Verdi: Otello – UNITEL Classica Edition (DVD Video)

Product Information

• Title: Verdi: Otello
• Edition: UNITEL Classica
• Format: DVD Video
• Total Running Time: 163 minutesAudio Formats: PCM Stereo and DD 5.1
  • Opera: 143 minutes
  • Bonus Feature (“Talking Otello”): 20 minutes
• Picture Format: High Definition, NTSC
• Region Code: 0 (Worldwide)
• Language: Italian (Original opera language)
• Subtitles: Italian, English, German, French, Spanish
• Distributor: UNITEL in co-production with ZDF/3sat and Classica, in cooperation with the Salzburg Festival 2008
• UPC: 814337010140
• Production: Filmed during the Salzburg Festival 2008 – the first new production of Otello at Salzburg since 1970

Overview

English Overview

Verdi’s Otello is given a spectacular reinterpretation in the UNITEL Classica edition. Showcasing one of the most exciting new productions of the legendary work, this DVD captures the dramatic intensity and lyrical beauty of Verdi’s opera with a fresh, cinematic approach.

Starring two of today's most promising talents, Aleksandrs Antonenko delivers a powerful portrayal of Otello, while Marina Poplavskaya enchants as Desdemona. The production also features the charismatic performance of Carlos Álvarez in a pivotal role. With the support of the renowned Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor and the world-class Wiener Philharmoniker, the opera is brought to life under the inspired direction of conductor Riccardo Muti and the dramatic staging of British director Stephen Langridge.

Praised by critics—from Die Welt’s commendation of its “enlightened realism” to Der Tagesspiegel’s glowing review of Poplavskaya’s “timbre like silk, champagne and sandpaper all rolled into one”—this production shines as a contemporary masterpiece. The bonus feature “Talking Otello” offers intimate insights into the production process, making this edition a must-have for both operatic aficionados and new audiences alike.

Hungarian Overview (Áttekintés)

Verdi Otello című operája egy lenyűgöző, UNITEL Classica kiadásban újratöltött formában jelent meg. A legendás mű drámai intenzitása és lírai szépsége friss, filmes megközelítéssel kap új értelmet.

A mai operai színtéren két legígéretesebb új tehetséget láthatunk: Aleksandrs Antonenko magabiztosan alakítja Otello-t, míg Marina Poplavskaya elbűvölő Desdemona szerepében kápráztatja el a közönséget. Carlos Álvarez karizmatikus megjelenése is kiemelkedő. A híres Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor és a világklasszis Wiener Philharmoniker támogatásával Riccardo Muti karmester irányításával, valamint a brit rendező Stephen Langridge drámai színpadi látásmódjával életre kel az opera.

A kritikusok – Die Welt „megvilágosodott realizmusát” dicsérve, Der Tagesspiegel pedig Poplavskaya szopránjának “selymes, pezsgős és csiszolós” hangszínét emelve – egyaránt elismerik ezt a modern, újszerű előadást. A “Talking Otello” bónusz anyag betekintést nyújt a produkció kulisszái mögé, így ez az edition kötelező beszerendő mindazok számára, akik szeretik az operát és nyitottak az újszerű értelmezésekre.

Product Features

Musically and Dramatically Rich

• Fresh Interpretations by New Talents:

  • Aleksandrs Antonenko as Otello delivers a dynamic and impassioned performance.
  • Marina Poplavskaya enchants as Desdemona, her voice described by critics as “a timbre like silk, champagne and sandpaper all rolled into one.”
  • Carlos Álvarez brings vital intensity in his role, adding depth to the dramatic narrative.

• Stellar Ensemble Performances:

  • Konzertvereinigung Wiener Staatsopernchor supports the production with refined choral execution.
  • Wiener Philharmoniker provide a sumptuous orchestral backdrop that highlights the lush scoring of Verdi.

• Iconic Leadership:

  • Riccardo Muti masterfully conducts, emphasizing Otello’s violent passion and lyrical poignancy.
  • Stephen Langridge’s staging infuses the opera with cinematic qualities and “enlightened realism” that heighten its dramatic power.

• Bonus Feature – “Talking Otello”:

  • This 20-minute documentary segment offers exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into the production’s creative process, complementing the live performance.

Technical and Production Excellence

• High Definition Video:
  • Filmed in NTSC 16:9 format, the DVD captures the grand visual scale of the Salzburg Festival production.
• Superior Audio Quality:
  • Presented in PCM Stereo and DD 5.1, the sound mix envelops viewers in a rich, immersive operatic experience.
• Comprehensive Subtitles:
  • Provides subtitles in Italian, English, German, French, and Spanish, ensuring accessibility for a diverse international audience.

Critical Acclaim

• Der Tagesspiegel lauded Marina Poplavskaya’s vocal brilliance, while La Repubblica noted that “Muti shone a light on Otello’s violence.”
• The production received high praise for its dramatic expressiveness and cinematic staging from international media, capturing the excitement of the 2008 Salzburg Festival—the first new production of Otello in Salzburg since 1970.

Publishers & Rights

This DVD is a production of UNITEL Classica in co-production with ZDF/3sat and Classica, in cooperation with the Salzburg Festival 2008. All rights are reserved. The material on this disc is licensed for non-commercial private use only. Unauthorized public performance, broadcast, or reproduction is strictly prohibited.

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Hashtags

English:

#VerdiOtello #UNITELClassica #RiccardoMuti #StephenLangridge #AleksandrsAntonenko #MarinaPoplavskaya #WienerPhilharmoniker #OperaDVD #SalzburgFestival #OperaticDebut

Hungarian (Címkék):

#VerdiOtello #UNITELClassica #RiccardoMuti #StephenLangridge #AleksandrsAntonenko #MarinaPoplavskaya #WienerPhilharmoniker #OperaDVD #SalzburgFestival #OperaiDebüt