Gino Quilco Movies

Videotaped live at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden, England, this production of Bizet's classic opera plays strongly on the Spanish themes and heritage of the story, and it employs a wealth of Spanish talent, including director Nuria Espert, production designer Gerardo Vera, and choreographer Cristina Hoyos. Maria Ewing stars as the beautiful but dangerous temptress Carmen, while Luis Lima portrays Dan Jose, the man she leads astray. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

This witty production of the classic Cinderella fairy tale, La Cenerentola, by Gioacchino Rossini, is performed by the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra and Chorus at the Salzburg Festival. Under the direction of Michael Hampe, the story unfolds with unexpected twists and turns. There is a stellar performance by soprano Ann Murray in the title role, with her prince played by Francisco Araiza. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi

Director Luigi Comencini resists all efforts to make his filmization of the classic Puccini opera La Boheme self-consciously cinematic. As a result, his version of the opera may find itself out of favor with some film fans, but much treasured by Puccini purists. The principal roles of the tragic Mimi and headstrong aspiring artist Rodolfo are sung by Barbara Hendricks and Luca Canonici. Hendricks seems a tad too healthy for the frail Mimi, but this is a common shortcoming with singers who play this part: if one is too sickly, one can't attain those crystal-clear high notes. James Conlon conducts the National Orchestra of France on the La Boheme soundtrack. As in most other adaptations of this piece, the 1989 La Boheme draws its inspiration as much from the Henri Muger novel Scenes of Bohemian Life as it does from the Puccini opera. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi