Description

Giulietta Masina won Best Actress at Cannes as the title character of one of Fellini's most haunting films. Oscar® winner for Best Foreign Language Film, Nights of Cabiria (Le Notti di Cabiria) is the tragic story of a naive prostitute searching for true love in the seediest sections of Rome. Criterion proudly presents the restored director's cut in a breathtaking new transfer. ... Read more

Reviews (48)

Ah, Fellini, Masina!
A prostitute whose life is a veritable study in the resilience of the human spirit is the subject of "Nights of Cabiria," directed by Federico Fellini. Giulietta Masina stars as Cabiria, a gentle soul at heart who manages to maintain a positive outlook even in the face of adversity. Experiences that would leave those of lesser mettle jaded she is seemingly able to ward off and emerge from intact, with a guarded optimism that nevertheless leaves her open to whatever ills life may have in store for her next. But it is just that optimism and her sense of joy in the simple things that makes her so endearing. She is proud, for example, of the fact that she owns her own house, hovel though it may be. Though not one to be easily duped, she is vulnerable to sincere persistence, which has in the past rendered her victim to those who would take advantage of her, which is succinctly established in the opening scene of the film. Fellini's film is a study of how good may succumb to evil, and yet still triumph in the end (though open to subjective interpretation). It's something of an examination of endurance; how many times can one be knocked down before finally being unable to stand back up again. At the same time, however, it's an example of how purity can prevail against even the utmost cruelty. There is a humanity manifested in Cabiria that somehow gives absolution, not only to her lifestyle, but to those who would willingly do her harm. And it is in that very same absolution that we find a message of hope and redemption. As Cabiria, the diminutive Masina gives a performance that is nothing less than superlative, filled with nuance and expression. She has a face and a manner that convey an unbelievable depth of emotion, and Fellini captures every bit of it with his camera to perfection. It sometimes seems that she is a sprite merely masquerading as a woman; she has a light, almost ethereal presence, though at the same time she exhibits an earthy quality that gives her character such complexity, which removes any semblance of stereotype one may assign to her character as a "lady of the evening." It is a heartfelt, memorable portrayal that quite simply should have earned her an Oscar for Best Actress. Turning in a noteworthy performance, also, is Francois Perier, as Oscar D'Onofrio, the stranger who comes into Cabiria's life with an offer that ultimately seems too good to be true. The supporting cast includes Amedeo Nazzari (Alberto Lazzari), Aldo Silvani (The Hypnotist), Franca Marzi (Wanda), Dorian Gray (Jessy), Mario Passante (Cripple in the "Miracle" sequence), Pina Gualandri (Matilda), Leo Cattozzo (Man with the sack) and Polidor (The Monk). "Nights of Cabiria" is a film of extraordinary depth that is beautiful as well in it's humanity; Fellini has created images, both visually and emotionally, that are stunning and indelibly realized. Highlighted by the performance of Giulietta Masina, this is a film that begs to be embraced, one that will stay with you long after the last shadow has passed from the screen into darkness. In Cabiria, Fellini somehow touches something eternal, for there is a lasting sense of innate goodness about her that simply cannot be forgotten. For seekers after wisdom and truth, this is definitely a film that must not be missed.

a pretty nice film
This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.

The film's original title is "Le Notti di Cabiria" and was later remade as the film Sweet Charity with Shirley MacClaine.

This film is the story of a prostitute trying unsucessfully to find true love. This edition includes a famous "man with a sack" scene that was cut from from the film and is shown for the first time on home video. The film has good acting and some scenes with great humor.

the special features on the DVD include the original trailer, an audio interview with producer Dino DeLaurentiis, a video interview with Fellini's assistant, Dominique Delouche (conducted at his apartment in Paris) A scene from the film "The White Sheik" which was later released by Criterion, and a demo of the restoration.

The restoration is very impressive and shows how they were able to take a film that had faded severly and make it look almost brand new. The demonstration alone, is worth renting the DVD. If you like Fellini's movies, Buy it.

Another classic that has left me COLD-but I warm easily
"La Notti Di Cabriria" is a fine showcase for the goofball charm of Giulietta Masina. I have no doubt that it has reduced many a mighty soul to tears and trembling. The story is tight and conveyed with authority and conviction. I am certain that this is a "good" movie that most people enjoy thoroughly. I'm going to back and watch it again, but as it stands, it just didn't move me like I expected it to. I can't very well give it a higher rating until it impacts me emotionally.

Still, I recognize that the film has an exceedingly dirty feel to it. Everything from Cabriria's occupation to the filthy beggars crying out for Grace from Maria --reek with a pestilence that cannot be washed off. The film is ugly--and Cabriria is presented like a little beacon of light to guide the viewer through the stinking pit of civilization. Masina does a fine job conveying the sufferings and triumphs of her character. I'm just not a big fan of these types of stories--I watched it because it is a Fellini film and I am trying to work my way through all his work. I will watch this again after I've made more of a dent in his output. I'll probably see it in an entirely different way and perhaps may even like it more.

Ultimately, if you love rooting for the little gal, this film is for you. She is very much like Chaplin's "little tramp" and you will enjoy observing her gritty determination to climb every mountain with a song in her heart. Watch it when you are not cynical, open to sweetness, and not afraid of the tyranny of the sun.

Collector's Gem
Quality counts with the folks at The Criterion Collection, not just technically but in content too. This is one of Fellini's most fully realized films and the nostalgia and unflinching gaze that pervades all his best work is present in every frame. Everyone mentions Giulietta Masina's performance and there's a reason for that. She is brilliant. One of the most heart wrenching performances ever put on film. The DVD includes the "Man with the Sack" sequence that producer Dino de Laurentiis (more recently the production powerhouse behind the Hannibal Lecter franchise) excised from the original release. One can understand why a producer would want to trim it out - but its inclusion here makes the film seem larger somehow and Criterion should be applauded for putting it back in. This DVD is a vital part of your Fellini DVD Collection should you be assembling one. And you are, aren't you?

poignant
I had never seen anything by Fellini when I picked up this movie. Not expecting much, I was astounded by the amazing performance of Cabiria by Masina. Masina gives the Cabiria character tenderness, vulnerability and comedy. I have never before or since seen an actress with the expressions of Masina, she was truly something special and a delight to watch. The transformation of the Cabiria character from beginning to end is fascinating to watch. The movie leaves the viewer with a lot to think about in regards to humanity, grace and kindness. ... Read more

Amazon.com

It would have been better, of course, if this 1984 production ofDonizetti's Anna Bolena, or at least its title role, had been filmed 20years earlier, when Joan Sutherland's voice was in its spectacular prime. Butlike her Canadian Opera Norma, dating from 1981, this is a better-late-than-never documentation of one of the most remarkable voices of the 20thcentury.

Lotfi Mansouri spared no effort or expense in making this production special. Hepersonally directed the staging, and handpicked an outstanding cast (right downto the very young and then-unknown Ben Heppner in the small role of Hervey).The visual elements--sets, costumes, and camera work--are also handled withgreat care, and Sutherland's positive response to this dedication can be sensedin her performance as the unfortunate wife of King Henry VIII. James Morris isbest-known as a Wagnerian singer--perhaps the leading Wotan of our time--but heis equally at home in many of the villainous roles that are the fate of bass- baritones (Iago, Scarpia, Don Giovanni). In this sinister tale of an innocentwoman ruthlessly destroyed, he shows a surprising knack for the bel canto style.Judith Forst is also excellent in the role of Jane Seymour. --JoeMcLellan ... Read more

Reviews (9)

Too old - Too late
I bought this in the hope of a good video of my favourite Donizetti-opera. And Sutherland was famous for ANYTHING belcanto... But here she's too old and it was too late. She's transposing and slowing down the madscene... Something she has never done before... A gorgeous production with a strong cast except for Sutherland...

A Powerful Performance - Now that's opera
Opera is the most satisfying of all the arts. It brings the best of all worlds together- acting, drama, singing, orchestral music and even dance in the case of some operas, Gaetano Donizetti's operas were very popular and have become established bel canto traditions in many theateres all around the world. Bel canto operas flourished in the early 19th century, most significantly in Italy but they soon made their way to France and Germany and even Russia (Wagner himself was influenced by some bel canto opera techniques and even Tchaikovsky's highly romantic tragic opera "Eunege Onegin" shows bel canto influence. Donizetti was the most gifted of the bel canto composers, able to write arias and ensembles of powerful dramatic context as well as emotionally touching and beautiful to hear. For bel canto operas only the best singers must take part. Casting the perfect bel canto heroine is trying sometimes, since very few sopranos of the 20th century exercized a skilled combination of beautiful vocals and dramatic acting. Only Maria Callas and later Beverly Sills would be the best bel canto heroines.

Joan Sutherland- This is Australian soprano, who was married to conductor Richard Bonynge, has been hailed for her beautiful voice. It is beautiful. It is smooth, gracefull, rich, full and very round and heavy. Her voice is always at home in bel canto operas. It is non wonder then that she is most recognized for her performances in Lucrezia Borgia, Lucia Di Lammermoor and in this DVD, the role of Anne Boylen. As the tragic queen, she manages to portray a vast range of emotions and visually the whole production is impressive. Joan Sutherland is older in this video, which was filmed in the 80's but her dramatic persona is quite convincing. Her facial contortions, her cries and her grace make her very believable as the historic Anne Boylen. This opera was Donizetti's first big hit, earning him prestige in the Italian theater of San Carlo. He would produce and deliver operas to a favorable public for years to come.

The story of Henry 8th's merciless and cruel treatment of Anne is performed well. Henry 8th is sung by a bass-baritone (the archetypical opera villain voice) and strides with regial tyranny as the real king would have done. He has no actual arias but his talents are showcased in various recitatives with Jane Seymour (a mezzo soprano with some dramatic textures) and in the ensembles. Jane Seymour in this opera is a performance delivered rather well, despite some strains now and then, especiallly in the duet with Anne. Highlights in this opera include the quintet and sextets of Act 1 and 2, the romantic duet between Percy and Anne and of courses Anne's final scenes- the Mad Scene and her execution. It was Anne's Mad Scene that preceeded and echoed the later and more famous Mad Scene of Lucia Di Lammermoor, Donizettis most popular masterpiece. Both Ann and Lucia hallucinate of marriage, speak of lost love and are completely overwhelmed by melancholia, arias and roulades accompanied by the sounds of flutes. Although Lucia's Mad Scene is better musicallly and dramaticallly, Annes Mad Scene is quite dramatic as well. Her most challenging aria comes in the end in "Coppia Iniquia" in which she awaits her execution and plunges into roulades and exclamations against the terrible crime of her death.

I personally prefer Beverly Sills in the role of Anne Boylen, but there exists only a recording of it on cd and in the box set of the Three Tudor Queens. Beverlys live performance of Anne Boylen was never filmed but it must have been a sensation and the best interpretation. Joan Sutherland is a good singer but she falls short on acting credibility.

Strong cast and authentic staging
I think this a very authentic production of the opera, from staging to customes. A delight for opera purists.

For the casting, Joan is still amazing at her age. It is true that she does not possess the stamina at the end of the opera (listen to her last note and compare with her Decca CD recording), but in average, this is still Joan's typical great performance. James Morris handles his role brilliantly, and acts as if he were a king ^_^. I think the tenor Michael Myers' timbre is a bit too dark for my taste, but his overall vocal and acting skills are still admirable nonetheless. Other smaller roles are mostly very capable, including Ben Heppner taking up Hervey.

A minor criticism is that, in the year 1984, they are still recoring in mono! I do not understand this, and this may scare away some audiophiles. By setting up my surround sound system, I manage to get a more spatial sound stage. And after about 3 minutes after the overture, I totally forget about this audio deficiency since it is really an enjoyable opera performance.

Costumes are Wonderful!
This is a very lonnnngggg opera and Joan should have passed on Anna as she didn't have the stamina nor the voice to pull it off. Having heard her in the earlier years, this is almost embarrassing to witness her decline vocally. I bought it based on the customer reviews of the supporting cast and production. Found the customer reviews very accurate in my opinion. I loved the costumes and the sets were just perfect as well. Joan's hubby did a commendable job in the pit with a responsive orchestra. The star turn was James Morris' Henry the VIII! Wow! Forst was fine and Heppner, though a tiny role, demonstrated that this was a voice with immense promise. Don't believe there is another video available to rival this one. The only other recommendation is Beverly Sills' CD for this opera. Somehow, I had a difficult time avoiding boredom with this performance except for Morris. Maybe repeated viewings will improve my opinion. Ok if you can forgive Joan for growing old, losing her support and along with it her middle and low voice. Her high notes pinched with a very wide vibrato. I just felt sorry for her - she was exhausted and it showed!

Close to 60----------Sutherland was still " La Stupenda"
This Anna Bolena recording does not have the best audio or visual quality that we really desire.However, it is an extremely important document and shows why Dame Joan was still "La Stupenda" at age close to 60 !It is ashame that the Met refused to mount this opera for Sutherland during her raving success around the world-a great lost for New Yorker!This is a must for any opera lover---------including fans of Dame Joan. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Ultimate Lucia On Film
Anna Moffo in Lucia. You can't get any better than that !! The 60's opera sensation Anna Moffo has a great following and her voice is perfect for the tragic heroine Lucia. Donizetti's opera about thwarted love, forbidden romance, madness and murder in bleak Scotland is his best and most acclaimed. Anna Moffo's beauty and voice, neither which had faded at the time of this film, 1971, is enchanting. On film, this is as great opera to watch. Starring as her lover Edgardo is Lajos Kozma, a little known European tenor. Anna Moffo was American-bred but she has Italian background. If I'm not mistaken she could speak Italian fluently and at one time also had her own show on Italian television. Many will flock to the DVD of Joan Sutherland's Met performance as Lucia, long regarded as the best. But eventhough I'm a Moffo fan, here's why I think Moffo is better as Lucia.

Anna Moffo has the right look for Lucia. Her beauty provides her with a vulnerability and naivete that is appropriate for the romantic, lovesick and naive young heroine who is driven to madness. Joan Sutherland does not have any of these qualities and insteads she looks too old. This film is also very good visually. The haunting cinematography enhances the plot of the opera. The film was shot in authentic castles and moors. The fact that the movie looks dated and runs slow is not a problem. It adds to the allure of the old opera. Everything about this film is perfect. The look, the cast of singers and the orchestration. Get this if you're a fan of Anna Moffo and if you want to watch a great performance of Lucia.

surprisingly good
As far as opera movie goes this one is surprisingly good.
Granted the acting is a bit static and the filmography
academic and the sound a little fuzzy in ensemble - however
the sets (real castle, real outdoors) and costumes are
beautiful and everybody looks good and right for the parts.
Anna Moffo is definetely the star - she is ravishing to
look at and a pleasure to listen to - a warm, full lyric
soprano voice with an easy top and considerable agility -
tenor Lajos Kozma is light and a bit nasal but sings well
and baritone and bass are good. All and all a very enjoyable
movie and a lovely memento of Anna Moffo in her prime,
especially to people like me too young to have known her
while she was still active.

Moffo Momento
I was really disappointed in the casting of this video. Moffo sings beautifully in dubbing but the balance of the cast is inferior to say the least. The costumes are pretty and the castle is grand but found myself totally unmoved. The Met version with Sutherland is better in my opinion, even though I'm a fan of Moffo. Must remember it's done in 1968 style as well, and not as much good acting as some today. Nice to have to remember Moffo, however.

Horrible audio quality prvents form ejoying the music
Well, I got accustomed to the low quality of "Visual Artists International" videos, and would not have bought this one, if only I could get another Anna Moffo video recording of a complete opera. But what I heard here is simply below any reasonable quality standard. High notes are distorted, orchestra voices are not heard at all, everything is messed up. When they sing or play loudly and high, you just have to shut your ears. Many old archived non-restored recordings are of better quality than this one. Total waste of money.

Anna Moffo is magnificent!
Moffo is stunningly lovely both vocally and visually. A must-have for fans of gorgeous singing. Everyone else in the film is rather terrible, however, from the bleating goat of a maidservant to a ridiculously effeminate-sounding tenor "hero." None of that is of importance, though, considering the glory of Anna Moffo. ... Read more

Description

Slowly the camera roams through the narrow streets of Macerata, past the cathedral, the monuments, the library and the university, until it reaches the Arena Sferisterio. In the 1820s this was a competition venue for handball. At the beginning of the twentieth century the ‘neo-classical monster’, as the stadium is disrespectfully called, was also discovered as an opera venue and a dazzling backdrop for the Macerata Opera Festival. In July 2002, An audience of 5000 had gathered to listen to the new production of Elixir of love under the direction Saverio Marconi, conducted by Niels Muus. Using a trick the director succeeded in preserving the open-air atmosphere while at the same time eliminating the echo of the voices and instruments. Donizetti’s operas had for a long time been dismissed as frivolities, as repertoire works, "which can be staged anywhere", as W.H.L Riehl sarcastically remarked in his ‘Musikalische Charakterbilder’ (Musical Character Studies), "whether in Paris or Butzbach, with a good or a bad cast, complete or in part, rehearsed as a showpiece or as a stopgap, not too long and not too short, not too difficult and not too easy,comprehensible to all and stimulating the senses of many". This prejudice is perhaps due to the fact that composing came easily to Donizetti; he even boasted that he could compose a symphony within one and a quarter hour. The comedy The Elixir of Love is said to have taken him all of a fortnight to write. The premiere in the Teatro della Canobbiana in Milan in 1832, was an unqualified success; it resulted in a series of 32 sold-out houses for the composer and even inspired Richard Wagner in 1840 to produce a piano score of the work. Donizetti based his work on a French fable by Eugene Scribe, which Felice Romani turned into a multifaceted libretto of two acts. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Magnificent interpretation of Donizetti
I have seen other versions of L'elisir d'amore performances in DVD and find this particular version the most beautiful, perfect and magnificent performance of Donizetti.
The singers, soprano Esposito as the proud and indifferent but beautiful Adina, with her clear and sweet soprano voice is so enchanting and excellent, that we want to hear more of her. In this performance she is matched by tenor Machado, whose appearance is just the exact Nemorino and with his rich tenor voice make us enjoying more of the performance. There is also a most distinctive beautiful deep nuance baritone voice of Schrott performing perfectly as Doctor Dulcamara, all the combination of voices together adds to the perfection of the opera itself. This performance made Donizetti's beautiful vivacious and melodious music much more significant and enjoyable while the background and costumes represents the natural environment of a village.
I really enjoy this version compared to other versions of performances, eventhough all the performers are less wellknown.

Avoid This Second-Rate Production
It pains me to say that this DVD of a recent production of Donizetti's 'L'Elisir d'Amore,' done at the Sfisterio Arena in Macerata, Italy is bush-league. It is amazing that the recording of this open-air production is in as sharp sound and visuals as it is, but unfortunately the performance itself is hardly worth preserving. The orchestra is pretty good - it's the Orchestra Filarmonica Marchigiana - and the Danish conductor, Niels Muus, is quite good, marshalling his forces expertly. But the principal singers, with one possible exception, are not world-class. This is a provincial production and when compared with the DVDs now available with Pavarotti/Blegen/Rescigno (my favorite, by far) from the Met or Alagna/Gheorghiu/Pido from the Opera de Lyon (good but a bit underpowered) it simply comes up short--way short.

The production is also hampered by the visual production. It is fully acted but with minimal sets because it is mounted on an inappropriately arranged stage with the orchestra and conductor arrayed behind the singers. I can only imagine that there must have been a television monitor visible to the singers because they certainly couldn't see the conductor without turning their backs to the audience.

The Venezuelan tenor, Aquiles Machado, has a serviceable tenorino voice and his, erm, generous physique is certainly no less inappropriate than that of Luciano Pavarotti in his Met portrayal. His acting, however, is wooden. The only vocal star here is the Dulcamara of Erwin Schrott. I won't even mention the names of the dismal Adina and Belcore; the less said the better.

It might have been fun to spend a pleasant summer evening in an outdoor arena near the Adriatic Coast and take in a provincial performance of 'L'Elisir,' but I don't think anyone would want to repeat the experience in their living room sans the Italian coast's 'soave zeffiretto.'

In a word, I cannot see why anyone would invest in this DVD unless their sister was in the (very good) chorus.

Scott Morrison ... Read more