A Set of ‘Stories’ for Opera Neophytes

For those who are intimidated by full-length operas, the laser disc has given birth to “Opera Stories” (Pioneer Artists), a logical successor to the 78 RPM era’s “Gems From Opera” and the LP/CD eras’ “Highlights” albums.

Part travelogue and part Opera Digest, the concept finds actor Charlton Heston strolling around the designated (or related) locales of the operas, outlining the plots in a casually engaging way in between scenes from the NVC ARTS/Pioneer opera files.

Yet the editing varies in effectiveness from disc to disc. There is a remarkably good sampling of the thoughtful Carlo Maria Giulini-led production of Verdi’s “Falstaff” (taped at the Royal Opera after its L.A. run) (PA-91- 356), and a monstrous Arena di Verona production of “Aida” (PA-91-354) also fares well. But the latter theater’s similarly massive “Otello” (PA-91-357) is often brutally sliced up.

All have English subtitles and clock in at 50 to 55 minutes apiece, which newcomers to opera will appreciate.