A Warning: Abbado's Beethoven Collection

[uffeviking]

There are four EuroArts issues, all except one, incorrectly labeled.

Beethoven Symphonies No. 1, 6, 8
Beethoven Symphonies No. 3, 9
Beethoven Symphonies No. 4, 7
Beethoven Symphonies No. 2, 5

Three are labeled NTSC Format, but are actually PAL. The No. 4 and 7 is labeled as PAL. The other three have the front of the disc covered with Chinese writing, as is the text on the disc. Of course if you have a dual format DVD player, you have no problem, just play them as PAL.

Now the real problem is the fact that I bought those discs from MDT, a very reliable retailer from the UK and all four issues were factory sealed! The good folks at MDT had no way of knowing that their supplier sent them Chinese pirate issues!

This series is Claudio Abbado conducting the Berliner Philharmoniker at the Academica Nazionale di Santa Cecilia, Rome, except the 9th, which is from Berlin.

[Iago]

I ordered this set almost 3 years ago from Amazon.com.
All the recordings are NTSC AND in widescreen 16:9 format + superb audio.
Only the 3rd AND 9TH symphonies (packaged together) had their labels reversed. It shouldn't be too hard to cross out the 3 and write in the 9. Nor should it be very difficult to cross out the 9 and write in the 3.
The ninth was recorded before Abbados illness. The rest of the symphonies, after it.
The orchestra plays with a precision, dedication and responsiveness which reflects their high regard for Abbado and their thanks for having him return to the podium.
One outstanding feature is the recordings capture of the sound of the tympani. Firm and robust at all times. Their sound NEVER dissolves into the dull thuds that so many recordings feature. And it was a real treat to watch the tympanist at work. Smooth as silk!!

[uffeviking]

I have no complaint about the quality of this collection at all! I totally agree with Iago on his review.

I checked amazon and their listing as just like the one I read at MDT, but does amazon know what's inside the factory-sealed issues? MDT didn't, and couldn't. They offered to refund my money but since I have no problem playing - and enjoy watching - I thanked them kindly and refused their offer.

My post was simply a warning of the possibility that something other than the advertised format is inside the factory sealed case! 

[bhodges]

As someone inclined to buy DVDs, I appreciate this heads-up, Lis.  I've only had one bad experience buying DVDs on eBay: a copy of the Boulez/VPO Bruckner Eighth.  I was so excited, until I opened the case...and inside was...







....Andrea Bocelli in Tuscany. 

--Bruce

[Brian]

As someone inclined to buy DVDs, I appreciate this heads-up, Lis.  I've only had one bad experience buying DVDs on eBay: a copy of the Boulez/VPO Bruckner Eighth.  I was so excited, until I opened the case...and inside was...







....Andrea Bocelli in Tuscany. 

--Bruce

Ouch. That must have really hurt. 

[Iago]

I have no complaint about the quality of this collection at all! I totally agree with Iago on his review.

I checked amazon and their listing as just like the one I read at MDT, but does amazon know what's inside the factory-sealed issues? MDT didn't, and couldn't. They offered to refund my money but since I have no problem playing - and enjoy watching - I thanked them kindly and refused their offer.

My post was simply a warning of the possibility that something other than the advertised format is inside the factory sealed case! 

Below is a picture of the lower fifth portion of the rear cover of the Abbado/BPO/Beethoven series containing Symphonies #2 and #5
I don't know how either MDT, Amazon or YOU could possibly be unaware of the disc format. It is very clearly stated. Notice please the fifth panel from the left

[uffeviking]

Of course that's what is says on the outside of the box, Iago, but the disc inside is PAL! Not only PAL, but Chinese writing all over the front of the disc itself, plus the introduction, etc. is in Chinese symbols! 

[Iago]

Of course that's what is says on the outside of the box, Iago, but the disc inside is PAL! Not only PAL, but Chinese writing all over the front of the disc itself, plus the introduction, etc. is in Chinese symbols! 

You have been HAD

[springrite]

Of course that's what is says on the outside of the box, Iago, but the disc inside is PAL! Not only PAL, but Chinese writing all over the front of the disc itself, plus the introduction, etc. is in Chinese symbols! 

Somehow pirated Chinese DVDs got into the box. That is what is being sold in Beijing's underground. In most open stores and places, the pirated products are on the decline, thankfully.

[Harry]

I checked my copies, and they were oke all PAL, and no Chinese signs to be seen!
Tony would never recommended Beethoven with Chinese influences.

[Bonehelm]

I checked my copies, and they were oke all PAL, and no Chinese signs to be seen!
Tony would never recommended Beethoven with Chinese influences.

It would be different if it was Mahler, though. 

[Rod Corkin]

One outstanding feature is the recordings capture of the sound of the tympani. Firm and robust at all times. Their sound NEVER dissolves into the dull thuds that so many recordings feature. And it was a real treat to watch the tympanist at work. Smooth as silk!!

These are nothing compared to the drums used by period instrument bands, these truly scare the hell out of you with Beethoven.

[david johnson]

As someone inclined to buy DVDs, I appreciate this heads-up, Lis.  I've only had one bad experience buying DVDs on eBay: a copy of the Boulez/VPO Bruckner Eighth.  I was so excited, until I opened the case...and inside was...







....Andrea Bocelli in Tuscany. 

--Bruce

, sorry, man.  that is devastatingly funny!  the rest of your life should be an immense pleasure since you've survived that treachery.
i thought things like that only happened to me.

dj