Customer Reviews

The Tsar's Bride [VHS]

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Lavishly filmed in black and white, this is Vladimir Gorikker's gripping version of Rimsky-Korsakov's tale of passion and treachery from the time of Ivan the Terrible. Moscow's Bolshoi Theater presents convincing portrayals by the actors (especially the dashing Otar Koberidze as the principal no-goodnik), brilliant vocalism by the singers (sadly, only three are identified in the credits), and ABSOLUTELY SPECTACULAR costumes and settings, some on unspecified location. The masterful cinematography of Vadim Mass suffers only in close-ups where the actors too obviously lip-synch with the soundtrack. Rounding it all out are the stunning performances by the Orchestra and Chorus of the Bolshoi, under conductor Yevgeni Svetlanov. A sumptuous treat - one could not wish for a better evening of entertainment!

If like me you are trying to get to know Rimsky-Korsakov's operas, then you should buy this performance. The storyline is made apparent by the dramatisation and the sound is not too bad, though you may also want to buy a more recent performance on CD. I have watched it several times and still go back to it.