DVD + Blu-Ray:
Ritter Blaubart

Felsensteins Ritter Blaubart brandnew remastered in 4k from the original 35mm film.

Felsenstein’s Ritter Blaubart is accompanied by the music of French composer Jaques Offenbach and was performed to great critical acclaim in Paris in 1866. Opera reviewer Oscar Bie delightfully remarked: “How the music flourishes in soil like this. How the tragedy laughs, and how seriously the comedy takes itself. […] This is not opera, nor is it comedy, and only on occasions is it parody. No, this is something much more sublime altogether: it is that wonderfully shimmering realm, full of truth about life, which borders grand fates and all-conquering humour.”

Felsenstein’s adaptation of this diversified opera affords countless opportunities for audiences to make associations, moments in which they are torn between laughter and abomination, but which all the while reveals an aptitude of theatrical magic one could only admire. The constant switching between comedy and tragedy is a fine balancing act that demands enormous self-discipline and ability from the performers. Felsenstein himself spoke of the “entirely new style of interpretation” the work required. This visionary theatre director, who played a hugely important role in the revival of opera as a theatrical art form, was exactly what this demanding opera needed.

Worldwide Release on 29 January 2021
Cat. No.: 109436 (DVD) | 109437 (Blu-ray)

Genre Opera film
Recording location DEFA Studios Babelsberg
Production year 1973 / 2020 brandnew remastered
Duration 139 mins
Video format DVD / NTSC | Blu-ray 1080i High Resolution
Audio format PCM Stereo
Composer Jacques Offenbach
Orchestra / Band Orchestra from the Komische Oper Berlin
Conductor Karl-Fritz Voigtmann
Stage Director Walter Felsenstein
Main Actor Hanns Nocker, Anny Schlemm, Rudolf Asmus, Werner Enders