Honestly in my opinion (and I’m definitely not an expert) but live( meaning in person, not “live” recording) is the only way to go if you are just starting out. It gives you visuals and you can connect what is going on even if you don’t understand the language it is being presented/sung in. My first was The Magic Flute many years ago and to this day I can still remember the amazing audio and visual experience. Madame Butterfly and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s Phantom of the Opera (which arguably has many different “cuts” available, From the original London cast to the Broadway cast… To the recent movie soundtrack… You get what I mean)are also favorites of mine. Try anything/everything. You may prefer one version VS another don’t give up if “x” performance is not your thing… “y” may hit a cord and you instantly love it. One of the resources that I regularly use it PBS’s “Live at the MET”,It isn’t perfect but it is free and there are different performances to choose from. They are presented in a more “classical” format vs movie format though. Good luck, have fun and don’t take anything too seriously.
I agree, not a “classical” style Opera composer and even though all of his works are designed and originate as “Musicals” I specifically pointed to Phantom because of the songs and the fact that it is a good stepping stone. I should have been more clear/specific.