Alan Berg Lulu opera to libretto by the composer (3-act version completed by Friedrich Cerha). Directed 2010 by Vera Nemirova at the Salzburg Festival (Haus für Mozart). Stars Patricia Petibon (Lulu), Michael Volle (Dr. Schön/Jack the Ripper), Thomas Piffka (Alwa), Tanja Ariane Baumgartner (Countess Geschwitz), Cora Burggraaf (Theatrical Dresser/High-school Boy/Groom), Pavol Breslik (Painter/Negro), Franz Grundheber (Schigolch), Thomas Johannes Mayer (Animal Taimer/Rodrigo, an Athlete), Heinz Zednik (Prince/Manservant), Andreas Conrad (Marquis), Martin Tzonev (Theater Manager/Banker), Emilie Pictet (Fifteen-year-old Girl), and Cornelia Wulkopf (Mother of Girl). Marc Albrecht conducts the Vienna Philharmonic. Sets by Daniel Richter; costumes by Klaus Noack; video direction by Brian Large. Sung in German; subtitles in English only because this title was intended to be limited to Region A. No keepcase booklet. Released 2012, has Dolby 5.0 sound. Grade: B
A EuroArts version of this title also came out in 2012. It was for discs that can be played on Region B and C players, although many have been able to play it in Region A also. The EuroArts version has a nice keepcase booklet, better sound than the Kultur disc, and more subtitles, including a track in German. See the EuroArts version for a full review and screenshots of this production.
Matthew Gurewitsch reviewed the Kultur Lulu disc. He praised Nemirova's production and gave it his "Critic's Choice" award in the June 2012 issue of Opera News (page 58). He especially liked the acting stating that "individually and as an ensemble, the players are riveting. Among them, the drama crackles." Opera News is a US magazine, so it's no mystery why Gurewitsch would view the Kultur product. His review is a good example how inadequate magazine reviews of HDVDs can be. Gurewitsch probably didn't know about the better version available from EuroArts. He doesn't mention the lack of a keepcase booklet, the lack of German subtitles, or the cheaper sound specification in the Kultur product. In fact, you can't tell if Gurewitsch watched the DVD or the Blu-ray version from Kultur.