In my opinion, no two people can sing or play Mimi and Rodolfo better than Mirella Freni and Luciano Pavarotti. The two are incomparable. They are simply the quintessential example of operatic excellence. Although, they are a bit older in this production, both in their mid 50s when they should be about 35 or so..., they are flawless in vocal quality and presence. Never has a soprano captured the essence or soul of Mimi as beautifully and gracefully as lyrico soprano Mirella Freni. It is truly her signature role, one that gained her fame notably at La Scalla in the early 60s. She then went on to film the 1963 Boheme and then made the unforgettable, unmatched 1973 recording of La Boheme with Pavarotti, again in my opinion the finest operatic recording of our time coming close to Price's Aida. Pavarotti, as always... is simply perfect. Vocally a stunner and romantically a hunk... he'll sweep any lady off her feet with his piercing vocal vibrancy and masterful control. The Musetta is as well quite charming and comical and Gino Quillico's rich Baritone is a must hear. His acting is as well one of the best interpretations of Marcello seen in quite a while. His artistry is right along in rank with Freni and Pavarotti. Do not miss out on this masterpiece. This is history, a pure piece of operatic excellence. And yes, i sobbed in the end... how could you not? If there is any one solid reason to watch this production however, i would have to say it is just to be able to hear the excellence of Mirella Freni, the finest soprano of the 20th century, with a voice that carries drama as well as innocence, the perfect blend for the perfect Mimi... Her 1st and 3rd act arias are truly the highlight of the film along with Pavarotti's 1st act aria. It reminds one what opera is all about.... passion and beautiful singing.
