Product Details

• Actors: Teresa Stratas, Renata Scotto, José Carreras, Richard Stilwell, Allan Monk
• Directors: James Levine
• Format: AC-3, Classical, Color, Dolby, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Language: Italian (DTS 5.1), Italian (PCM Stereo)
• Subtitles: Chinese, English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Deutsche Grammophon
• DVD Release Date: October 26, 2009
• Run Time: 125 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.6 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B002LL13BQ
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #57,504 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

The Christian Science Monitor

"When the curtain rose on the second act of Franco Zeffirelli's new production of La Bohème at the Metropolitan Opera, the audience erupted in a roar of acclaim, amazement, and even disbelief--a roar that went on for nearly a minute."

Product Description

Deutsche Grammophon is proud to present Franco Zeffirelli's iconic staging of La Bohème as recorded liveat the Metropolitan Opera on January 16, 1982, available once again on DVD. This timeless production continues to thrill audiences almost every season since it was first introduced in 1981, and this performance captures the production at the very beginning with the original cast. Teresa Stratas, renowned for her acting abilities, captures the essence of Mimì--her fragility, her resolve, her passion. Stratas is partnered by José Carreras as Rodolfo, the poet and love of her dreams. The cast is rounded out with a lively Renata Scotto (who was filmed as Mimì in an earlier MET production, also available on DVD from Deutsche Grammophon) and sonorous Richard Stilwell. James Levine conducts the Metropolitan Opera Orchestra and Chorus, culminating with over 200 people on stage for the conclusion of Act 2. This performance, well-known for its musical and visual qualities, is now available again.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

55 of 57 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars YES, WE NEED THIS VERSION...BECAUSE OF STRATAS !!!, October 3, 2009

By 

Anthony Rossi (Florida) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Giacomo Puccini: La Boheme (DVD)

There seems to be a little confusion with Mike Smith's review of the various versions of "La Boheme". Yes, the 1977 DG version was historic...I remember it well. But Scotto WAS Mimi and not Musetta...(that role was sung by Maralin Niska). The 2008 EMI version was a total waste (as most of the EMI HD DVDs which it offered). The 1977 DG version is the BEST, in my opinion, because it offers us the Mimi of the great Teresa Stratas and not Scotto as Mike Smith states...Scotto is Musetta on this DVD and is wonderful. I was a great fan of Scotto and would give my eye teeth to have her Met performances of "Butterfly" and "Il Trittico" on DVD.
The combination of Stratas and Carreras on this DVD is overwhelming. Pavarotti was a magnificent singer but could never muster up enough emotion in any of his roles. Plus we have this wonderful and atmospheric Zeffirelli Production!!!
I strongly recommend this version. DG does a great job with remastering the video and audio of the former Pioneer Met DVDs giving us perfect clarity and surround sound. Once you SEE and HEAR Stratas, you will want no other Mimi.
I HAVE ADDED THE FOLLOWING COMMENT ON OCTOBER 28, 2009: I received this new DVD yesterday. DG has done a masterful job with it. The DTS 5.1 sound is out-of-this world....sounds as if one were actually sitting in the audience at the MET. The video is much brighter and clearer than was the old Pioneer version. It has more language choices. There are two excellent mini-documentaries: Zeffirelli working the La Boheme rehearsal at the Met and one on Puccini. This is a MUST buy.

15 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Boheme for the ages., December 21, 2009

By 

Douglasmagee "Sarge" (Ludington,Michigan) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Giacomo Puccini: La Boheme (DVD)

This grand Zeffirelli production has a perfect cast. All singers look the parts and act well. Teresa Stratas was considered the greatest singing actress of her generation. Her fragile Mimi really hit the benchmark! Jose Carreras'passion and drop-dead handsomeness, coupled with a great voice and vocal technique provide the perfect Rodolpho. Renata Scotto's Musetta was brilliantly acted and sung by the greatest Italian diva of the day. All the other roles were well cast. The great Maestro and Music Director of the Metropolitan Opera,James Levine, presented an impassioned reading of the score-remarkably cognizant of the composer's wishes. The Met Opera orchestra is at it's best and the choruses are great!

19 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Finally back on DVD The best BOHEME, October 10, 2009

By 

DodgyUSA (Jamaica Plain, MA United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Giacomo Puccini: La Boheme (DVD)

I have this on vhs and have been waiting for this magnificent Zeffirelli production from the MET to be released on dvd. Stratas and Carreras are wonderful. 28+ years later, the audience still applaud the set when the curtain goes up on Acts 2 and 3. Bravo to all involved.