Product Details

• Actors: Luciano Pavarotti, Fiamma Izzo D'Amico, Roberto Servile, Madelyn Renee, Jeffrey Mattsey
• Format: Classical, Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Kultur Video
• DVD Release Date: August 30, 2005
• Run Time: 120 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B000A3XZ1I
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #191,301 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Luciano Pavarotti stars in this magnificent production of La Boheme, performed by the Genoa Opera Company during their historic tour of the People’s Republic of China. This unique cultural mission to mainland China received world-wide acclaim. The New York Times reported "If anybody can do away with culture clash, Luciano Pavarotti is the man."This performance of Puccini’s most beloved opera was filmed live at Beijing’s Tianquiao Theatre. It is a powerful performance of the tragic tender love story of Mimi and Rodolfo poignantly interpreted by Luciano Pavarotti and Fiamma Izzo D’ Amico. The opera is set in the Latin Quarter of Paris in 1830. Four young Bohemians share a studio; Rodolfo is a poet, Marcello is a painter, Colline is a philosopher and Schaunard is a musician. The plot is focused upon the love of Rodolfo for his neighbor Mimi, who is a seamstress, fatally ill with consumption. Tragically, Mimi cannot bear Rodolfo’s irrational jealousy and eventually leaves him. She returns, only when brought in, dying, by Musetta. The group of Bohemians make a desperate and emotional attempt to save her, but its too late. Since its premiere in Turin in 1896, La Boheme has been embraced by opera lovers around the world. This production starring the world’s favorite tenor will long be hailed as perhaps the greatest La Boheme ever captured on film. With The Municipal Opera Theatre Of Genoa, from Tianquiao Theatre, Beijing, China.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Fantastic performances!!!, January 25, 2008

By 

P. Sutherland (Berea, Ohio, USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Puccini - La Boheme / Pavarotti, D'Amico, Servile, Renee, Mattsey, D'Artegna, Magiera, Beijing Opera (DVD)

Luciano Pavarotti owns the role of Rodolfo and here in this 1986 production filmed live in China, he proves it again! But, the rest of the cast was a pleasant surprise. Fiamma Izzo D'Amico was a wonderful Mimi in beautiful voice. A very pretty Madelyn Renee was Musetta, also in excellent voice. And that goes for Roberto Servile as Marcello; Jeffrey Mattsey as Schaunard; and, Francesco Ellero D'Artegna as Colline.

The acting was first rate, too. This production will not disappoint!

Other points of interest regarding this DVD: Pavarotti's father, Fernando, appears in this production as the non-speaking toy peddler in the street scene. According to Herbert Breslin (Pavarotti's manager for 36 years) in his book, The King and I, Madelyn Renee was Luciano's one and only voice student and his first "secretary." The trip to China is described in the book, which I also recommend.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant Road Show!, October 16, 2008

By 

Wayne Kuhaupt - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Puccini - La Boheme / Pavarotti, D'Amico, Servile, Renee, Mattsey, D'Artegna, Magiera, Beijing Opera (DVD)

Although this production was staged in Beijing by a relatively small opera company, it was full of life and brilliance at times. Pavarotti, here much older than a young struggling artist, still manages to act rather convincingly. His singing is superb. Mimi also possessed an excellent voice. All principals were excellent voices,and all could act well. The sets looked a bit haphazard, but this was a road show, in Beijing, and I was not really distracted by the lack of first-rate sets.
The duet at the end of Act 1, was electric--and the Beijing audience was tumultuous in their deserving applause. Overall, a very satisfying production, with the added electricity that comes with introducing western opera to a culture that has rarely had the opportunity to share in this most global of art forms.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best Boheme, June 11, 2009

By 

dee1153 (Shreveport, LA USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Puccini - La Boheme / Pavarotti, D'Amico, Servile, Renee, Mattsey, D'Artegna, Magiera, Beijing Opera (DVD)

I know I'm going to get some flack here, but hands-down, this is the best Boheme there is. Pavarotti is absolutely on fire. He's older yes, but his singing is impeccable. Best "Che Gelida Manina" I've ever heard - and I've got every one he ever released. D'Amico is also my favorite Mimi. She looks the part and has the most wonderful voice, emits Mimi's sadness and suffering to perfection. The rest of the cast is marvellous as well. The rapport between them is incredible. You feel like you're actually there.

The set is a bit sparse, but you won't even notice it. The singing and acting just sweeps you away. Who said Pav couldn't act? He is magnificent here... just oozing emotion. I've watched it a dozen times, and never a dry eye at the end. If you don't own this one, you're missing out on the best Rodolfo and Mimi, period. No question.