Bizet: Carmen

The picture quality is unusually high, and this particular revival has been scrupulously rehearsed; the broadly traditional, picturesque and well-crafted period staging may add in irrelevant... — Gramophone Magazine, September 2016 More…

Release Date: 26th Feb 2016
Catalogue No: OA1197D
Label: Opus Arte
Series: Royal Opera House Collection

Bizet: Carmen

Recorded live at the Royal Opera House, June 2011
Christine Rice (Carmen), Bryan Hymel (Don José), Aris Argiris (Escamillo) & Maija Kovalevska (Micaëla)
Royal Opera House Covent Garden
Constantinos Carydis (conductor) & Francesca Zambello (stage director)

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Julian Napier’s cinematic film of the Royal Opera’s production of Carmen – originally shot in 3D – is now made available on DVD and 2D Blu-ray. Arguably the world’s most popular opera, at the centre of this musical drama is the fiery Carmen, a gypsy woman whose love is as fleeting as it is passionate. Carmen has a devastating effect on the men she ensnares, and as the opera begins, she initiates an intense love affair with army corporal Don José. Later, when she abandons him for her new conquest, the bullfighter Escamillo, Don José’s jealousy turns to rage. This time, Carmen has pushed one suitor too far for her own good. In this characteristically vivid and vibrant stage production by Francesca Zambello, Seville is brought to life with ranks of soldiers, crowds of peasants, gypsies and bullfighters – as well as a magnificent horse, a donkey and even some chickens! Featuring the indomitable Bryan Hymel as Don José and Christine Rice in the title role, this compelling production of Bizet’s masterpiece has everything from intimate solos to rousing choruses, making it truly a musical event to remember.

Extra features: Carmen the opera and a Cast Gallery.

Running time: 155 minutes

Subtitles: EN/DE/FR/JAP/KO

Sound format: 2.0LPCM + 5.1(5.0) DTS

Reviews

September 2016

The picture quality is unusually high, and this particular revival has been scrupulously rehearsed; the broadly traditional, picturesque and well-crafted period staging may add in irrelevant detail, but on this occasion everyone knows exactly what they’re doing all the time. The cast is excellent

October 2016

The cast is excellent. Christine Rice brings to the protagonist rich, malleable tone, sung and spoken French with real flavour to it (the production makes substantial cuts to the dialogue, incidentally), focused acting, and more than a touch of glamour; there’s a fine line to be trodden between being sexually provocative and being vulgar, and Rice treads it carefully.

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Bizet: Carmen

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Bizet: Carmen

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