Monday, May 30, 2016

DVD Review : The Life of Verdi



Narrated by Academy Award® winner Burt LancasterThe Life of Verdi arrives on DVD on May 31, 2016 from Acorn, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE) brand. Giuseppe Verdi was born in 1813 and lived until 1901, his life spanning nearly a century of considerable political and personal turmoil. This 1982 Italian-language biographical television miniseries dramatizes the life of this classic Italian composer. Filmed on location in Italy, Leningrad, London, and Paris, the series previously aired on PBS’ Great Performances and stars Ronald Pickup (The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel; The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe) as Verdi. This DVD 4-disc set features seven episodes ($49.99, AcornOnline.com).

Famed for his beloved operas, Giuseppe Verdi endured a lifetime of personal turmoil and popular acclaim. Marked from childhood by his musical talent, Verdi rose to become the preeminent composer of his era amidst family heartbreak, societal upheaval, and a scandalous love affair. In this biographical miniseries seen on PBS, Ronald Pickup gives a captivating performance as Verdi, and ballerina Carla Fracci dazzles as his second wife, opera star Giuseppina Strepponi. Narrated by Academy Award® winner Burt Lancaster, the program features clips of Verdi’s music, including the perpetual favorites La Traviata and Aida.

Street Date: May 31, 2016                            SRP: $49.99  
DVD 4-Disc Set: 7 episodes – Approx. 659 min. – SDH Subtitles
UPC 054961246595
Contains some violence



My Thoughts

I just love opera, so I was really excited to watch this movie which was inspired by the real life of  Giuseppe Verdi, a world-renown opera composer. Set in 1813, this seven-part dramatization walks you through the life of this amazing artist. You'll follow him through the highs and lows as he takes center-stage, even in the midst of personal turmoil. 

Episode 1 - Even at a early age,  Giuseppe's musical talents are apparent.

Episode 2 - Though married to Margherita,Verdi decides to pursue a career in music.

Episode 3 - Verd's operas are gaining popularity. He grows closer to Giuseppina as she struggles with her deteriorating voice.

Episode 4 - Verdi movies in with Giuseppina and he continues writing his operas, even in the midst of the French Revolution which effects all of Europe.

Episode 5 - Verdi is awarded the French Legion of Honor. He struggles with writer's block.

Episode 6 - Verdi struggles to find his place amid in a new world.

Episode 7 - Giuseppina worries she may be losing Verdi, who is devastated over the loss of his mentor despite the success of his latest opera.

Everything about this mini-series was spectacular. The costumes and setting were true to the time period, and the actors were all amazing. Anyone who is a fan of opera or historical films will love this mini-series. Note: This series in in Italian, so be prepared to read the captions. 




3 comments:

VickieC said...

this sounds very interesting,i think my husband would enjoy it

An Apel a Day said...

If it's like a soap opera I think I'd get into it.

Jerry Marquardt said...

This looks like a very good DVD. I would definitely love to see this as it looks very interesting.