Oberlin

La Bohème DVD
››› December 21, 2014 | Posted By Elissa Pfaender

From the stage, to the recording studio, and finally to the big screen, La Bohème has now been brought to DVD. In this new adaptation, director Robert Dornhelm brings a contemporary feel to Giacomo Puccini's classic love story.

Released on October 17, 2008, the DVD stars operatic greats Anna Netrebko as Mimì and Rolando Villazon as Rodolfo. Proclaimed as an "opera- film," the adaptation cuts the opera to about 115 minutes. Although the shortened length causes the film to skimp on certain musical aspects, the drama and passion are still there, as captured by the high-definition filming. The intimacy of the camera provides both insight and challenges for the singers, for the viewer is able to see each and every expression. The filming is done in a non-conventional way from most opera DVDs, as it appears that the filmography is more important than the music at times. For example, in Mimì's death in the final scene, instead of displaying the singers singing, an intimate montage is shown as Netrebko's voice soars in the background. As touching as this moment is, this is definitely a moment where the focus is on the drama, rather than the music.

Netrebko and Villazon star as Puccini's doomed lovers. While their voices are classically trained, the acting skills and sex appeal they bring to the production are very modern. The duo regularly teams up together in productions. They made their joint debut as Violetta and Alfredo in Verdi's La Traviata at the Bavarian State Opera, and it's clear that they are comfortable with one another. Netrebko doesn't play Mimì as the coquette peering into Rodolfo's apartment for a match, but rather as a seductive vixen in a silky, red dress. On the other hand, Villazon's Rodolfo is charismatic, charming, and entranced by his new love. The couple's relationship turns from mere smoke to fiery heat in a matter of a duet, making you wonder if you're watching an opera or a new adaptation of Mr. and Mrs. Smith.

Although pre-recorded, the voices sparkle on the DVD. Netrebko's alluring sound is perfect for her sexy Mimì, blending perfectly with Villazon's commanding tenor voice. Particularly captivating was the duet "O soave fanciulla," where the singers captured the essence of their heated romance, their powerful voices blending into an eruption of suppressed emotion.  Also notable is soprano Nicole Cabell's extravagant Musetta. Clad in a garish costume, it is clear from the moment Cabell opens her mouth that she is and should be the center of attention. She captures Musetta exquisitely, carefully balancing her sensual, fiery, and sensitive sides throughout the opera. 

Lavishly filmed, executed, and performed, this Bohème is one for the new ages. The benefits of producing a film are being able to tweak every aspect to perfection, rather than in a live operatic production, where the show goes on, no matter what. If viewers are looking for a romantic, erotic, extravagant, film version of this classic opera, Dornhelm's production is tweaked perfectly to that. If not, they can visit their local opera house, where the live version will usually be more authentic.

 

 

 

 

 

        

Oberlin College & Conservatory | 77 W College Street, Oberlin, Ohio 44074 | 440-775-8200