Editorial Review

Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Read more

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Reviews (200)

Nearly 40 years old, now, the film still works...
You can even get a flash of Olivia Hussey's breast in the bedroom scene if you look closely, and she was only 15 at the time of filming, so this version of the ancient play was controversial in its day. It has passion, style, great supporting actors, and is true to its source as well. While the more recent version with Leonardo DiCaprio has some good moments, too, this one is the high water mark of "Romeo and Juliet" on film. I will never forget seeing this at the base theater at Fort Knox, Kentucky, after spending a month in Vietnam, facing almost another year in the Army. When the movie ended, one soldier in front of me said to his buddy, "They think they've got troubles? Try being in the damn Army!"Well, R and J did have life-ending troubles, but their falling in love, as instant as it was, achieves believability and really tugs at the hearts of the audience. This movie was a fine accomplishment, and its soundtrack album was also a big seller on LP in the late '60's. That Shakespeare fellow did his writin' before movies were invented, I think, yet his stuff adapts really well to the screen. For my taste, a Shakespeare movie almost always beats seeing his plays on stage.

This Pinnacle Film Captures the Pure Essence of the Play
There have been many screen adaptations of Romeo and Juliet over the years.Some of them played by some of Hollywood's top actors and actresses.There was even the Romeo and Juliet last done by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, which to my mind is simply Romeo and Juliet on steroids.
Brings back my teen years in the theater.
First saw this movie as a 14 or 15 year-old teen.Loved the film!It is one of those seminal movie moments of my youth.I think it is the definitive film version of 'Romeo and Juliet.'Never saw DiCaprio's version and have no real desire to.The DVD was of excellent quality, considering the original film was shot in 1968. My teen daughter watched it with me, and did have some trouble following the Shakespearean dialog, but she could still follow the storyline. (I think we had more exposure to the classics in the Baby Boomer Gen than do kids today.) Nonetheless, we both enjoyed the experience and the DVD was delivered in Amazon's usual timely manner. The angry Prince's final words to the feuding families, "All are punish-ed. ALL ARE PUNISH-ED!" stands as an electric moment in the film.The performances by all are terrific.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

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Reviews (30)

Vulnerable, Real, and More
I love how vulnerable both Brooke Shields and Martin Hewitt look in this movie. They really make the whole story so believable.

Endless Therapy perhaps????
You have to be kidding! Maybe endless therapy is a more telling title!
how love leads to madness
i saw this movie when i was about six years old and i remembered
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Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Editorial Review

Franco Zeffirelli's stripped-down, two-hour version of Shakespeare's play stars Mel Gibson as a rather robust version of the ambivalent Danish prince. Gibson is much better in the part than many critics have admitted, his powers of clarity doing much to make this particularRead more

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Reviews (157)

"Omelette" Said The Egg. "To Be Or Not To Be...."
I do find it most amusing whenever an actor such as Mel Gibson thinks he can produce a performance equal to that of Sir Lawrence Olivier which isafter allwhy remakes are made. Sadly Mel has neither the talent or the on screen presence to portray the Mad Prince Of Denmark and all we have leftis a guy who looks as if he is suffering from Mad Cow Disease with his eyes rolling about in his head who just wants his mommy.I give this movie 5 stars because all it did was remind me of just how good the 1948 version was.

New standard for Hamlet
Shakespeare's Hamlet has been done and redone many times over. Probably because the play has so many universal themes it is the most popular of his plays. When I first saw Sir Lawrence Olivier's adaptation I thought there could be no equal.Mr. Gibson has challenged that thought with a moving andpassionate portrayal. Mr. Gibson has created nothing short of a new standard for this old favorite.Ms. Close as the doting but fickle mother sets an equal standard for her part.The other roles are filled perfectly as well and the visuals take you back to that time and place to witness the events first hand.This is the one version of Hamlet you must have.

Mel did a very good job as the wishy washy prince
Poor Hamlet, couldn't make up his mind to save his life.I really ejoyed this version, Mel and the rest of the experienced cast did a great job.You just have to forget Mel was Mad Max and accept him as the Mad Prince of Denmark and you'll enjoy this as much as I did.Also, if a teenager has to do a book report on Hamlet this is a good version for that age group.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Liz and Dick (a.k.a. Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton) almost seemed to be importing the psychodramas of their marriage into this 1967 film (of course, the same was true of every film they made together). Adapted from Shakespeare's play and directed by Franco Zeffirelli (Read more

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Reviews (44)

Only Love Tames the Shrew ....
Turbulent star-crossed lovers Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton were the leads in this 1967 take on Taming of the Shrew. Taylor gives a fiesty performance as the one who won't be taken ... who cannot seem to give (to quote Bette Midler's The Rose) ... while Burton's ravishing maestro of a character is the (finally) successful shrew tamer. Comedy that tells us why only love can tame a shrew ...but for how long?

Classic Burton/Taylor
I first saw this movie, as a child, and I just had to add it to my collection.Burton/Taylor are so perfectly cast in their roles, I really can not imagine other actors in those parts.I think a young Michael York does a good job with his small part, too.

A Shrew? Or a Neglected Daughter?
Along with "The Comedy of Errors," "A Midsummer Night's Dream," and "The Merry Wives of Windsor," I always liked this comedy of Shakespeare's. As usual, Director Franco Zeffirelli brings the written material to the screen better than any of us could have expected. Some people complained that it was a bit overdone and rompish, but remember, this is a comedy, so you can get away that. Basically, this story involves 2 subplots that the master Shakespeare cleverly intertwines. Lucentio (Michael York, whom you may recall as Tybalt in "Romeo and Juliet), along with 2 rivals (Hortensio and Gremio) are in love with Bianca. But the problem is, Bianca's father Baptista will not allow Bianca to marry until her older and more shrewish sister Kate (Elizabeth Taylor) marries. Financial negotiations are of course mandatory in the cases of marriage here, (and if we think that is in the past, we are only kidding ourselves). Well, moving on Kate's shrewish nature makes the prospect of this unlikely. So, Bianca's suitors team up to at least resolve the matter of Kate first. Some people feel this is a sexist play, but if we look at Isaac Asimov's views, we find the play is not so. Asimov convincingly explainsin his book "Asimov's Guide To Shakespeare" the hidden picture. Bianca is not exactly so sweet. Rather, she is manipulative and has learned to monopolize her father's love, as well as the love of other people. We can also infer that Kate is not really a bad person. Rather, she is tired of the fact that her father virtually ignores her, and she is so scarred from this neglect, that she can't even see love when it is given (even though she so desperately wants it). And of course, the people who taunt her and tease her don't help the situation! Director Franco Zeffirelli does kind of hint at this. Moving on, in comes Petruchio (Richard Burton and Elizabeth's at the time husband). It may appear that Petruchio is only after the financial benefit of marrying Kate, but later situations prove otherwise. One charming bonus is that while Shakespeare has their wedding off stage, and explained, Mr. Zeffirelli shows the comical wedding for us to see. At first, it may seem that Petruchio is also cruel to Kate, but in reality, he is using a form of behavior modification, and if he did not love her, he wouldn't be going through the trouble that he does. In some ways, a more appropriate title to the play would be "The Rehabilitative Therapy of A Neglected Daughter." To be sure, Baptista is not exactly cruel to Kate, but he made no secret of the fact that he liked Bianca better. (Some parents try to at least hide the fact that they have a favorite child.) Well, Shakespeare switches back to the other plot, and Lucentio and Bianca can marry IF, Lucentio can prove he has the fortunes he says he does. Well, to do this, Lucentio hires someone to impersonate his father and negotiate. And all seems happy UNTIL, Lucentio's REAL FATHER comes for a visit, and runs into the man who is impersonating him! But leave it to Shakespeare to resolve everything, gives us a happy ending to both subplots, and bring everyone together for a feast and celebration. ... Read more

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Reviews (74)

La Traviata
It is one of the best operas made in movie that I have ever seen.It is a true masterpiece.

worth recommendating
a good classic performance with luxurious scenes.
Excellent!Bravo!
Franco Zeffirelli wanted to bring opera to the screen so that more people could enjoy it.I'm sure he succeeded with this production of Verdi's La Traviata with such divine music.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Opera/Operetta    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

Franco Zeffirelli(Read more

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Reviews (130)

Jane Eyre not a great adaption
I have seen most of the versions of jane Eyre. and this has to be my least favorite. I wanted to like it.. I really did. The visuals were wonderful, the moodiness was there. What ruined it was William Hurt.. which I hate to say, because he is one of my favorite actors.
A poor adaptation
As Rochester remarks, there is much more to Jane Eyre than her starched demeanor allows and in turn, more to Rochester than his repressed and sometimes cruel stance.The book is a testament to character shaping destiny and of course a love that transcends and transforms their lives.
Zeffirelli's version is excellent
The cinematography and attention to period detail is breathtaking and natural.One finds oneself engrossed in the time period of this film.This version excellently conveys one of the central themes of the English novel of its time:a woman is relegated to her place in society based upon the circumstances of her birth.How does she escape her social bondage?Jane Eyre is a triumphant herione because of her strength of character.Thus,expect a "plain Jane" in her role,whose beauty lives in her spirit and courage,rather than her appearance.William Hurt's portrayal of the tortured protaganist was surprisingly outstanding.He is both charming and inaccessible;witty and complex;vulnerable and strong.And most important,convincingly appealing,at least to a middle aged woman!The supporting roles were outstanding,especially the housekeeper.The mystery of the house is both suspenseful and intriguing--it will definitley keep you engrossed.All elements worked together to a make this version outstanding.Ultimately,when reading a review I want to know if the film is worth purchasing.I have watched it repeatedly and am pleased I purchased this faithful adaptation and beautifully filmed version. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

A young Rick Schroder makes his cute-as-all-get-out film debut in this 1979 tearjerker from director Franco Zeffirelli. Jon Voight plays Billy Flynn, a former champion boxer now given to drinking, gambling, and raising his son T.J. (Schroder, billed here as Ricky) as best he can. The ups and downs of the devoted codependent pair might be enough movie on their own, but soon enough Annie (Faye Dunaway) shows up and displays a strangely protective interest in T.J. Though the plot jumps around too much to quite hold together, Read more

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Reviews (37)

The Champ
I saw this movie when it first came out.It's just as tear-jerking now as it was then!Ricky Schroeder is the best child actor ever and rips your heart out in several scenes.The whole cast does an awesome job!

Perhaps the Best Child Performance Ever Caught on Film
I remember seeing this movie in the theater when I was 16.I recall that everybody there was crying by the end.I don't think I've seen a performance by a child star that can rival little Ricky Schroder's effort in this film.This was his first acting job and he stole the show with what was easily an Oscar winning performance.This movie is a remake of an older film by the same title made back in the early 1930's; this remake is superior on all counts.Jackie Cooper, then age nine played the role covered here by Schroder.Wallace Beerey played the title role done here by Jon Voight.The film is about as perfect as any drama could hope to be because it deals so honestly with very real family issues.The events told in the story could happen to anyone.Perhaps that's why it was such a success in the theaters.Performaces by all the actors were simply fantastic, but again Schroder's will leave you stunned.I've never been able to get through this film without tearing up, as it's one of the most emotional films ever made.
the best boxing movie of all times
Ever since I was little and I saw this movie, I loved it.I have recommended this movie to others.Maybe because no matter how many times I watched it, I still cry. ... Read more

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Reviews (6)

This title is now available on DVD
It is not immediately obvious (it doesn't come up as an alternate format), but this work is now available in a DVD edition, which has been re-mastered to 5.1 digital sound.

Magnificent, A great opera story ever told , Viva Mascagni
I have seen this video more than three times & each time i see it, it has the same impact on me. The feeling of beauty, tragedy. The way the artists potray the characters is truly superb. My favourate scenes is between the Tiruddu & Santuzza. The song 'No no Tiruddu' is done so well. also the intermezzo. Thelast act my Domingo 'Mama....."saying goodbye to her mother before the fight with Alfio ofcourse he dies at the end. The woman who shouts "Somebody has killed Tiruddu" in Italian is such a thrill & has become so familiar with many movie goers especially "the God Father part 3" saga. This is a great video to own.Obrastva & Domingo have never sounded so good. I also like Alfio's voice with his whip at the beginning of the film when he enters the market & everyone sorrounds him to listen. Buy this one U wont regret.

Cavalleria Rusticana
The greatest opera ever composed. Why is it not available in DVD? ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Video    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

It seemed like a good idea in 1973: a musical scored by Donovan about the life and times of St. Francis of Assisi, the passionate ascetic who expressed love for God by loving nature. But the finished product was something else. Filmmaker Franco Zeffirelli (Read more

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Reviews (144)

Original Innocence
I caught this on AMC about five years ago and by the end of the movie I was in tears...I mean, I usually don't get too choked up over movies except for maybe Diehard and the Terminator series (just kiddin')...but this movie really touched me and moved me deeply and made me remember why I fell in Love with God.
One of the few truly inspiring movies, and I'm not even a Christian.
This movie really brings back the sixties--in the best sense. Back then we were on course toward a more caring, less conformist and corporate society. What happened? The movie plays just a little loose with the facts. In reality there was no tension between Francis and the Bishop of Asisi. Bishop Guido actually championed Francis. Oh, well, what's a movie wihout the obligatory murder? Anyhow, the casting is perfect, the camera work is beautiful, the songs are great. Inspiration awaits you.

Silly, but Judi Bowker is pretty
At best, this movie is silly. At worst, it's stultifyingly boring. If one is a follower of St Francis, one might see this movie through rose-colored---no, make that opaque glasses. They would have to be opaque to avoid seeing the vacuous look on Faulkner's face most of the time. There is better acting in most middle-school plays. I am sure that St Francis was much more interesting and had much more depth and complexity of character.
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Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Family    3. Feature Film-drama    4. Movie   

Editorial Review

In filming this semi-autobiographical account of life in Italy duringthe dawn of World War II, director Franco Zeffirelli imbues Read more

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Reviews (59)

worth seeing
In spite of the disastrous title and the repulsive cover picture, this is the best film Zeffirelli has made since "Romeo and Juliet."It has a nice balance of atmosphere, characterization and action.The photography and scenery alone are worth the price of admission.Missing is the magnificent music that Zeffirelli usually has in his films.Contrary to the amazon reviewer, the film is quite focused and carries with it a tension, although the tension is deliberately kept from becoming oppressive.The path of the story is not at all "predictable" with several surprising turns.There are a few laughs in the beginning, but this is a serious film.
Delightful Film - Cher's Best!
This is a charming film with a great cast. The story is the perfect blend of bittersweet and endearing. And the countryside of Tuscany is a star itself! Cher, Lily Tomlin and Maggie Smith give phenomenal performances. Everything about the picture is first rate: the writing, the acting, the visuals, the soundtrack. One of my very favorite films of all time!

You Can't Go Wrong With Director Franco Zeffirelli!
Whenever director Franco Zeffirelli is at the helm, you can be assured of great acting, fascinating scenery, and beautiful music. He has shown this in his "Romeo and Juliet," "Taming of the Shrew," "Hamlet," and "Jesus of Nazareth." Generally speaking, I DO NOT like war movies. Mainly because one, they tend to glorify people getting killed. Also, because character development normally takes a back seat to people getting blown up. Well, this movie qualifies as an exception. The story starts in Italy few years before World War II. The young Luca gradually realizes that his mother has died. To be sure, his father helps a little, but very little. Well Luca falls under the care of Maggie Smith (English), Joan Plowright (English), Judi Dench (English), Cher (Jewish), and Lily Tomlin (American). What these women share in common is that Italy will of course declare war on their different countries. Mussolini promises Maggie Smith (who may be able to provide some diplomatic favors) that she and her friends will be safe. Of course we don't need to think too hard to understand that this promise will only be carried through if it serves Mussolini in some way. (Despite the title, Mussolini only has a brief part.) Well, later, Luca's father decides that German "...is the language of tomorrow." So, Luca has to leave these women who were so kind to him. And of course, Italy joins Germany in the war. These women become prisoners, though not all at once. (Cher and Lily Tomlin have a bit more time of freedom.) Well, Luca (now grown up) returns, and offers what comfort he can to these women. He also has an on and off relationship with the energetic Cher. While Cher has her faults, she is heroic. She shows care for the Jews who will be in danger if they don't get out of Italy. She also uses her own money to move Smith, Plowright, and Dench to a hotel. (It is still a prison, but it is more of a country club type prison.) Another plot comes into play when a playboy is after Cher's money. Maggie Smith does not care for Cher, but will she rise to the occasion and save Cher? What makes this so different (as far as war movies are concerned) is that the war is in the background. The real story is the suffering of these women. So, we have the horrors of war without the glory. (But we can trust that Hollywood probably won't ever figure this out.) Interestingly, Luca never loses his love of art, and in a moment of desperation, Dench throws herself in front of art to stop the Nazis from blowing it up. Even if you don't like war movies, this is one you should make an exception for. If you like this, be sure to see Director Franco Zeffirelli's "Romeo and Juliet," "Taming of the Shrew," "Hamlet," and "Jesus of Nazareth." ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Comedies    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Franco Zeffirelli's 1968 adaptation of Shakespeare's Read more

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Reviews (200)

Nearly 40 years old, now, the film still works...
You can even get a flash of Olivia Hussey's breast in the bedroom scene if you look closely, and she was only 15 at the time of filming, so this version of the ancient play was controversial in its day. It has passion, style, great supporting actors, and is true to its source as well. While the more recent version with Leonardo DiCaprio has some good moments, too, this one is the high water mark of "Romeo and Juliet" on film. I will never forget seeing this at the base theater at Fort Knox, Kentucky, after spending a month in Vietnam, facing almost another year in the Army. When the movie ended, one soldier in front of me said to his buddy, "They think they've got troubles? Try being in the damn Army!"Well, R and J did have life-ending troubles, but their falling in love, as instant as it was, achieves believability and really tugs at the hearts of the audience. This movie was a fine accomplishment, and its soundtrack album was also a big seller on LP in the late '60's. That Shakespeare fellow did his writin' before movies were invented, I think, yet his stuff adapts really well to the screen. For my taste, a Shakespeare movie almost always beats seeing his plays on stage.

This Pinnacle Film Captures the Pure Essence of the Play
There have been many screen adaptations of Romeo and Juliet over the years.Some of them played by some of Hollywood's top actors and actresses.There was even the Romeo and Juliet last done by Leonardo DiCaprio and Claire Danes, which to my mind is simply Romeo and Juliet on steroids.
Brings back my teen years in the theater.
First saw this movie as a 14 or 15 year-old teen.Loved the film!It is one of those seminal movie moments of my youth.I think it is the definitive film version of 'Romeo and Juliet.'Never saw DiCaprio's version and have no real desire to.The DVD was of excellent quality, considering the original film was shot in 1968. My teen daughter watched it with me, and did have some trouble following the Shakespearean dialog, but she could still follow the storyline. (I think we had more exposure to the classics in the Baby Boomer Gen than do kids today.) Nonetheless, we both enjoyed the experience and the DVD was delivered in Amazon's usual timely manner. The angry Prince's final words to the feuding families, "All are punish-ed. ALL ARE PUNISH-ED!" stands as an electric moment in the film.The performances by all are terrific.Enjoy! ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

A young Rick Schroder makes his cute-as-all-get-out film debut in this 1979 tearjerker from director Franco Zeffirelli. Jon Voight plays Billy Flynn, a former champion boxer now given to drinking, gambling, and raising his son T.J. (Schroder, billed here as Ricky) as best he can. The ups and downs of the devoted codependent pair might be enough movie on their own, but soon enough Annie (Faye Dunaway) shows up and displays a strangely protective interest in T.J. Though the plot jumps around too much to quite hold together, Read more

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Reviews (37)

The Champ
I saw this movie when it first came out.It's just as tear-jerking now as it was then!Ricky Schroeder is the best child actor ever and rips your heart out in several scenes.The whole cast does an awesome job!

Perhaps the Best Child Performance Ever Caught on Film
I remember seeing this movie in the theater when I was 16.I recall that everybody there was crying by the end.I don't think I've seen a performance by a child star that can rival little Ricky Schroder's effort in this film.This was his first acting job and he stole the show with what was easily an Oscar winning performance.This movie is a remake of an older film by the same title made back in the early 1930's; this remake is superior on all counts.Jackie Cooper, then age nine played the role covered here by Schroder.Wallace Beerey played the title role done here by Jon Voight.The film is about as perfect as any drama could hope to be because it deals so honestly with very real family issues.The events told in the story could happen to anyone.Perhaps that's why it was such a success in the theaters.Performaces by all the actors were simply fantastic, but again Schroder's will leave you stunned.I've never been able to get through this film without tearing up, as it's one of the most emotional films ever made.
the best boxing movie of all times
Ever since I was little and I saw this movie, I loved it.I have recommended this movie to others.Maybe because no matter how many times I watched it, I still cry. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Drama    2. Feature Film-drama    3. Movie   

Editorial Review

Franco Zeffirelli's stripped-down, two-hour version of Shakespeare's play stars Mel Gibson as a rather robust version of the ambivalent Danish prince. Gibson is much better in the part than many critics have admitted, his powers of clarity doing much to make this particularRead more

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• Original recording reissued
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Reviews (157)

"Omelette" Said The Egg. "To Be Or Not To Be...."
I do find it most amusing whenever an actor such as Mel Gibson thinks he can produce a performance equal to that of Sir Lawrence Olivier which isafter allwhy remakes are made. Sadly Mel has neither the talent or the on screen presence to portray the Mad Prince Of Denmark and all we have leftis a guy who looks as if he is suffering from Mad Cow Disease with his eyes rolling about in his head who just wants his mommy.I give this movie 5 stars because all it did was remind me of just how good the 1948 version was.

New standard for Hamlet
Shakespeare's Hamlet has been done and redone many times over. Probably because the play has so many universal themes it is the most popular of his plays. When I first saw Sir Lawrence Olivier's adaptation I thought there could be no equal.Mr. Gibson has challenged that thought with a moving andpassionate portrayal. Mr. Gibson has created nothing short of a new standard for this old favorite.Ms. Close as the doting but fickle mother sets an equal standard for her part.The other roles are filled perfectly as well and the visuals take you back to that time and place to witness the events first hand.This is the one version of Hamlet you must have.

Mel did a very good job as the wishy washy prince
Poor Hamlet, couldn't make up his mind to save his life.I really ejoyed this version, Mel and the rest of the experienced cast did a great job.You just have to forget Mel was Mad Max and accept him as the Mad Prince of Denmark and you'll enjoy this as much as I did.Also, if a teenager has to do a book report on Hamlet this is a good version for that age group.Enjoy! ... Read more

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Amazing Zefirelli and Domingo!
Franco Zefirelli makes here an astonishing film adaptation of Leocavallo`s famed opera. Though using scenarios sometimes, the settings are convincing and give another dimension to what was to be carried out in an opera stage. The production surely adds to the musical quality. In relation to this, Domingo is superb. Pagliacci is, no doubt, one of his best roles and he is in a great form. More than this, this record shows us that Domingo can be an extraordinarily convincing actor for an opera singer. The other singers are great as well and were it not because of the great presentation by Domingo, they surely could be de highlights of the cast. The production is really a must for any opera lover, whith great music quality crowned by great scenes. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Classical Video    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

Editorial Review

This is not strictly Verdi's Read more

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My first and favorite Otello
First things first, I love Katia Ricciarelli and Placido Domingo. They are my two favorite opera singers ever. That being said, I can't say anything bad about them!!
A good film totally ruined by the Director.
This film is not for Opera funs especially for connoisseurs of Verdi's Otello. Franco Zeffirelli simply presents his own version of the Opera and NOT VERDI'S. The film starts brilliantly with Otello's ship in the high seas in a most spectacular storm. Problems begin as soon as Otello lands in Cyprus. (Cyprus by the way and not Venice! as mentioned at the back of the DVD by some inexcusably ignorant person). Music from a ballet score that Verdi had written for Paris emerges instead of the expected chorus. The rest of the act is fine except for the fact that Otello points to the stars (the Pleiades) at Desdemona inside his bedroom (where she can see no stars) and two minutes later he takes Desdemona on the harbour for a walk (where she could see the stars) but it is later on the score, so the point is missed. The problems really start from act 2. After Iago's credo, which by the way is very well done, Zeffirelli cuts the famous duet between Otello and Iago (I like that not!) and then alters the sequence of the music in a most indescribable way.From there on we are watching a version of the Opera by Zeffirelli and not Verdi. I bought the Opera for Verdi, thank you very much. No wonder that the great conductor Carlos Kleiber who led the same principals at La Scala, Covent Garden and the Metropolitan Opera, refused to be associated with this film.
Great Period....And It's A Movie After All.......
Here's the bottom line: Zefferelli made the lengthy Verdi opera into a 2 hour mainstream movie. It will always be more a movie than a traditional opera. A stage version can run up to 3 hours and in the case of Wagner's Gotterdammerung 6 hrs. A movie is limited in time. Zefferelli' intentions are noble. He wishes to get audiences turned on to opera, through the seductive medium of visual cinematography and powerful Oscar-worthy drama. The omissions in this film do not minimize the plot and the spirit of the work is never sacrificed. Even Shakespeare himself would be proud of this version. Think of it as a highlights of Verdi's opera, too. Do we really need Desdemona's pretty little "Willow Song" ? Its omission does not take away from the power of the drama. And so what if there is new additional dance music. It's appropriate for the feast scenes. And the Overture during the closing credits is nothing to fear. From the opening scene of the sea storm, to the doubts of seeds planted by interludes between Cassio and Desdemona, to the lower levels of the castle where Iago plots and rages against God, to the sumptuous feasts, to the grim finale, this is the best Otello ever made.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio    3. Opera/Operetta    4. Performing Arts    5. Performing Arts - Opera   

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Reviews (1)

Jaded
Endless Love was an everyday love story about teenage love. Yet it was here that both lead actors got their big break. Well, we all know what happened to Brooke Shields. She now stars in her own sitcom, Suddenly Susan. As for David, who went on to pursue smaller roles, such as portraying a reverend-turned-werewolf in Steven King's Silver Bullet, you could say that things did not turn out to be quite as well for him. Overall, although both actors intended to shoot for the stars, their performance can best be described as, well,...jaded. ... Read more

Subjects:  1. Feature Film-drama   

Editorial Review

The second half of this recording is an important item in the too-scantyvideo discography of Maria Callas. Matched with another great singing actor,Tito Gobbi as the lecherous, hypocritical Scarpia, she participates in a textbookdemonstration of how Act II of Read more

Features

• Classical
• Color
• NTSC

Reviews (10)

only a few arias
Callas only sings 4 arias on this dvd. This is the reason I gave only 3 stars. But sung of the finest possible voice, better than on other dvds availlable. The rest of it is Tosca complete act 2 and other orchestral pieces. She sings "Vissi d'arte", "Tu che le vanita" superbly, "Habanera" from Carmen and "Seguedille" of the same.

Next best thing to being there
The 1962 appearance is more like the best of.We hear:
Invaluable document
This is a conflation of two rare televised appearances of Callas from Covent Garden. The first was filmed in 1962 and Callas is in surprisingly good voice, considering she had almost given up at this time (her only other appearances that year were a series of concerts - no stage appearances at all). The Verdi is sung with a wealth of detail and expression and she acts out all Elisabetta'a emotions vividly, while hardly moving a muscle. Indeed she is so immersed in her singing that when a large brooch she is wearing dislodges and drops to the floor, she barely notices. She then changes completely into a playful, sexy and dangerous Carmen. What a pity she never wanted to sing the role on stage.
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Subjects:  1. Classical    2. Music Videos - Classical    3. Opera / Operetta / Oratorio