Review of Mozart In Turkey

Introduction

Behind the scenes of a production of Mozart`s Die Entfuhrung aus dem Serail (The Abduction from the Harem), this 88 minute film includes 64 minutes of highlights from the opera as well as insights into the background of the opera through interviews, rehearsal footage and historical contributions.

No doubt fascinating to opera lovers, it is in execution somewhat bitty, giving the impression you`re watching the extras to a much better movie or programme which sadly isn`t on the disc. From the look of the opera, I can`t help wondering why they didn`t just film the whole damn opera rather than stitch together this digest version.

Filmed on location at the Harem of the Topkapi Palace in Istanbul, the result is spectacular and colourful, and sounds quite amazing. The full presentation would be something to see.

Video

Made for television on film, the 1.78:1 anamorphic image is very satisfying to watch. The picture is sharp, well-defined and colourful without being oversaturated. The splendour of the Ottoman Seraglio is there for everybody to see.

Audio

The documentary plays with a DD2.0 Stereo soundtrack. The musical excerpts from the opera can also be accessed individually with the more impressive DD5.1 surround track.

Features

Everything is subtitled.

Conclusion

Impressive. It would have been more impressive if the opera had been presented in its entirety, and this was the extras disc.