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Summary: If you are deaf, you will like this 'Boheme'
Review: I'll keep this short. This DVD is visually appealing, but Puccini should be spinning in his grave at the horrendous singing on display here. The singers are good-looking, but barely above college-level vocally. Do yourself a favor, get one of the Pavarotti 'Boheme's.
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Summary: La Boheme-- this is the one to have
Review: I have done several productions of La Boheme, and I have seen many more. This is the video version I would recommend. At times, the cast seems to have been picked for soap opera looks rather than for opera voices, but by the end it works, and it works beautifully. The director might miss some opportunities which Puccini obviously provides, but better a few missed opportunities rather than to engage in Zeffirelli excesses. The small production, the only okay orchestra, the voices which seem to be at times between musical theater and opera-- all of these factors end up not being important because you find yourself believing that these people are les bohemes, much more so than the usually older people who portray them. (After watching this, I found that listening to the so-called classic recording with Freni and Pavarotti seemed like listening to a bunch of middle-aged wannabes with no life in them at all.) Boheme needs a young vibrant cast and vibrant directions, and this is as good as you'll ever find. Rent the other DVDs of Boheme, but buy this one.
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Summary: Does this customer recommend this video? Decidedly so.
Review: With its gloriously tuneful music and easy-to-follow story, "La Boheme" is widely considered to be the perfect choice for a first-timer's exposure to opera. This finely-detailed Austrailian Opera production should satisfy operatic newcomers and cognitive fans alike. Uniquely conceived and dazzlingly executed, it is both visually and aurally compelling. Though presented upon the standard large scale, this Boheme also cleverly manages to create a sublimely intimate ambiance. And of no small note: the ebullient staging, orchestra, and voices & characterizations magically (and refreshingly) meld into a single storytelling entity, breathing uncommon vibrancy into this musical masterwork and rendering the full dramatic impact which Boheme inherently commands but seldom receives. While the entire Company is to be wildly applauded for its superbly realized accomplishment, and with high regard and appreciation for each principal singer's work, special mention must be made of tenor David Hobson (Rodolfo), an electrifying young artist of rare quality. Thrilling sound, intuitively sensitive musicianship, and power to spare, all herein devoted to a brilliant character portrayal. This outstanding talent deserves the international operatic community's recognition and respect for what it is: Top-Drawer. And the Austrailian Opera Company deserves more of the world's recognition and respect for having brought us this beguiling wonderment of a production. Yeah!
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Summary: Hurrah for Australian Opera!
Review: If you have a good sound system and TV, you will not be disappointed in this DVD. Having the visuals with the high-quality sound is a whole new opera experience. And God bless Puccini!
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Summary: Stylish update with David Hobson and Julian Smith
Review: Australian Opera production staged by the creative team who made the hit film "Strictly Ballroom". Using post-war privations of 1950s Paris as a convincing setting and capturing - above all else - the youthfulness and intensity of the story with a raw sincerity. Handsome David Hobson as Rodolfo, and beautiful Julian Smith as Mimi, are just wonderful. I have all three La Boheme DVD versions (Carreras and Pavarotti, being the other two), but this by far is my favorite!
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Summary: David Hobson is such a great singer!
Review: The first time I saw this production of Boheme, it was aired on my local PBS channel. I immedately drawn into the world of the bohemians when Rudolfo (played by David Hobson) sang the opening notes. The whole production shows thought, imagnination, humor and heart-wrenchingly poignant. I reccomend this production to opera lovers and music lovers alike. Well done, Baz Luhrmann!
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Summary: The best Boheme
Review: No other Boheme can match this one for youth, vitality,and marvellous singing. A gem not to be missed.
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Summary: Greatest La Boheme performance I ever saw!
Review: Great production, great cast, Dobson @ Barker fabulous, thanks Baz Luhrmann you brought opera to the 21 th century. Australia opera you can be proud of this one!! To the all team please produce more of this kind of art. Puccini would be proud! Recommend this video to every opera fan and I saw them all. I s there more work of Dobson available? Mimi and Rodolfo a beautiful couple! Thanks for this wonderful piece of art. . dddd
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Summary: An experience not to be missed.
Review: La Boheme, under the direction of Baz Luhrmann, is a tantalizing experience for the eye, ear and very soul. The quality of this production surpasses all expectations. Major and minor performers alike create an air of joviality and love's despair. Bravo! Brava!
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Summary: David Hobson, knocks the socks of the "Three Tenors"!
Review: Young David Hobson as Rodolofo knocks the socks off the "Three Tenors" and is young enough to look the part in this opera. Where can we get more recordings, videos or CD's featuring this great new tenor?
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