I have this film on laserdisc and it is brilliant! This is one of several film-opera adaptations made by Unitel during the 1970s with truly outstanding casts. Not only is the soundtrack one of the best recordings ever made of this delightful opera, but the opera singers act for themselves and demonstrate that they can really act these roles. There are quite a few imaginative cinematic special effects that could never be duplicated in an opera performance, and they add to the excitement. The performance is in German but there are subtitles. I have used this film to introduce elementary age students to opera and they have always loved watching/listening to this.
Review of Hänsel und Gretel
