Puccini: Turandot / ROYAL OPERA CHORUS / ORCHESTRA OF THE ROYAL OPERA HOUSE / Opus Arte

UPC: 809478011323

Playtime is 125 Minutes 

• Aspect Ratio ‏ : ‎ 1.78:1
• Product Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 7.52 x 5.31 x 0.59 inches; 2.82 Ounces
• Director ‏ : ‎ Andrei Serban
• Media Format ‏ : ‎ NTSC, Multiple Formats, Classical
• Run time ‏ : ‎ 2 hours and 5 minutes
• Release date ‏ : ‎ April 29, 2014
• Actors ‏ : ‎ Dionysios Sourbis, Eri Nakamura, Douglas Jones, Marco Berti, Alasdair Elliot
• Subtitles ‏ : ‎ English, Spanish, French, Italian, Korean, German
• Studio ‏ : ‎ Opus Arte
• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

Summary

Embracing the timeless and universal themes of love, death, fear and power, Puccini's spectacular last opera Turandot is always an overwhelming experience and all the more so in Andrei Serban's vibrant and imposing production, which is seen here in its 2013 revival, almost thirty years on from its premiere. American soprano Lise Lindstrom makes her Royal Opera debut as a 'magnetic' Turandot 'possessing a voice replete with brilliance and focus' (The Independent). She meets her match in the 'superb' tenor Marco Berti, who is 'the physical and vocal embodiment of implacability' (The Guardian). Henrik Nánási - also a newcomer to The Royal Opera - does full justice to Puccini's colourful score with subtle and sensitive conducting. Filmed in High Definition and recorded in true Surround Sound.

Sung in Italian with English, French, German, Spanish, Italian and Korean subtitles

"The production is in good health and the revival, directed by Andrew Sinclair, was as crisp and involving as ever." (Opera Today)

"Set in ancient China, this is a production that never dates. The massive sets, dramatic lighting, scene-setting oriental choreography and glorious costumes offer a sumptuous visual treat. Just add Puccini's wonderfully emotional music and some exceptionally fine singing, and it adds up to a wholly satisfying experience." (The Daily Express)

"Andrei Serban's 1984 production of Turandot, with its fearsome Chinese masks and dragons, flashing swords and blood reds, spectacularly captures the aestheticised cruelty of Puccini's work. That it does so as vibrantly as ever in its 15th revival (directed by Andrew Sinclair) is largely due to the ongoing involvement of the original designer (Sally Jacobs) and choreographer (Kate Flatt)." (Evening Standard)

"The stage presence and immensely powerful voice of the American soprano Lise Lindstrom made the elusive Turandot the magnetic force that she needs to be. A willowy and imposing figure, possessing a voice replete with brilliance and focus – and without excessive wobble – Lindstrom is a fast-rising star of the dramatic soprano repertory and absolutely one to watch." (The Independent)

"The superb Italian tenor Marco Berti [...] is the physical and vocal embodiment of implacability, reinforcing his resolve with such astonishing volume you fear for his vocal cords – and the crockery. Equally determined is American soprano Lise Lindstrom, making her Covent Garden debut ... She is a complete match for Berti, bringing a suitably icy edge to her upper register as the thrilling riddle scene unfolds – just one of the many moments of high drama that punctuate Puccini's most coherent and ambitious score, each episode dressed in the startling orchestral colours of marimba, xylophone and gongs vast and small." (The Observer ★★★★)