Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #5027 in DVD
• Released on: 2001-03-12
• Rating: Exempt
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: NTSC, Colour, DVD-Video, Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English, German, French, Chinese
• Number of discs: 1
• Dimensions: .30 pounds
• Running time: 135 minutes

Special Features
Region 0

Synopsis
Sir Georg Solti conducts the Royal Opera Orchestra and Chorus in Verdi's classic opera. Internationally renowned soprano Angela Gheorghiu is stunning and passionate in the role of Violetta. Filmed live in December of 1994 at Covent Garden's Royal Opera House, this LA TRAVIATA also features strong supporting performances by Frank Lopardo (as Alfredo) and Leo Nucci (as Germont.)

Customer Reviews

As good as it gets..pretty much
Some opera buffs of a bygone era relentlessly claim that "Callas will always reign supreme as Violetta".Be that as it may, the truth is that is is hard indeed for us belonging to a new generation of opera lovers to imagine a better interpretation, vocally AND dramatically, than the one provided by Angela Georgiou on this very fine DVD. Good-looking she certainly is (beats Callas here by a slim margin, a man's humble point of view..) and her acting is supreme and utterly convincing as well. And as for her singing, her natural coloratura skills are very impressive indeed, although perhaps not as naturally flowing as they were for the Greek-American soprano. And her intonation is much more reliable (few would disagree on that one!).
Lopardo does a good job as the young Germont. Not in the same league as his mistress, of course... but quite reliable most of the time.
Nucci is good, well, actually more than good.
The production is devoid of disturbing anachronisms such as punk rockers, AIDS-replacing-TBC-as-cause-of-death inventions and that sort of garbage. We are grateful for that.
Solti is in very good form, not at all hard-driven but sensitive and precise at the same time.
In all, as much as I admire the legacy of the great Maria Callas: Buy this DVD and meet a new generation of very capable and very convincing performers on the operatic stage. And above all: Meet Angela Georgiou in a role that suits her perfectly!

Perfect Violetta
This is the most thrilling and moving performance of this opera I have ever seen or heard. Angela Gheorghiu is heartbreaking and mesmerizing as Violetta. Maybe Verdi wanted his heroine to look like Gheorghiu on stage. She is simply perfect.
One must recognize Sir Georg Solti's contribution as well.
Overall, the production is magnificent. The sound recorded in 5.1 channels is a pleasure to listen to and the picture quality is also perfect. But the real gem in this production is Angela Gheorghiu.
I highly recommend this DVD!

A star is born
This is the opera that shot Georgiu to stardom. It's easy to see why, with her combination of acting, looks and singing. Violetta is a very difficult role, it places very different demands on the singer in each act. Georgiu isn't quite ideal for act 1, but after that she's really in her element. You can practically see the paternal pride in Solti's face as he watches his young protegee bloom. Surely the definitive Traviata.