Bizet: Carmen
Christine Rice (Carmen), Bryan Hymel (Don José), Aris Argiris (Escamillo) & Maija Kovalevska (Micaëla)
Royal Opera Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Constantinos Carydis (conductor) & Francesca Zambello (stage director)
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...
Bizet: Carmen
Christine Rice (Carmen), Bryan Hymel (Don José), Aris Argiris (Escamillo) & Maija Kovalevska (Micaëla)
Royal Opera Chorus & Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Constantinos Carydis (conductor) & Francesca Zambello (stage director)
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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...
About
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
Contents and tracklist
- 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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Awards and 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.
