20th Century Fox/MGM DVD Clearance Sale (series)

Otello

DVD Features:

Audio:

• Stereo Surround -  Italian

Additional Release Material:

• Trailers - 1. Original Theatrical Trailer

Product Description:

Placido Domingo is the Moor whose suspicion of his wife, Desdemona (Katia Ricciarelli), is sparked by the hateful Iago (Justino Diaz), in this Verdi opera based on Shakespeare's tragedy. Domingo brilliantly suffuses his performance with tangible rage and anguish, while Ricciarelli's ethereal presence and voice makes the damage caused by his jealousy all the more heart-rending. Shot on actual locations in the Mediterranean, with great lighting, costumes, and close-ups that capture the full expressive range of these stars; this is a great film, and great opera, courtesy of director Franco Zeffirelli.

Plot Synopsis:

Verdi's opera is here given the full cinematic treatment by acclaimed director Franco Zeffirelli (ROMEO & JULIET, LA TRAVIATA). Placido Domingo expertly combines rage and vulnerability as the lovesick Moor unable to stem his jealousy once the evil Iago (Justino Diaz) plants the seeds of doubt. Katia Ricciarelli makes a beautiful and sublime Desdemona; it's almost unbearable to see her radiant joy snuffed by Othello's rage. Their love scene/duet in the first half is an achingly beautiful highlight, as is Ricaiarelli's transcendent "Ave Maria" near the end. Diaz is also excellent, producing a proud and unapologetic portrait of evil via his fierce vocalizing as Iago. Throughout the film, the singing and acting of these stars reverberates with almost unbelievable power. Zeffirelli's use of real locations, close-ups, elaborate tracking shots, gorgeous costumes, and expressive natural lighting adds poetry and psychological depth to the characters and the story, making this not just a great opera, but a great film.

Plot Keywords:

Musical | Opera | Theatrical Release

Production Notes:

• OTELLO was filmed on location in Italy and Crete.

Cast and Crew: