A Mozart Gala From Prague DVD

Advantages: SImply superb
Disadvantages: Some liberties taken over the plot

...would probably have diminished the notion that Mozart's talent was substantially 'divine. In the UK, the CD is rated PG (parental Guidance), whereas in the USA it's rated 'R' Not for sale to persons under age 18 - I suspect that's wholly due to some very brief female nudity during the mock seduction scene, interesting to note the different values on either side of the Atlantic, had he pulled a gun on her and shot her, the classifications would probably have been the other way round! The film was shot in pre-Revolutionary Prague - Vienna had been extensively remodelled in the 19th century, whereas the Czech capital looked more authentic than the real thing. Attention to historical detail is exquisite, although there's no getting round the fact that the film was made in the 1980s, it just has that 'look and feel' of power dressing! The image... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: 6*; 8 oscars; My ultimate favourite film. Staggeringly brilliant acting, production, direction and music.
Disadvantages: None

.... The level of acting is breathtaking. Tom Hulce (who admits that he leaned to play piano specially for the role) is initially both irritating and embarrassing as the wind-breaking, rude adolescent who enraptures the Court with his divine music. He is also totally convincing as illness, poverty, the pressure of his work and mental anguish drive him ever closer to his untimely grave. E. Murray Abraham (in what must be his most accomplished supporting role) is equally convincing as Mozart’s rival and ultimate nemesis. The set design and costumes were researched in great detail. Much of the film was photographed in Prague (ideal with its mix of architecture, palaces and an 18th century wooden opera house) rather than Vienna. We see the disparities between the Court and aristocracy on the one hand and the baseness and poverty of the working classes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Superb music, script, sets, acting
Disadvantages: None

...saw this film in the late 80’s and had watched my “recorded off the telly” version for years until it eventually gave up the ghost. I didn’t replace it for one reason or another but when I saw they had brought out a director’s cut edition with 20 minutes extra footage I put it straight on my Christmas list. I wasn’t sure what the new scenes would add to it and in fairness they don’t add much except for expanding a few scenes (giving the opportunity for more music) and perhaps making sense of one scene at the end which never quite made sense to me from the original film. The backdrop of this film is full of colour and the wonderful architecture of Prague (notably the Count Nostitz Theatre where Don Giovanni had been premiered 200 years before) and Vienna helps recreate beautifully the atmosphere of late 18th century Vienna. The costumes... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average very helpful