ANNA NETREBKO
ROLANDO VILLAZÓN

A Film by Robert Dornhelm  

The excellent bonus features include fascinating interviews with all the key performers and the director, who confirms that he not only wanted to remain steadfastly faithful to Puccini's design but also document two of the leading singers of the modern age rather than embarking on some kind of trendy contemporary re-creation.

THE STORY
Paris in the 1830s. Four friends share a drafty Parisian garret. Though leading a life of privation, they are buoyed by good spirits: the writer Rodolfo, the painter Marcello, the musician Schaunard and the philosopher Colline. It is Christmas Eve, and they decide to celebrate in their favorite pub, the Café Momus. Rodolfo stays behind to finish an article. There is a knock at the door; their neighbor Mimì, whose candle has gone out, asks for fire. Rodolfo is fascinated by her. It is love at first sight!

The new lovers catch up with Rodolfo’s friends at the Café Momus, where Marcello‘s former mistress Musetta turns the evening into a spirited event. The light-hearted mood of Rodolfo’s and Mimì’s first days together does not last, however, for Mimì develops a fatal illness. Though they agree to stay together, Mimì leaves her lover. Only when she is desperately ill and dying does she return to the garret where she once was so happy – and to Rodolfo, the man she still loves with all her heart...

Giacomo Puccini’s immortal opera in a high budget feature-film version directed by Academy Award nominee Robert Dornhelm, starring the opera world’s “dream team”, soprano Anna Netrebko and tenor Rolando Villazón.

THE PRODUCTION
The pairing of one of the most beloved operas of all time with one of the world‘s most popular operatic couples is a recipe for success. And rarely has Puccini’s La Bohème had such a photogenic and engaging cast. “Director Robert Dornhelm focuses entirely on his stars Netrebko and Villazón, whose incredible presence carries the film along. There’s room for big emotions, powerful voices, grand opera and tremendous cinema,” writes one of Vienna’s leading dailies. While realism characterizes the set design and costumes, Dornhelm conjures up a dream-like atmosphere with mixed color and black-and-white flashbacks, evocative fades and other special effects. Yet the film is fully Netrebko’s and Villazón’s. Dornhelm made it clear from the start that he wanted to build a monument to the two singers. And with this five-million-euro production, he has amply achieved his goal.

Anna Netrebko
Born in Krasnodar, Russia, Anna Netrebko first attracted international attention as a soloist of the Mariinsky Theater (Kirov Opera) in St. Petersburg. Her major breakthrough came in 2002, when she debuted both at New York’s Metropolitan Opera and the Salzburg Festival. She has since been singing regularly in Salzburg, for example in Giuseppe Verdi’s La Traviata, as well as at the Vienna State Opera, the Bavarian State Opera and La Scala. She is also a sought-after recitalist and concert singer.

“Netrebko is in excellent voice, her gleaming soprano filling out Mimì’s wistful phrases with grace and sensitivity.” (AP)

Rolando Villazón
The tenor was born in Mexico City in 1972. In 1999 he made his breakthrough in Europe as Des Grieux (Manon) in Genoa, which was followed by his highly noted debut as Alfredo at the Opéra de Paris in 2000. He is now a regular guest at the world’s most prestigious opera houses: New York and Vienna (La Bohème), Paris (Les contes d’Hoffmann), Los Angeles, Berlin, Barcelona (Manon), Salzburg (La Traviata).

“He sounds relaxed and lyrical as the young poet. His high notes in the climaxes are vibrant and attacked cleanly.” (AP)

“Netrebko sings with feeling and imagination and Villazón is an inspired, golden-voiced Rodolfo.”    - GRAMOPHONE

"an extraordinary theatrical opera film"
   - CLASSIC FM MAGAZINE

"the exuberant, world-class performers blast you away... the screen fizzes with charismatic interplay and fun... exquisite music."
   - METRO

"a film starry and sumptuous"
   - THE TIMES

"Breathtakingly dramatic and emotional... full to the brim with some of the best vocal talents of today”
   - OPERA NOW MAGAZINE