I've now watched Version 1, and added my commentary to
the end of my notes doc. My overall impression is that the singers were great, but I
really wish they'd spent less time on their early-oughts special effects. I would much rather have watched them actually sing than watch, say, Luthien look moodily across a candle. When we could see it, I think the staging had more flavour in this version.
The presence of an extra Son of Feanor amused me no end. Overall, I thought the other version had a better Melian, but this version did much better on Beren. The likes of Finrod, Sauron, and Luthien were pretty much equally good - though different - across the two versions. I think this version of Comedy Thingol takes the edge.
It's good stuff! Thank you again for sharing it.
EDIT: The
Version 1 lyrics, with English translations that I think match the subtitles, are available online. The
full Russian text of Version 2 - including the chords! - is also up.
EDIT2: And
a partial translation of the final version, down to Finrod's lament.
hS