Stars: Roberto Alagna, Thomas Hampson, Karita Mattila, Jose Van Dam, Waltraud Meier, Paris Orchestra, Choeur Du Theatre Du Chatelet

Director: Luc Bondy

Summary: The classic Verdi opera performed at the Theatre do Chatelet, Paris. Highly acclaimed and well-produced.

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This is a 1996 all-star-cast version from Paris of the original French version of Verdi's epic five-act opera, Don Carlos. First produced in 1867, only Wagner would write musical drama on a grander scale, and due to the three-and-a-half-hour running time most subsequent productions have made substantial cuts. This is therefore a rare opportunity to witness Verdi's tragedy in its entirety.

Set in the 16th century in the aftermath of war between Spain and France, Don Carlo (Roberto Alagna), the heir to the Spanish throne comes to France to meet with his beloved Elizabeth de Valois (Karita Mattila). Inevitably politics divide the lovers, and while Rodrigue (Thomas Hampson) falls in with Flemish rebels, the Inquisition is determined to be the power behind the peace. This is certainly not Verdi's greatest work, but it contains great music and the stars are allowed to shine with strong characterisations in an elegantly designed production. There are no gimmicks or attempts at spurious contemporary relevance here, simply singers of the calibre of Alagna, Mattila, Hampson, plus the outstanding Eric Halfvarson as the Grand Inquisitor. This is a production that continues in the 19th-century tradition, and in the process delivers the frisson of world-class opera. --Gary S. Dalkin

On the DVD: While the running time precludes much in the way of special features, via DVD-ROM the libretto can be printed in French, together with an article and biographies. The picture is presented at approximately 1.7:1 and while far superior to video could still benefit from anamorphic enhancement. The sound is stereo or excellent Dolby Digital 5.0. The booklet offers a detailed synopsis in English, French, German, Italian and Spanish and there are subtitles in the same languages. The disc is encoded for regions two to six. --Gary S. Dalkin

Aspect Ratio:	4:3 Full Frame, 16:9 Wide Screen
Main Language:	French
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Detailed Chapter Screens, Synopsis In English, French, German, Spanish, Italian
Subtitles:	English, French, German, Italian, Spanish
Year:	1996
Release Date:	November 20, 2000
Runtime:	211 minutes
Certification:	Exempt.
Catalogue Number:	0630 16318 2
Label:	N V C Arts
Keywords:	Music, Don, Opera, Works, Stage, Verdi, Classical, Performing, Operetta, Carlos, Arts
Genre:	Music/Performing Arts