Product Description

No Description Available.
Genre: Performing Arts - Opera
Rating: NR
Release Date: 26-FEB-2001
Media Type: DVD

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #102951 in DVD
• Brand: SUTHERLAND,JOAN
• Released on: 2001-03-13
• Rating: NR (Not Rated)
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Original language: Italian
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .25 pounds
• Running time: 157 minutes

Amazon.com
It would have been better, of course, if this 1984 production of Donizetti's Anna Bolena, or at least its title role, had been filmed 20 years earlier, when Joan Sutherland's voice was in its spectacular prime. But like her Canadian Opera Norma, dating from 1981, this is a better-late-than-never documentation of one of the most remarkable voices of the 20th century.

Lotfi Mansouri spared no effort or expense in making this production special. He personally directed the staging, and handpicked an outstanding cast (right down to the very young and then-unknown Ben Heppner in the small role of Hervey). The visual elements--sets, costumes, and camera work--are also handled with great care, and Sutherland's positive response to this dedication can be sensed in her performance as the unfortunate wife of King Henry VIII. James Morris is best-known as a Wagnerian singer--perhaps the leading Wotan of our time--but he is equally at home in many of the villainous roles that are the fate of bass- baritones (Iago, Scarpia, Don Giovanni). In this sinister tale of an innocent woman ruthlessly destroyed, he shows a surprising knack for the bel canto style. Judith Forst is also excellent in the role of Jane Seymour. --Joe McLellan

From the Back Cover
Cast:
Anne Boleyn - Joan Sutherland
Henry VIII - James Morris
Jane Seymour - Judith Forst
Lord Percy - Michael Myers
Smeton - Janet Stubbs
Lord Rochefort - Gidon Saks
Hervey - Ben Heppner

Orchestra and Chorus of the Candadian Opera Company
Conducted by Richard Bonynge
Live Performance, 1984
Stage Production directed by Lotfi Mansouri
Video produced by the CBC, Toronto

Customer Reviews

lovely Moffo memento
As far as opera movie goes this one is fairly good. Granted
the acting is a bit static and the cinematography and staging
rather academic however the sets (real castle, real outdoor)
and costumes are beautiful and everyone looks right for her/
his part. Anna Moffo is definetely the star - she is ravishing
to look at and a pleasure to listen to - a warm, full lyric
soprano voice with an easy top and considerable agility. Lajos
Kozma is a dashing-looking Edgardo but is plagued by a rather
tight nasal sound however he opens up as the opera goes along
and offers an eloquent final scene. Giulio Fioravanti and Paolo
Washington are sturdy performers and have no problems meeting
the vocal demands of Enrico and Raimondo. The supporting cast
is adequate but no more. All in all an enjoyable movie and
lovely memento of Anna Moffo in one of her great roles.

Anna Moffo is magnificent!
Moffo is stunningly lovely both vocally and visually. A must-have for fans of gorgeous singing. Everyone else in the film is rather terrible, however, from the bleating goat of a maidservant to a ridiculously effeminate-sounding tenor "hero." None of that is of importance, though, considering the glory of Anna Moffo.

Ultimate Lucia On Film
Anna Moffo in Lucia. You can't get any better than that !! The 60's opera sensation Anna Moffo has a great following and her voice is perfect for the tragic heroine Lucia. Donizetti's opera about thwarted love, forbidden romance, madness and murder in bleak Scotland is his best and most acclaimed. Anna Moffo's beauty and voice, neither which had faded at the time of this film, 1971, is enchanting. On film, this is as great opera to watch. Starring as her lover Edgardo is Lajos Kozma, a little known European tenor. Anna Moffo was American-bred but she has Italian background. If I'm not mistaken she could speak Italian fluently and at one time also had her own show on Italian television. Many will flock to the DVD of Joan Sutherland's Met performance as Lucia, long regarded as the best. But eventhough I'm a Moffo fan, here's why I think Moffo is better as Lucia.

Anna Moffo has the right look for Lucia. Her beauty provides her with a vulnerability and naivete that is appropriate for the romantic, lovesick and naive young heroine who is driven to madness. Joan Sutherland does not have any of these qualities and insteads she looks too old. This film is also very good visually. The haunting cinematography enhances the plot of the opera. The film was shot in authentic castles and moors. The fact that the movie looks dated and runs slow is not a problem. It adds to the allure of the old opera. Everything about this film is perfect. The look, the cast of singers and the orchestration. Get this if you're a fan of Anna Moffo and if you want to watch a great performance of Lucia.