Maria by Callas: In Her Own Words

Not having known much about Callas, I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary, which was refreshingly free of the usual head-shot interviews and overdone narration. She was so much more beautiful, warm, witty and wise than I had imagined! There is just enough background info to convey her fascinating life, and the narration is a professional reading of Maria's own words through her letters, diaries and memoirs. Some of the performance clips are somewhat grainy, but there are enough complete arias here that convey her incredible talent, regardless of how you feel about opera. You can't help but get goosebumps listening to her Bellini, Norma -- "Casta Diva" around 16:00 (also on youtube, with subtitles). Only criticism: the use of subtitles would have greatly enhanced appreciation of the singing and the emotions conveyed.

This is not really a documentary. There is no narrator or text explaining Callas' life. It is full performances of songs by her, interspersed with old interviews with her and a couple of other people. If you already know her life and work, or you just want to hear her performances, this is just fine. If you want to really understand her life and times, this is going to leave a lot of blank.

Wanted to see more of the heart break Onasis caused by marrying the widow. Jolie not right for part needed a Greek figure fell asleep rewinded.

3 & 1/4 stars. WHAT a voice!! Revealing documentary of a famous opera star, Maria Callas. She had a difficult life from childhood onward. Her wish to be a wife & mother was common in women her age. I felt sad that she died so young. This was a little longer than it had to be.

Very interesting movie!

interesting documentary with great music.

Fascinado de conocer a Callas y perdidamente enamorado de María...

As the DVD cover says,"A dazzling documentary. This is what a star is made of." Callas' life is told in her own words: interviews, letters & diaries. You don't have to be an opera lover not to enjoy this unique documentary.

I think this movie is mostly for the fanatics; I would have appreciated a little more background in order to enjoy the information, images, and beautiful music that was presented.

I'm a professional musician and an opera lover, and I learned a lot. Highly recommended. It's not a movie. It's a documentary. The editing could have been a bit cleaner, but the clips are very old. I have a different perception of her now. She's not the difficult diva that many think she was.