Do you think modernized opera, like the Planets or the Opera Babes, is a good thing or is it just a dillution of the composer's true work?

I personally am torn on the issue because I think the integrity of a musical masterpiece should be kept intact but I also think it makes for an interesting sub-genre and people are entitled to make the music they want to. I guess if anyone made original music in the genre, I would feel better about it, like "The Diva Dance" from the Fifth Element Soundtrack.

I acctually liked that song, from Fifth Element. It was.... interesting. And personally, I have no problem with it. But if it is going to be just re-makes of other's songs, it really has no point, IMHO.

I thought that song was good as well.

yea the fifth element2s pseudo-post-opera song was beautiful...
but to me opera should be kept from inovation;
i like classical attitudes in that sense...

I really like classical opera too, the classics are always best in the original composer's context, but I just think it would be refreshing to hear some original opera music with a contemporary/modern influence.