An extremely well performed and seriously updated version of this Russian classic in which the musical values trump director Dmitri Tcherniakov’s efforts to overwhelm Rimsky-Korsakov’s original intentions.
Dinara Alieva in Moscow Blu-ray Review
A rising star on the operatic scene, Dinara Alieva delivers a superb and varied program of some vocal favorites in five languages.
Leviathan Blu-ray Review
A man fights against government corruption and fate in this multilayered Russian drama on Blu-ray from Sony.
Leviathan [UK] Blu-ray Review
A man fights against government corruption and fate in this multilayered Russian drama on Blu-ray from Artificial Eye.
Borodin: Prince Igor [Metropolitan Opera/Noseda] Blu-ray Review
A massive production that emphasizes the surreal aspect of Borodin’s flawed masterpiece, delivered to the viewers as only the Metropolitan Opera can do.
Stalingrad (2013) Blu-ray 3D Review
A gorgeous World War II epic from the Russian perspective, Stalingrad is a treat for the home theatre.
Mussorgsky: Boris Godunov [Bayerisches Staatsoper/Nagano] Blu-ray Review
This updated production of Boris Godunov fails to convey the power and majesty that this work requires.
Salzburg Festival 2012 Opening Concert [Valery Gergiev/Wiener Philharmoniker] Blu-ray Review
An all-Russian opening concert for the 2012 Salzburg Festival receives an idiomatic performance from the Wiener Philharmoniker led by Valery Gergiev. Well recorded and directed, this is a terrific account of an important annual event.
Ivan’s Childhood [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review
This 1962 film noir, director Tarkovsky’s debut effort, conveys the grim consequences of war as experienced by a 12-year old boy.The cast and cinematography create a powerful movies that still resonates 50 years later. A must-see for serious film connoisseurs.
Solaris [Criterion Collection] Blu-ray Review
Examine the meaning of life, love, and space in Tarkovsky’s 1972 sci-fi classic Solaris finally available in a beautiful Criterion Edition on Blu-ray.
