http://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/ Engadget HD Comments for San Fran Opera hopes for high-def http://hd.engadget.com/media/feedlogo.gif http://hd.engadget.com en-us Copyright 2009 Weblogs, Inc. The contents of this feed are available for non-commercial use only. Blogsmith http://www.blogsmith.com/http://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/http://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/


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...]]>Jan 12th 2006 11:01AMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/http://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/Jan 12th 2006 12:40PMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/http://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/Jan 12th 2006 1:42PMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/http://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/


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.]]>Jan 12th 2006 3:08PMhttp://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/http://hd.engadget.com/2006/01/12/san-fran-opera-hopes-for-high-def/
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.]]>Jan 14th 2006 7:35AM