5/5 A Revelation
  by R. Haskins (Dover, New Hampshire, USA)
I won't add much to the accolades that are already available, but I will say that David McVicar's production repays close attention: not only is it entertaining and fun (always, I think, tastefully so), but it's clear from the performance that his rehearsal process allowed these fine singers to inhabit their roles better than many opera productions I've seen. After almost 4 hours, I found myself wanting to spend more time with these characters, to learn more about them. I rarely have that feeling after watching a Baroque opera.

5/5 Outstanding Production Mixed with Fact, Fiction, and Humor
  by Charles Beck (Framingham State College, MA)
This is one of the most sensational opera productions available on DVD. The entire cast is very engaging in terms of their singing and acting. Sarah Connolly sings and acts admirably as Cesare, even though the real Cesare probably didn't have a contralto voice. The attractive soprano, Angelika Kirchschlager, is very convincing in her male role as Pompey's son, Sesto, who wants to revenge his father's brutal murder. Patricia Bardon, as Sesto's distraught mother, Cornella, sings several very sensitive songs. The altos or countertenors are also very convincing and add humor to their roles.

Danielle di Niese, as Cleopatra, is absolutely sensational. Clearly, she has the most outstanding arias to perform, including two Handel classics of intense sorrow, "Se pieta di me non senti" and "Piangero la sorte mia." She also sings a lively and happy aria upon learning that Cesare is still alive, "Da tempeste il legno infranto" which calls for a demanding series of trills and runs. De Niese doesn't miss a beat as she high steps about in a tantalizing manner. Clearly, she has the complete package and would have made Cleopatra both proud and envious--including an outstanding voice, charming and expressive acting ability, along with beautiful looks. Note to the Metropolitan Opera: If you want to begin attracting a larger and younger audience, sign this dynamic soprano for several productions each season and turn her loose.

Incidentally, don't miss the insightful interviews on disk three with three of the leading singers, the stage director, and conductor. The stage director provides a rather convincing argument as to why Handel would probably have approved of this production, including the choreography and the Bollywood gestures. This extra is listed under the unexpected title, "Entertainment is not a dirty word." We learn that the stage director and conductor were just as critical in producing this remarkable production as were the singers.

And now for a few thoughts regarding history, fact, fiction, and humor. Our knowledge of Cesare and Cleopatra comes primarily from the Greek historian Plutarch. Cleopatra's family, the Ptolemy's came from Greece and the siblings plotted against each other to see who would rule Egypt. This production integrates some facts along with a strong measure of fiction and humor. For example, Plutarch tells us that Cesare was, in fact, repulsed by the sight of the decapitated remains of his rival for power, Pompey. Even though Plutarch wasn't present, he asserts that Cleopatra was unrolled in a carpet in front of Cesare. However, it's highly unlikely that the real Cleopatra had the voice to sing a ravishing aria titled "V'adoro, pupille" to charm Cesare. It's also unlikely that the real Cleopatra paraded about in cabaret attire and deposited her umbrella in an urn containing Pompey's ashes. However, these moments of humor add a delightful touch to a plot that tends to be rather somber.

Finally, are there any shortcomings to this production? Very few from my point of view and they are not particularly significant in light of such an outstanding performance. In terms of set and costume design, it does seem rather odd to see warships and blimps instead Egyptian feluccas (sailboats) and Roman ships in the background. And it's rather difficult to visualize Cesare and his troops dressed in British uniforms. I confess that I fail to see the logic of transposing ancient and exotic Egypt to the period of British occupation of Egypt in the late 19th century. But unless you're a strict traditionalist, these whims shouldn't be terribly disconcerting.



5/5 A masterpiece which will become a classic
  by Mr. John A. Coulson (Australia)
This is a very long opera at 227 minutes but very worth the viewing effort. The cast is brilliant, particularly the lovely Danielle De Niese, and the production directed by David Mcvicar is quite unique. There is clever comedy, dance and drama to the excellent music on original instruments from the Orchestra of the Age of Enlightenment conducted by William Christie.
The BD set includes two extra documentaries which add another 78 minutes, one featuring Danielle De Niese and the other detailing the enthusiasm of the cast and director for this Handel masterpiece. These are worthwhile viewing, preferrably before commencing the opera itself.
The costuming is generally modern and somewhat quirky but the artistry is so good it is not a distraction. However some aspects such as props of pistol and rifles and background pictures of warships and blimps did seem unecessarily gimmicky.
Overall it is Handel at his best, interpreted by an inspired cast of superb singers and actors with excellent audio and video quality. This set is a must for serious opera lovers.


5/5 Blu-ray is better
  by Santa Barbara reader (California)
This is by far the most perfect opera production of the several hundred (stopped counting after 400) we have seen. We own the dvd version and compared it directly after getting the Blu-ray version--a splurge made because of the extraordinary quality of every performer and the staging on the dvd. Since the dvd had superb engineering, we wondered if it could be better. Yes is is! The picture is clearer, more detail can be seen in the dark background , and the sound is even better. Stunning!

5/5 Summer 2009 Update
  by Mike Erskine (London UK)
Handel - Giulio Cesare (Glyndebourne Opera Festival 2006) Giulio Cesare was revived for the 2009 Glyndebourne Festival with nearly the same cast as the original 2005 production and the DVD. We saw the performance at Glyndebourne and bought the DVD on the same day; the live performance was a wonderful theatrical experience and it was thrilling to re-live it on the very faithful DVD. Danielle de Niese doesn't appear to have aged in the four years and Sarah Connolly is still as commanding. Incidentally, in the 2009 Glyndebourne Programme Book, the Executive Chairman, Gus Christie writes: "On a personal note. I am very happy to announce that Danielle de Niese and I are engaged to be married later this year." So, I hope that we on this side of the pond will be seeing and hearing more of her.