3/5 Mad scene / Sad scene
  by Ronizetti (Indianapolis, IN United States)
While I prefer Lucia in a more Scottish, earlier period than this production was set, I have to say I didn't have qualms with the staging/design. (other than the Wolfscraig scene- which seemed to be an afterthought as it was nearly non-existant - truly an embarrassment). I found the production interesting and in fact liked the photographer in the sextet one reviewer found problem with ... if you had seen Annick Massis in this production you would have seen just how effective the play in this setting, used exquisitely to show her resentment and refusal to participate in this wedding 'arrangement'. Lucia's opening scene was one of the finest moments of staging I had seen at the Met's theatre, breathtakingly beautiful, but sloppy camerawork / editing diffused if not dismissed it's effect entirely in film for this DVD ... Lucia and her nursemaid walking through the heather'd countryside with a light snowfall following their steps ... beautiful - Which, is more than I can say for the singing in this performance in general - as previously noted, Anna Netrebko does not possess the "belcanto" schooling or innate vocal athleticism which is required in this role. The Met continues to do her a disservice by casting her in belcanto roles which illuminate her weaknesses in what I must say IS a beautiful voice (and it goes without saying she's a BEAUTIFUL woman) ... but, not for the belcanto roles of maestro Donizetti. Beczala does a servicable job as a last minute substitute for the Edgardo, again, without a doubt a preferred substitution ~ Kwiecien makes for a menacing brother, abet a little lackluster in vocal performance but a pleasing characterization. As frequent, the show is stolen by the fantastic Metropolitan Opera CHORUS who gain this productions top honors!! Expectations were high, but this performance failed to deliver anything but a serviceable outing of this Donizetti jewel.

3/5 Spare me the photographer
  by muirisok (Ireland)
An otherwise excellent MET production ruined by the director, Mary Zimmermann's gimmick of introducing a bossy photographer fussily setting up his wedding-shot during the sextet, "Chi mi frena in tal momento". Obviously, Ms Zimmermann feels that the sextet, one of opera's greatest ensembles, is far too much of a cliche to make an impact on a modern audience, and needs a distraction. She's wrong: a distraction is all it is, and a most annoying one at that - I hated it when I saw it Live in HD, and it's even more irritating on re-viewing. Can one five minutes' worth undermine an entire production? In this case, yes. But on the plus side, Netrebko (not really a "Lucia" voice) gains in strength as the evening progresses, to finish with a very dramatic mad-scene, and the tenor, Beczala, substituting for an indisposed Villazon, makes us feel we've got the better of the deal.

1/5 Thanks to Piotr Beczala
  by antonio amato
... but Ms. Netrebko should definitely NOT sing belcanto roles. Being pretty is not enough !!!

5/5 Singing and acting in a perfect fit
  by Constantine A. Papas
The intent of the Florentine fathers of the opera was to compliment theater with music in order to enhance the dramatic impact of the action the story conveys. Over time, opera goers have been thrilled by gifted singers of enormous vocal power, but not alaways experiencing acting to match the voice. There are several excellent DVDs of Lucia D L, but this one is special. The entire cast combines singing and acting to perfection, and the emotional impact is powerful. It would be unfair to single out any of the principals, for they all sing and act beyond what someone is accustomed to. The mad scene and the end of the last act will always remind us what "Grand" opera is all about. This DVD is a must for any opera fanatic looking for a perfect fit of singing and acting.

Consatntine A. Papas
El Paso, Texas

5/5 Wonderful
  by theatre buff (Sarasota, Florida)
Saw this production on HD-theatre and on PBS re-run; and the Zimmerman production is wonderful. I have seen a number of Lucia's with great singers (includidng La Scala) but it was always hard to get to the end. This production makes the story more "watchable" and very enjoyable to the very end (which I will not disclose in a review). Have been waiting for this release since the initial showing, and can not wait to add this to my collection. The singing, of course, was MET opera superb.