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Tosca [VHS]
starring: Raina Kabaivanska, Plácido Domingo, Sherrill Milnes, Giancarlo Luccardi, Alfredo Mariotti
directed by: Gianfranco De Bosio
directed by: Gianfranco De Bosio
![VHS : Tosca [VHS]](http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/415HHE42FNL.jpg)
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Audience Rating: Exempt Binding: VHS Tape EAN: 5013037932065 Format: Classical Label: Decca Languages: Manufacturer: Decca Number Of Discs: 1 Number Of Items: 1 Publisher: Decca Release Date: May 13, 1991 Studio: Decca |
List Price: £14.99 Amazon.co.uk's Price: £9.95 You Save: £5.04 (34%)Prices subject to change. Used Price: £2.13 Collectible Price: £4.99 Third Party New Price: £9.95 |
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Editorial Review:
Amazon.co.uk Review:
Opera is an inherently theatrical medium that does not lend itself readily to the realism of film treatment. The shining exception is Puccini's Tosca, an action-packed melodrama that unfolds in three taut and gripping acts, like the meatiest of Hollywood films noir. And unlike most operas, these three acts are set in three very specific Roman locales. Thus this 1976 film takes place in the church of Sant'Andrea della Valle (Act 1), the Palazzo Farnese (Act 2) and the Castel Sant'Angelo (Act 3). The evocative settings, however, would be mere window-dressing if the cast wasn't just right; fortunately here Placido Domingo is at his virile peak in the heroic tenor role of Cavaradossi; Raina Kabaivanska is a sultry, vocally beautiful Tosca; while a more infamous and domineering Scarpia than that of Sherrill Milnes can hardly be imagined. Bruno Bartoletti and the New Philharmonia Orchestra give lustily dramatic support.
Here the music and vocals are pre-recorded and the singers mime to the playback. Occasionally the result is a little unnatural, but overall the cast are good enough actors to bring off the conceit even in the close-ups. It all pays off triumphantly with the gripping realism of the rooftop finale, the one place where film can improve on stage. With the authenticity of the settings assured and such distinguished leads singing so well, this is an almost ideal filmed Tosca.
On the DVD: Tosca on disc is presented in 4:3 ratio with a choice of Dolby 5.1 or LPCM Stereo. The picture is adequate but a little flat (possibly because the format is NTSC not PAL) and the same can be said for the sound, which does what it should but is never revelatory. Subtitles are provided in the main European languages and Chinese. --Mark Walker
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