Yet another classic opera video reappears refreshed on DVD. The CD set of this Lyon Opera production (Virgin‚ 12/89) remains a prime recommendation‚ which Gergiev’s equally excellent Kirov version‚ in Russian‚ complemented rather than replaced (Philips‚ 3/01). The video‚ though‚ metaphorically flicks a light­ switch to reveal that the fresh‚ fluent conducting and singing are only elements in a splendidly lively‚ witty and thoroughly integrated production. Tall white set units shift and revolve against glowingly colourful lighting‚ while the cast‚ in vaguely modern dress‚ flows around them with a comic verve and timing reflected in Jean­François Jung’s snappy video direction. The squabbling factions of the chorus‚ looking like a concert party in bowlers and blazers‚ hurl themselves into the action with cheerful versatility and characteristically Gallic slapstick – appropriately enough because‚ as Daniel Jaffé’s biography of the composer remarks‚ the opera’s blend of fairytale and farce reflects the ‘anti­theatre’ conceived by Prokofiev’s friend Meyerhold‚ incorporating aspects of circus and vaudeville. As the production’s pace demands‚ the singers are mostly young‚ although old stagers Jules Bastin and Gabriel Bacquier provide resonant ballast. Jean­Luc Viala’s chubby‚ light­toned Prince‚ Georges Gautier’s amiable wide­boy Truffaldino‚ Vincent le Texier’s reptilian Leandro‚ Michèle Lagrange’s Wagnerian Fata Morgana‚ Catherine Dubosc’s delicate Ninetta – they are all excellent‚ but the real star is the ensemble‚ with no weak links and the benefit of natural French. Whether or not this is the ‘original’ language‚ Prokofiev approved it; more viewers will understand it; and to my ear it fits the vocal line at least as well as the Russian. The Glyndebourne video‚ with Maurice Sendak’s amusing designs and some fine singers‚ is also highly enjoyable‚ but can’t match the wit and pace of Lyon. Nor does Haitink’s lyrical reading grip one as immediately as Nagano’s fizz and frolic‚ appealingly tender in the love music. The DVD transfer‚ as often happens‚ refreshes the original recording but also reveals its limitations: slightly thin sound and some grain in the picture. I enjoyed myself too much to care.