Thais [Blu-ray], starring Diego Matamoros, Barbara Frittoli, Lado Ataneli, Ketevan Kemoklidze, Alessandro Liberatore: DVDNear.com

Thais [Blu-ray]

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DVD Cover Information

Actor: Alessandro Liberatore, Barbara Frittoli, Diego Matamoros, Ketevan Kemoklidze, Lado Ataneli
Blu-ray: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); French (Subtitled); English (Subtitled); Italian (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); German (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: AC-3, Classical, Color, DTS Surround Sound, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.77:1
Running Time: 139 minutes
Blu-ray Release Date: 2009-08-25
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Arthaus Musik

Movie Reviews of Thais [Blu-ray]

Movie Review: A highly original interpretation that requires rethinking about the nature of opera
Summary: 5 Stars

Most of us come from a background where our main experience of opera is the sound, via CD. Going to live opera is expensive. Obviously the composer wrote the work as an opera because it was intended to be seen - the visual component, the acting and the total concept of the production sharing equal importance with the music. If you are assessing an opera, you must consider the production in its totality, and not consider a production to be superior because the lead singer has a slightly better voice. Is the production designed to be a vehicle for the famous lead singer, or is it designed and performed as an attempt to provide a valid, unified interpretation of the work as a whole, in all its aspects?

Massenet was a much more original composer than is usually realized. When it comes to "Thais", it is usually treated as just another opera. But it isn't. Put simply, it is a morality work concerning the fight between good and evil. And being more cerebral, it presents problems to a director who can only think in terms of conventional opera, as it is essentially very static and can be seen as far from the usual concept of an opera.

This production takes a very different approach to that given to most operas, with a result that is an essentially abstract presentation of its basic theme. The director has presented something that is not really opera in the usual sense, and created a work of art, with Thais, enslaved to the demands of the flesh, living in a depraved world, represented by a mass of near-naked, writhing bodies. The stage rises to reveal the hell toward which she is heading. We see the angels in the heaven toward which the male lead, Athaniel is trying to save her. In this interpretation of the work, the literal story is abandoned, the essential conflict between good and evil being the theme. I compare this aspect to Wagner's Ring cycle, where the "story" is a vehicle for a philosophical drama underneath, so lending it to a wide range of interpretations - in Wagner's case, the "top" story usually being given little if any attention.

This "Thais" is almost entirely choreographed with very slow, precisely controlled motion. To me, the result could be likened to a constantly moving tableau, presenting something new (to me at least) that really worked, once you realized the nature of what was being presented. A great deal of money was put into this production, with expensive sets and costumes; a very elaborate lighting design, and countless hours of rehearsal. The empty stage (primarily in one scene) symbolized the emptiness of Thais' life. Most of the time space is needed for all the slowly moving bodies - dancers, chorus and supers. This is one of the most creative and unified productions of a music drama (referred to in the French traditionally as a comic opera as no-one dies) I have ever seen. I suspect the more negative reviewers didn't understand what they were seeing. After this, I could never consider the work interpreted as just another opera.

Which leaves the performers. Barbara Fritolli presents a magnificent interpretation of the lead within the context of the production. There might be slightly better voices in the role, but her singing is still excellent. More importantly, like the rest of the cast, she portrays the role in perfect sympathy with the production. Despite slight vocal weaknesses in places (and absolute brilliance in others), I cannot see another performer give herself over so totally to this original production. All performers need to act in a convincing, but constrained way, as their performance is often choreographed with the entire cast.

Similar comments can be made about the rest of the cast. If heard on CD, the reaction might be, "yes, very good, but i have heard slightly better in places". But seen and heard in this performance, everyone fits into the total concept, and no-one lets it down.

Technically, sound (PCM stereo or DTS Master Audio 7.1) is excellent, Although you might have doubts near the beginning where some of the sound is distant and unfocussed. Then you realize you are hearing what I presume to be the angelic host. Camera work is excellent, obviously being choreographed also into the production. The 16:9 image is good, but not excellent and is 1080i, fitting on to a 25Gb disc, perhaps leading to an explanation for the ever so slightly soft image-definition. No region coding, which is common for Blu-ray releases and universal for arts material. Running time, 139 min.

Overall, if you are willing to accept this production on its terms, you will have a very rewarding and enjoyable purchase. It is one of the treasures of my collection.

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Thais [Blu-ray]

Thais [Blu-ray]

DVD Cover Information

Movie Reviews of Thais [Blu-ray]

Movie Review: A highly original interpretation that requires rethinking about the nature of operaSummary: 5 Stars

Movie Review: A highly original interpretation that requires rethinking about the nature of opera
Summary: 5 Stars