A work of infinitely fertile musical imagination. I concluded my review (Fanfare 44:6) by saying that “we just need a DVD/Blu-ray release now” and how true that is; but the sonics-only recording holds magnificence galore. Textures positively glow; the complexities and depth of this “dream opera” keep on revealing themselves on repeated listenings. That, and the sheer excellence of both cast (perfectly chosen) and recording (crystal clear, great sense of perspective). There is something about World Premiere recordings; they have a particular vibrancy, and this release has that in spades. From every angle, this is a sure-fire winner. I just want to hear more of Hagen’s operas.... Fanfare Magazine, Best of Year Wish List, 2021

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION

• Package Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 14.2 x12.5 x1 cm / DVD Eco-Wallet

• Blu-ray Hi-Def Encod / Stereo

• Subtitles (English)

• Artist Commentary Track featuring Daron Hagen (author/director), Robert Frankenberry (actor); Roger Zahab (conductor)

• Release Date ‏ : ‎ 1 November 2021

• Label ‏ : ‎ Burning Sled Media

• ASIN ‏ : ‎ 195269118792

• Number of discs ‏ : ‎ 1

THE STORY

The operafilm Orson Rehearsed is the psychological, emotional, and spiritual journey taken by the American actor, polymath, and creator of Citizen Kane Orson Welles, as he finds himself on the threshold between life and death. Memories of Welles as a wunderkind and in his swashbuckling prime are brought to life, as well as successes and failures both real and imagined, with the consolation of a life fully lived. Fusing live players with pre-recorded sounds and effects, the film version of Orson Rehearsed has been a multiple award-winner at festivals in the US, Europe and beyond.

INTERVIEWS / REVIEWS

• New York Arts and Cinema interview here.

• Universal Cinema, Film and TV Journal interview here.

• Fullshot Cine Mag interview here.

• Toronto Film Magazine interview here.

• Wellesnet Movie Interview here.

• Chicago Movie Magazine interview here.

• F is for Film interview here.

• OperaSense interview here.

• OperaWire interview here.

• Wellesnet Opera interview here.

• The Orson Rehearsed Memory Palace here.

• Politics and Pink Slips here.

• Reviews of the Naxos CD here.