This really is a "must-have" classic, the best film job ever done with Offenbach's hilarious treatment of Hell. Seems like the Germans get the comedic idea right, which basically is that we above ground think it is an awful place, but Offenbach has them having a ball down there. His "can-can" is from this work.
I am familiar with the work through watching it during the early days of PBS. Back then, you never knew what might show up in the programming. Somebody knew this was a great one!
Although I consider it "must-have" I *don't* have it, it is not available to my knowledge. I keep checking Ebay! I suppose the only realistic hope is that they will come out with it on DVD.
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I wrote the above several years ago. I have since gotten my hands on a Hamburg State Opera version dated 1971 (not 1974). It is on the Art-Haus Musik label. I bought it in April 2007. If you can get your hands on this operetta DVD I highly recommend it ... it is a very good alternate version.
Carl
