A documentary that explores the artistic journey of theater director Patrice Chéreau and actor Pascal Greggory as they work together on a stage play, rehearsing, and preparing for a grand performance. The film offers insights into the creative process and the challenges faced by the artists.

Musically, this is a superlative performance: Paul Groves is a sympathetic Faust, Willard White is an appropriately menacing Mephistopheles, and Vesselina Kasarova is an exquisite Marguerite. Sylvain Cambreling sensitively conducts the Staatskapelle Berlin, and two excellent choirs' vocal contributions should not go unnoticed. (However, condolences to those choir members stuck in that ludicrous cylinder.) Both visual presentation and sound are, as usual for Arthaus Musik discs, first-rate; only the staging itself comes off as less than worthwhile.

Live recording from Oper Zurich, 2008, DVD release 2014. Jonas Kaufmann, 'the Prince of Tenors', appears with international star Vesselina Kasarova in Zürich Opera's starkly palpable staging of Bizet's ever-popular Carmen. The production sees Don José (Kaufmann) abandon his teenage attitudes in pursuit of Kasarova's free and independent Carmen - realising too late that his self-control has vanished, along with his youth.

Live from Munich, October 2003. A husband laments the death of his wife. He follows her to the underworld and finds her there. But he is forbidden to look at her. He does it anyway! Has he now lost her forever? Or will the gods' hearts be moved by this loving, "human" glance? In 1762, Gluck put the quietus on the artificiality of baroque opera with this work - from then on the human element took center stage.

Il Barbiere di Siviglia is a comedic opera that takes place in Seville. The story revolves around a young couple who face challenges and obstacles to be together. With the help of a clever barber, they navigate through hilarious situations to achieve their ultimate goal.

La Clemenza di Tito is an Italian opera that tells the story of Titus, a Roman Emperor. Fueled by jealousy and seeking revenge, various characters conspire against each other, resulting in a dramatic and emotional storyline.

La Belle Hélène is a comedic retelling of the myth of Helen of Troy, set in ancient Greece. The movie revolves around the humorous situations that arise when Helen's beauty causes chaos and attracts the attention of various men, including Paris.

The Damnation of Faust is a movie adaptation of the well-known story of Faust, a scholar who sells his soul to the devil in exchange for unlimited knowledge and pleasure. As Faust embarks on a journey filled with temptation and despair, he realizes the high price he has paid for his desires. This compelling film explores themes of morality, desire, and the consequences of our choices.

The setting of the opera is the enchantress Alcina's island: here by her magic powers she has created a magnificent palace in a beautiful landscape, to lure her many lovers into her power. One of these is Ruggiero, a warrior, who under Alcina's spell has forsaken his duty and his betrothed, Bradamante.

This is an effective staging, though the set looks medieval and the costumes are modern. It’s well paced, well played, well sung. Jonas Kaufmann is an ideal Tito. His voice is not only beautiful and flexible, it’s also ample, retaining warmth and sweetness when he sings out. The character of Tito is too good to be true, but Kaufmann makes him intense, noble, and beliveable. Vesselina Kasarova is riviting as Sesto. Her voice is gorgeous and multi-colored, her technique exquisite, her immersion in the role complete.