Puccini - La Boheme [1965]

Amazon.co.uk Review

Zeffirelli's 1963 Milan production of La Boheme, preserved in this 1965 film, provides a richly satisfying take on Puccini's much-loved romantic tragedy. The staging is opulent, not least in the way Zeffirelli opens up the Cafe Momus and turns it into a warm, vibrant haven for the bohemians and their followers. But it's the relationships which really matter here. Puccini's score--conducted with restrained passion by Herbert von Karajan--develops in a wonderfully linear way, with some of his most intensely moving arias and duets underpinning the evolution of the bohemian artists, particularly Rodolfo and Marcello, from immature egotists to rounded human beings, touched by tragedy.

The film does look dated now--Mirella Freni's Mimi, sung with moving clarity, has the doe-eyed look of a 1960s pop star and the camera work is a tad unsophisticated--but the singing still puts the listener through the wringer. Gianni Raimondi's Rodolfo ("Che gelida manina") struggles manfully to come to terms with his emotional shortcomings and Adriana Martino (Musetta) has some fine comic moments before playing her vital part in the overwhelming sadness of the final scenes. Soul food for the tragically inclined.

On the DVD: La Boheme has no extras here, but excellent booklet notes accompany the disc. The PCM Stereo soundtrack has been digitally remastered to decent effect. The 4:3 picture format inevitably imposes some limitations and the 1960s video quality is a little dull, but after all, this is a product of its time and a vital record of one of Zeffirelli's most successful productions.--Piers Ford

Customer Reviews:

La Boheme........2007-09-05

This was my first opera DVD, I got it last Christmas and I thoroughly enjoy it. A great delight in every way, do buy it. This opera works well as a film instead of a stage production in such capable hands. The tenor Gianni Raimondo as leading male Rodolfo is not quite as strong as baritone Rolando Panerai as Marcello but is suitably tender so who cares.
A poigniant and moving story. So good you think you are dreaming. You will love Mirella Freni, so charmingly sweet and Musetta will drive you crazy with her antics, dressed like a dogs dinner! Such drama, so picturesque, such beautiful music. Well done to Mr Zeffirelli. If anyone can convert you to opera it is he.

Puccini: La Boheme [1965] (REGION 1) (NTSC)

Average customer rating:

Puccini: La Boheme [1965] (REGION 1) (NTSC)
Miella Feni
Manufacturer: Universal Music Group
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

DVD | Format (binding_browse-bin) | Refinements | DVD | Video
ASIN: 6310326678
Release Date: 2006-07-04

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