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List Price: $14.98 | | Label: Sony
Salesrank: 95414
Released: October 16, 2001 |
| Our Price: $7.66 |
| Used Price: $7.90 |
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MPAA Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
If Christmas is about bringing people together, then Our Favorite Things succeeds admirably by assembling one of the most oddly disparate groups of singers ever to roast a chestnut on an open fire. Placido Domingo and Vanessa Williams singing a Barry Manilow song? Domingo and Tony Bennett together for "I'll Be Home for Christmas"? An appearance (on just three numbers) by young soprano sensation Charlotte Church? It's all here on this 22-song, 70-minute extravaganza (also on CD), taped in December 2000 in Vienna (the subject of a 14-minute bonus video that may be the best part of the disc). Some of it's a bit stilted (Bennett swings, Domingo can't), but there are some genuinely moving moments, like Domingo and Church's "O Holy Night" and the Domingo/Bennett/Williams "Angels We Have Heard on High." And let's face it: hearing such great voices sing these timeless classics, sacred and secular, can't be bad. Superior family fare. --Sam Graham
Our Favorite Things - Christmas in Vienna Reviews:
Among worst sounding music/choral DVDs ever encountered........ 
2007-01-02 - My DVD library consists of hundreds of items, many, many of which feature large and small orchestras, individual singers, and chorus groups. I have never encountered, however, a orchestral/choral production as poorly recorded as this. My audio playback system is relatively expensive, with very good speakers, but I could do nothing when attempting to obtain anywhere near a satisfactory playback sound. Video qualities are satisfactory.
Being able to look at these performers is secondary; in this type release, sound must be paramount. Potential buyers are hereby warned.
Deserves Higher Reviews - Great Holiday Music 
2005-10-16 - This VHS video and stereo sound are high quality. Church and Domingo are just terrific. Bennett is off a little, but still gives an excellent performance. You will be able to watch and listen to the video again and again. There are over 20 great holiday songs performed live. So much great music is offered including a children's choir. Vanessa Williams does a solid job.
Charlotte saves it 
2005-01-24 - I agree with some of the earlier posters. Domingo and Charlotte are excellent. Bennett needs to retire and Williams is mediocre, at best.
I heard this special just last month and was very impressed when I heard Charlotte. Bennett and Williams, however, did not impress me much. When Bennett would sing, I would feel sorry for him. The voice just wasn't making it. Williams to me seemed to believe she was better than she is...and, perphaps my imagination, but seemed to not like it much when Charlotte was on stage with all of them...at least at the end of the special.
I will buy this DVD purely for Charlotte and Domingo's performances. 3 stars because Bennett and Williams decrease it by 2.
Very Enjoyable
2003-12-26 - I just watched this DVD and can't begin to understand why such poor reviews. Let me preface this by saying that I know nothing about the nuances of music or sound quality. I'm an average Joe would would normally choose watching football over a Christmas concert. I found this presentation to be very enjoyable. Having four talented people from very different backgrounds performing together was an absolute treat. Don't buy into the 1 star reviews by snobby Opera geeks. I believe that most people will find it to be very well done moving.
I LOVE CHRISTMAS, BUT NOT THIS COLD CONCERT CATASTROPHE!
2002-08-01 - Each individual element of this event had potential of providing a warm and memorable Christmas evening, but together they are lost in a blinding snowstorm. As much as I love Christmas, its music and all things wonderful about it... this video does not deliver!
