Recommended: The Met Live in HD

Perhaps the best cultural phenomenon of 2007 so far (if you don't count the hysterical Aqua Teen Hunger Force Boston terrorism scare, that is. I mean, come on.) is the Met's live matinee broadcasts in HD in movie theaters across the globe. I've hit up two of these so far, I Puritani and The First Emperor (pictured), and they were spectacular. The sound and picture were crystal clear, and with multiple cameras showing the pit, backstage, the chorus, the main players, etc., you really do get a comprehensive perspective of all the frenetic majesty of a live opera production.

So: You're getting an orchestra seat for under $20, AND you can eat popcorn and drink Cherry Coke. It's really great. Check it out.