Puccini: La Boheme [Blu-ray]

Puccini: La Boheme [Blu-ray]
by Lough, Lopez Cobos

Puccini: La Boheme [Blu-ray]
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DVD Cover Information

Actor: Capitanucci, Giordano, Machado, Menendez, Mula
Director: Lopez Cobos, Lough
Brand: Naxos OF America INC
Blu-ray: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); German (Unknown); French (Unknown); Italian (Unknown), Stereo; English (Subtitled); Dutch (Subtitled); French (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); Italian (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Color
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 148 minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: 2008-08-26
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: BBC / Opus Arte

Movie Reviews of Puccini: La Boheme [Blu-ray]

Movie Review: a very fine La Boheme
Summary: 5 Stars

Having just purchased this Blu-Ray version of La Boheme and viewed it once, I am extremely pleased. To confirm an earlier review, the format is 1.77 (16:9) and not 1.33 as given in the Amazon description. The sound formats are PCM 2.0 and PCM 5.0. Sadly, no DTS 5.1.

Mimi is sung by Inva Mula (probably best known for singing the aria in Fifth Element) who is still looking and sounding great. She is surrounded by an excellent cast. A relatively young Aquiles Machado sings Rudolpho with a fine tenor. As noted below, Machado is a bit chubby similar to Ramon Vargas. Fortunately, Rudolpho does not have to be a heartthrob. Inva Mula and the stunning Laura Giordano as Musetta (with electric red hair) more than meet the need for photogenic appeal. Nevertheless in the age of 1080p, everyone is going to have to shape up.

This version of La Boheme compares with very well with the recent HD version starring Gheorgiu and Vargas at the Met with set design and direction by Zeffirelli. Matrid has its own creative set and nimble camera work that seems to work on Blu-Ray very well.

Only the one small regret that there is no DTS 5.1.

Summary of Puccini: La Boheme [Blu-ray]

It seems hard to believe that even during the last century Puccini was greatly underrated by many as a classical composer and indeed his music was considered to be far too melodic. Fortunately today, Puccini's operas have found their rightful place in the repertoires of all the leading Opera companies around the world.

This production of La Bohčme remains true to the period and the libretto of the original score. The director of music, Jesús López Cobos, is to be congratulated for not making changes for changes sake. The cinematic technique employed, particularly for close ups, brings the viewers into the story almost as participants whilst at the same time the opera is clearly being performed on stage as one would expect.

Inva Mula and Aquiles Machado give masterful performances as Mimi and Rodolfo, as do Laura Giordano, Fabio Maria Capitanucci and, indeed, the rest of the cast, bringing the characters to life and doing full justice to Puccini's magnificent score.

A well known anecdote has it that the late King George V, when talking to Sir Thomas Beecham, remarked that La Bohčme was his favourite opera as it was the shortest one he knew of. It is not, of course, the shortest opera but the quality of the music with its wonderful arias certainly makes the time pass all too quickly.

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