Mozart

I'm not necessarily known as being particularly "cultured." A lot of what is considered "art" goes over my head.
However, recently, I've tried to make it a point to broaden my horizon, culturally speaking, at least a tad. Couldn't hurt, right?
So, a few weeks ago, I had to stop off at my parents' place in the Poconos to grab their mail and make sure their homestead was still standing. While there, out of curiousity, I grabbed a DVD of a Mozart opera called Die Zauberflote (The Magic Flute). I figure if I ever want to give opera a try, starting off at Mozart might be the most accessible. I already appreciate his music, so opera couldn't be too far of a stretch (being half Austrian, I think I'm actually not allowed to not like Mozart. It's like an unwritten law or something.)
Anyway, I decided to pop this opera on during this fine day off/coincidental "can't go anywhere anyway" snow day.
First off, I appreciate being able to watch people who are the absolute best at what they do perform anything, so I went into this with at least some basic appreciation. Also, watching the musicians perform is mesmerizing; I can't take my eyes off that. Still, part of the way through already, and I have no idea of what's going on. None. I can understand some of the german, and I even have the English subtitles on, but I'm not sure what the story is.
Maybe it would be different if I were there at an actual performance as opposed to watching it on a DVD. I wonder if that would make any difference.
Anyway, I'm gonna keep on watching and see if it becomes any clearer for me.