Description

Franz Lehár's Das Land des Lächelns – A Captivating Operetta on DVD

UPC: 044007340561

Product Details

Format: DVD
Composer: Franz Lehár (1870-1948)
Title: Das Land des Lächelns (The Land of Smiles)
Artists:Orchestra: Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart
- Sou-Chong: René Kollo
- Lisa: Birgit Pitsch-Sarata
- Mi: Dagmar Koller
- Gustl: Heinz Zednik
- Graf Lichtenfels: Fred Liewehr
- Tschang: Gerhard Frickhöffer
- Lin-Po: Herbert Prikopa
Chorus: Südfunkchor Stuttgart
Conductor: Wolfgang Ebert
Musical Arrangement: Bert Grund
Director: Arthur Maria Rabenalt
Recording: 1974 Film Version
Language: Sung in German
Subtitles: German (original language), English, French, Spanish
Aspect Ratio: 4:3 Full Screen (NTSC Color)
Sound Formats: PCM Stereo, DTS 5.1 Surround Sound
Running Time: Approximately 100 minutes
Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
Publisher: Deutsche Grammophon
Production: Unitel

Product Features

Historic Film Adaptation: A 1974 atmospheric film version directed by Arthur Maria Rabenalt, capturing the essence of Lehár's beloved operetta.
Renowned Cast: Features celebrated tenor René Kollo as Prince Sou-Chong, alongside Birgit Pitsch-Sarata as Lisa and Dagmar Koller as Mi.
Musical Highlight: Includes the famous aria "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" (Yours is My Heart Alone), performed by René Kollo, a piece synonymous with the role and beloved by audiences worldwide.
High-Quality Audio: Offers both PCM Stereo and DTS 5.1 Surround Sound for an immersive listening experience.
Accessible Viewing: Subtitles available in German, English, French, and Spanish; region-free DVD compatible with players worldwide.

Overview

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of operetta with Franz Lehár's Das Land des Lächelns (The Land of Smiles). This captivating 1974 film adaptation brings to life the poignant love story between a Viennese woman, Lisa, and a Chinese prince, Sou-Chong, exploring themes of cultural differences, love, and sacrifice.

Directed by the esteemed Arthur Maria Rabenalt, the film features a stellar cast led by renowned tenor René Kollo in the role of Prince Sou-Chong. Kollo, hailing from a family of operetta composers and initially starting his career in light music, delivers a compelling performance that honors the legacy of the role made famous by Richard Tauber. His rendition of "Dein ist mein ganzes Herz" remains a standout moment, capturing the romantic essence of Lehár's music.

Supported by Birgit Pitsch-Sarata's heartfelt portrayal of Lisa and Dagmar Koller's charming performance as Mi, the production is further enriched by the lush sounds of the Radio-Sinfonieorchester Stuttgart under the baton of Wolfgang Ebert. With musical arrangements by Bert Grund, this film brings a cinematic flair to the classic operetta, making it a must-see for enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

Interesting Facts

Legacy Role: René Kollo's portrayal of Sou-Chong continues the tradition of legendary tenors like Richard Tauber, who originally popularized the role.
Family Heritage: René Kollo's father and grandfather were both operetta composers, and he began his career in light music before transitioning to opera.
Director's Expertise: Arthur Maria Rabenalt was a notable Viennese director known for his contributions to film and opera, bringing a unique vision to this adaptation.
Cultural Fusion: The operetta combines Western musical styles with Eastern themes, reflecting early 20th-century fascination with Asian culture.
Timeless Appeal: Das Land des Lächelns remains one of Lehár's most beloved works, celebrated for its beautiful melodies and emotional depth.