Tosca [Blu-ray]

I just love everything about this opera.

Excellent opera and performance. Film version. This 1992 version is much better than newer versions.

Unfortunate that Amazon chooses to combine reviews of blu-ray and DVD versions of operas.The blu-ray copy I received opened on a top menu with just a blank blue bar with no means of selecting options or any way to make it play. Pity. I've owned this version on laserdisc and potentially the best version out there. Was really looking forward to having this. Other caveat, the box that it came in states that it is remastered in high definition from the original master tape. So, potentially good picture. But would not be wide screen nor HD sound. Still, would be worth having if they solve problem of opening menu and ability to play!Be very clear that my review is (was) of the blu-ray version. I've returned the blu-ray disc and have ordered the DVD.Update 8/19/2013. Received the DVD version. Apparently the blu-ray and DVD both are old style 4:3 aspect ratio and PCM sound. Lacking HD sound, 5.1 surround and wide-screen. So even if you can get a blu-ray that plays, no benefit in buying. Thanks for clarification from other reviewers and those who have commented. Nonetheless, possibly the best performance given the principals, direction and settings. So worth having. Just not technically what I had hoped for!Update 9/19/2014. Just watched, listened to Malfitano's Vissi D'Arte once again. Compared to other video versions including Callas's (yes the Callas Act II of Tosca does exist on video)I find the Malfitano version works best for me. Vocally and dramatically. She really is quite special!

Works well as a DVD. Earlier viewers are correct: this is not HD quality. But it is well sung and well acted, and the sound came through well on my two speaker setup. Scarpia is truly villainous. One irritation: once you set the subtitles you have to re-set them every time you play the disk.

I bought this film (yes, it is a film produced for TV) after visiting Rome las month and going to the three sites were the story unfolds, Church of St. Andrea della Valle, Palazzo Farnese and Castel St. Angelo. They are at walking distance from each other. Once back home watched the film. I was not disappointed, to the contrary, I felt much closer to it. This film was done in 1992, the image is 4x3, and the sound is Stereo only, but doesn’t diminish the thrill much. Even after watching and hearing many versions of Tosca, this felt closer and I could relate to it even more. There are many ways opera can be produced so it is easy to relate and enjoy. Domingo and the full cast gave us one way and it succeeded with me. I can just hope that other artists will dare experiment with all kind of new technologies and concepts out there to produce operas that we experience, enjoy and marvel every time.

Package arrive quickly after the order was placed. It looks brand new and played flawlessly. Very ratified.

Glad this finally is out on DVD. Have had to watch the tape until it is worn out. Domingo had a cold and it shows a bit in his breathing but otherwise he sang beautifully as did Malfitano. This followed the movie by Domingo about 25 years hence and he sounded as good as in the original film. Filmed at the places and times of Puccini's score with Zubin about 4 miles away in a warehouse with the orchestra. The feat was broadcast to many, many countries in real time and was an event then - the U. S. wasn't one of them as we are known for not appreciating opera in the rest of the world. Probably sad, but true. This is one of the best out on DVD, along with the original filmed version and the new one from Covent Garden with Angela, Kaufmann and Terfel.

I purchased the Blu-Ray and as mentioned by others it is 4:3 and PCM but fortunately my plasma has an option to adjust the picture size (p-size button) to a wider setting so you can get rid of the black bars altogether. I also have a Bose so that took care of the PCM for me. Even if you do not have those features it is still worth purchasing just to hear the gorgeous voices and acting by all in their prime. The setting is lovely. The picture on the Blu-Ray admittedly is not Blu-Ray 2013 quality since it was recorded with older equipment but 99% of the time it is perfect. Occasionally the sun streams into the church so there is a "slight" haze but I found the picture quality to be very good. For $16.60 this Blu-Ray was an absolute bargain.