Pavarotti in Rigoletto
Pavarotti is in his element. Wixell is OK. I do not see any special qualities in his performance. Gruberova looks and sounds mediocre. Enjoy Pavarotti! R.K.

Rigoletto-Pavarotti-Wixell
This is a strong production filled with beautiful and dramatic singing, and Wixell's playing a dual role tightens the story. Some artistic lapses in the directing are made up for by the exceptional final act.

What a ball!
This was great! Pavarotti is fun (and young) the sets are nice, Rigoletto is terribly tragic and the courtiers are strong. The maid (the old witch) was very convincing. Any criticisms would be minor.

Amazing Performance
I got this DVD to understand what Rigoletto was all about and partly for Pavarotti performance of La Donna e Mobile, and I was glad I got this one. It is one of the best performance by all artisits.

JUST GET IT... you won't regret it!
There are so many reasons to like this film version of Verdi's Rigoletto. So many people have already listed them I feel somewhat redundant in listing them again, but I had to add my "2 cents."

The main reason to get this really is Ingvar Wixell's Rigoletto. He is to baritones what Callas was to sopranos... A SINGING ACTOR. He has the ability to make you feel for him, to despise him, to laugh with him, all the emotions. His is the most believeable jester I've ever had the pleasure of seeing and hearing. His singing is excellent as well, like molten lava, even if his top is a bit pushed. I also thought it wonderfully ironic to have him play both Rigoletto & Monterone- that way the curse is even more like a personal thing. If you liked Wixell in this, you'll love him as Scarpia in the Arena di Verona production of Tosca with Eva Marton (available from Kultur on DVD).

Obviously Pavarotti is another reason to get this. Vocally his Duke is impressive and no one captures that same kind of mischeiviousness like he can. That said I do agree with another review that the recording of his part seems to be overly loud- like he was mic'd too closely. I didn't find the same true with the other singers and in fact, Gilda's "Caro nome" required me to raise the volume a lot.

Gruberova's Gilda is wonderful as well. To me she has one of the most sumptuous coloratura voices ever. Her voice is never reedy or thin like some coloraturas, she has a heft and richness that is throughout her range. Her floating pianissimos are also simply astounding.

There are really no weak links here to me- I can cite some flaws, but overall this is a quality production and lots of fun to watch.
Highly recommended ******