Carmen (1983) [ NON-USA FORMAT, PAL, Reg.0 Import - Spain ]

This is not the 1983 movie directed by Carlos Saura. This is a theatrical production of that version of Bizet's opera which features little of the score and instead uses flamenco dancers and flamenco music. And although I selected English subtitles from the setup menu, no subtitles appeared. They are present in the "making of" extra, however. But if you're familiar with the story, you won't really need them. Unlike the movie, this version shows no close-ups of the performers dancing, which I did miss. But it's beautifully choreographed and filmed, and the sound is excellent. One other problem: the multiformat version is the Blu-ray only; no digital version or DVD.

This version of Carmen, which is normally an opera with a Romeo and Juliet theme, is told in flamenco dance. I originally saw it in theater and was so impresssed I just had to get a copy. But, it wasn't available on DVD until recently. The flamenco dancers and musicians are considered the top artists in their field and it is easy to see why. The film made me want to go out an learn flamenco dancing, but, unfortunately, I'm too old for this strenuous form of dance. The female teacher in this film has the most beautiful hand movements of any dancer I've ever seen and the quality of the dancing is terrific throughout. The dance in the tobacco factory, with the entire female cast, is a masterpiece and sends chills down my spine whenever I see it. Since it is considered an art film, it is in Spanish with English subtitles. Somehow, though, I think you would be able to follow it without any subtitles at all. So don't let the fact it is subtitled turn you away. I recommend this film without reservation, except for children. I think anyone under 16 would be bored and wouldn't understand it. Besides, there is rough language and brief nudity. Take a chance with this one and you won't be disappointed.

This is one of my all-time favorite films. The color and dancing are spectacular but I think he most interesting and intelligent aspect of he film is the confusion of reality with unreality; life with an opera. The film, which starts on a concrete level becomes more and more surreal as Gades slips into a form of madness--a madness, perhaps, fated by the Gods.He is obsessed with finding the perfect Carmen and...to their mutual destruction...he finds her. Reality and the opera become increasingly intertwined until Gades distorted reality becomes more powerful than life itself. In parallel with Bizet's Carmen, Gades falls inexplicably and helplessly in love with he faithless Carmen. I won't write more. You really need to see it yourself.There's only one scene I disapprove of. Gades dances a dance that, "changed my life and taught me about dance." The whole episode is an insider thing and should have been left on the cutting floor.One scene I especially enjoyed is the tobacco factory. "There are good and bad girls in this factory," The women sing. They choose sides and go into an aggressive dance routine that must be seen to be believed. It ends when an enraged Carmen produces a knife and slashes the throat of a rival--a rival in the opera and a rival in "real" life. It's sudden and shocking.Ron Braithwaite, author of novels--"Skull Rack" and "Hummingbird God"--on the Spanish Conquest of Mexico

This version of Carmen, realized and directed by Carlos Saura, is among the best movies about the artistic creative process. Its so-called genre looks like a documentary (rehearsing a new and different version of Carmen). All the principals (well-known Spanish performing artists) are named as they are named in real life, except for Carmen, acted by Laura Del Sol. Intriguing surrealism insinuates every now and again. The dancing (Flamenco) reveals the beauty of the human form. It's quite a stunning film that transcends the ordinary movie frame, reaching the realm of the sublime.

I chose this because Gades appears in it. He is Spanish dancing legend and this features Gades' search for the ideal Carmen. Much of the content is based on personal emotions involved and his relationship with Christine Hoyos, his long standing leading lady now being replaced in this production, is part of the issue. I watched a young Gades at work in Madrid in 1964 and was curious to see how he had progressed and changed. Paco de Lucia and Gades reprogrammed the Flamenco rythyms within the opera's score and generally, this is about how the entire dynamic production came to be staged with an authentic FLAMENCO content. If you are new to Flamenco it might be better to buy the full stage production first. For Gades enthusiasts, this is a MUST HAVE.

Disappointing when I noticed it doesn't play in my zone. I knew this was an excellent movie. Didn't have the to return it due to travel plans. Bummer.

Good

In this life you get what you pay for. Beware this bargain bundle of excellent operas. On the whole,one needs a little help to understand the storyline in opera from time to time, even if one is fluent in Italian and French. The 'Image' edition of Carmen and Aida has English subtitles, whether one wants them or not. There are no chapter headings in leaflet form to guide you from one aria to another as one finds them with separate DVDs of the very same productions on Kultur. To make matters worse, there are no subtitles at all in the DVD of La Traviata, nor are there any chapter headings. Unless one already knows the story of La Traviata in detail, the briefest of outlines on the jacket is no help to those like us who live in the Third World and have no chance to see opera in North America, or Europe. We buy the set of DVDs because we're familiar with some of the music, want to know the story, to see it acted and understand what's going on.This set spoiled my Christmas. A friend loaned me a DVD of the very same production of Carmen complete with chapter headings, synposis of the story in detail and a choice of subtitles or none at all - which is what you get when you pay full price for just one DVD instead of the 'bargain' bundle.

Condition brilliant.Love the opera and this version set to a dance story is wonderful. Dancing is something else. If you love Spanish flamenco this is a must.

This quickly became one of my favourite films. The 'tobacco factory' scene is the best dance routine that I've ever seen and, at the age of sixty, I've seen plenty! The dancer Cristina Hoyos plays a minor role and steals the scenes that she is in. The poker-faced dance leader Antonio Gades is unintentionally funny at times, but this just adds to the charm of the film. It is beautifully photographed and lit. Highly recommended.

I HAVE THE LATER VERSION OF CARMENFROM THE OPERA HOUSE IN MADRID WHICH I MUCH PREFER.HOWEVER CARMEN IN THIS PRODUCTION IS THE BETTER ONE OF THE TWO.SUPERB.KLAUS IRRGANG

Excellent price and product.

Reminds me of when I saw the flamenco troupe live on tour in Italy. Super-fast delvery. Prepares you for intro of flamenco in other films like Strictly Ballroom.