Peter Grimes (a filmed version of the complete opera filmed in 1969)

MusicWeb - DVD of the Year 2008

"Britten took out 2 months from his schedule to make this earliest complete visual representation of Peter Grimes to preserve his perspective on its interpretation with Peter Pears for whom the role was written. The outcome isn't just a valuable benchmark but an eloquent performance in its own right." (MusicWeb)

"If Budd is to be strongly recommended, Grimes has to be urged, passionately: intensely moving, beyond expectations even though those were high. Heather Harper sings with the most beautiful tone in the role of Ellen and acts with compelling sincerity. Pears himself is utterly vindicated... The whole complex character is there - and the camera follows closely." Gramophone Magazine, September 2008

The production was mounted by the celebrated Decca producer, John Culshaw, following his move to the BBC.