Classic Christmas Movies

Menotti - Amahl and the Night Visitors List Price: $24.95 Sale Price: $22.49 You save: $2.46 (10%)   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours Average Rating:

DVD Information

Binding: DVD
Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Brand:
Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
Original Release Date: 1955-10-16
Actors:

• Menotti
• Kuhlmann
• McIver
• Schippers

Reviews

The Quintessential Version of "Amahl"

by Kathryn A. Bledsoe from Shoreline, WA USA on 2007-10-28
This is the quintessential version of this gorgeous, infinitely enduring story of the Three Kings visiting the cottage of a poverty-stricken shepherd's widow and her crippled son. Menotti's music here is amazing, the characterizations and voices are marvelous. I have listened to this opera for 45 years, at least annually, and never fail to be moved to tears. No one should miss this lovely thing. This version was the very first, telecast live on December 24, 1951. I researched and revised my original statement regarding the telecast date based on a comment by Scott in L.A. Thanks for the correction!

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The Original Is Finally Released

by bbuono from on 2007-12-12
I cannot confirm whether this is the 1954 version or later (it lists it as 1955 telecast). The original (1951)had Chet Allen as Amahl. This version has Bill McIver. I watched the Hallmark Hall of Fame each year as they showed this wonderful performance. I have been looking for a release of this version for years. This is close enough to the "original" to be collected. The sound and video quality are very good, especially considering what the telecast was like. I have no complaints. The story should be well known from the summary, later versions and the reviews. 50 years have not diminished the greatness and enjoyment of this classic.

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Wonderful Memories!

by David F. Evans from Kill Devil Hills, NC United States on 2008-01-31
I ordered a copy of the 1955 prformance of Amahl and the Night Visitors for many reasons which I think valid, and for some personal reasons. As mentioned in other reviews, this performance offers no glitzy color or modern day technical perfection to which we have become accustomed. However, we should not always seek such shallowness when we wish to purchase musical performances. What this performance does have is a dramatically staged version by the composer, a hand-chosen conductor, by the composer, a soprano who, by all accounts was the composer's ideal, a fine trio of Kings, an emsemble which is one of the tightest I have ever heard and an Amahl who combines vulnerability, sweetness and strength in every way possible. I saw many peformances of this as a child and surely gained much from what it teaches as well as the sublime musical and dramatic moments. I was lucky to have been the college roommate of Bill McIver as we experienced early musical life together. Hearing about his role as he child comprised one of the best periods of my life. I see the man in this child in many ways. I own a number of recordings. This one is all I really need. Recommended highly!!! David Evans, Kill Devil Hills, NC

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Menotti - Amahl and the Night Visitors

by Cris D. Kalkman from USA on 2008-12-24
I have been looking for this title on DVD for many years. This was a favorite of mine from my early youth. This is not to say that I am a fan of Opera or that I believe that Jesus was born on December 25th. As I expected, this appears to be a simple, VHS to DVD transfer. The original video recording was apparently captured and canned as-is, that is to say, no studio overdubbing. Therefore, the lyrics are often hard to understand. Just the same, I am overjoyed to own this rare seasonal production. If you liked this title as a child, nothing is different (except maybe your own hearing). You should still like it today.

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Amahl and the Night Visitors - 1955 TV version

by G. Ponton from on 2007-12-23
In spite of the limitations of 1950s TV this is the best performance of the opera that I have seen - very genuine and moving.

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