La Bohème

With its affecting love story, colorful scenes of struggling artists, and accessible score (for audience and musicians alike), La Bohème rightly deserves its status as a perennial favorite in the standard repertory. Filmed live at the newly-renovated Teatro degli Arcimboldi in February of 2003, this production benefits from Franco Zeffirelli's captivating direction (which includes some excellent comic turns) of an appealing cast working on attractive sets. Superbly supported by the orchestra and chorus of Teatro alla Scala under the direction of Bruno Bartoletti, the young ensemble deliver engaging dramatic performances along with some first-rate singing. Cristina Gallardo-Domâs, as Mimi, is vocally uneven but with her waiflike presence and splendid pianissimos, she is entirely believable. Marcelo Álvarez as her lover Rudolfo, and Roberto Servile as the painter Marcello, are both solid, while Hei-Kyung Hong, as the coquette Musetta, sings like an angel and acts like a siren (but ultimately has a heart of gold). The 1982 DVD of the Zeffirelli production with Scotto, Carreras, and Levine has long been considered the gold standard, but given the improved sophistication in production/technology over the past quarter century, most collections will want to add this one as well. Presented in DTS, Dolby Digital 5.1, and PCM stereo, DVD extras include an insightful interview with Zeffirelli. Highly recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)