Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #129719 in DVD
• Released on: 2003-11-18
• Aspect ratio: 1.85:1
• Formats: Classical, Colour, DVD-Video, PAL
• Original language: Russian
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 289 minutes

Customer Reviews

War and Peace review
an excptional perfomance of a very demanding opera in terms of length and number of participant
the excellence goes to the singing-performaing as well as to the great staging.
I shared the opera with many friends and everyone was very touched and impressed. They applauded like they were in a live performance.
Many asked me how to get a copy of the DVD
I myself saw it 4 times and will probably see it again

spectacular production
Excellent sound (especially in DTS) and very crisp, good pictures. Well directed - effective both in close up and larger stage pictures. Well indexed and clearly and accurately sub-titled. The choreography in the first half beautifully reflects both the music and the tension of the drama. The battle scenes in the second part with a large number of extras are very impressive. The sets are well chosen and scene changes are very skilfully managed. All the lead parts are both well sung and strongly acted. The conductor tends to keep things moving briskly - particularly in the war section - but it is well played and the instrumental balance - both within the orchestra and against voices and chorus is very finely kept.
A warning, though, to purists - this performance is cut - about 25 minutes - almost all from the war section. I do not feel the performance suffers from this because it is so convincingly staged and performed and the full version can outstay its welcome - but if you really must have every note - this will not be the performance for you.
In brief - a magnificent performance of a very beautiful and moving work.

Outstanding!
War and Peace is one of Prokofiev greatest works. It was written after he returned to Russia and developed a more lyrical style. This opera has some of the loveliest melodies he ever composed.

This DVD from the 2000 production in Paris offers an overwhelming experience.
Olga Guryakova is an ideal Natasha. Nathan Gunn has a warm and beautiful baritone and gives a wonderful performance as Andrei Bolkonsky.
All other members of the enormous cast are impressive too.

Francesca Zambello directed a highly effective and moving show.
Sound and picture quality are exemplary. Highly recommended.