in DVD and will surely be rereleased in the HD-DVD format .
So he was the first to translate the stage production to film and then to LASER / DVD discs...
jim tello @ Jan 12th 2006 12:40PM
There is very much a live factor for opera! However, that means quality of reproduction is even more important than usual. For some reason, many of the opera tapes and dvd's on offer do not have the very best quality, although some do. I purchased one earlier this year with the latest sound technology and what a difference that made! Therefore, the HD productions this company is planning may have quite an impact on enjoyment of the result.
make money on ebay god @ Jan 12th 2006 1:42PM
why would anyone want to see opera in high def anyway?
Brian @ Jan 12th 2006 3:08PM
My wife is a soprano and has performed in many operas in leading roles. I have been in several operas as well and stage managed a number of them.
I have also seen several operas on inHD. They are usually very well filmed. I think that seeing an opera on TV is fine, especially in HD. Operas usually have lavish sets and costumes, which translate well to HD. The 5.1 sound also helps a lot, too, allowing you to hear the "echo" from the theater.
I think that for people who are just starting out, an opera on TV is great. If it isn't in English, the subtitles are right there for you.
Now, having never liked operas before I met my wife, I must say that I do like them now....but definately not all of them. The comedies are MUCH easier to take. So, give it a shot....you might like it.
Leslie J. Hartley @ Jan 14th 2006 7:35AM
I've been in a few (I'm a baritone) and seen a bunch. Some of the joys of the live aspect could not be replaced, such as the marvel of a highly trained, un-amplified voice reaching every corner of a large hall. Also, when the stage fills up, the astute listener can focus on different aspects of the presentation instead of being at the mercy of a director.
However, certain aspects of the experience would be enhanced. Everyone would have an ideal seat (about row 7,close to center), obviating the need for opera glasses. Weaker voices could still be heard, if mixed correctly. Camera angles could focus atttention at the story point for those unfamiliar with the libretto. And a production put forth with HDTV in mind could have enhanced production techniques, such as more vivid colors and dramatic lighting (that would be obstructive live), embedded cameras in the performance space, post production CG (think Wagner), or even bluescreen backdrops (the busy streets of Napoli, or a rolling sea).
As a supplement to the live tradition, the idea holds great promise. My only worry would be that with amplification and post production, Ashlee Simpson would go classical.
Finally, as an analogue, look at the DVD's for Cirque du Soleil. The well done efforts are awesome, and the straight two-camera vids are still worth watching, especially if access to the live experience is impractical. The technolgy of tv, however, makes an introduction to the esoteric much more attainable. The ambassadorship of the medium is, once again, undeniable.