The Adventures of Pinocchio (Complete opera recorded in 2008)

Picture format: NTSC 16:9
Sound format: PCM Stereo / DTS 5.1
Region code: 0 (all regions)
Subtitles: English, German, French, Spanish, Italian
Running time: 213 mins

Recorded live at Sadler's Wells Theatre, London, on 29 February and 1 March 2008.

Bonus:
- Illustrated synopsis and cast gallery.
- Interviews with the Composer, the Librettist, the Stage Director and the Musical Director.

"…curiosity is aroused for adult and child alike from the first notes of Jonathan Dove's lavish and fantastical new opera genuinely for all age-groups. The scary moments are balanced by the joie de vivre of Alasdair Middleton's witty libretto and Martin Duncan's imaginative staging. Onstage virtually throughout, Victoria Simmonds conveys Pinocchio's flitting moods, from unthinkingly selfish to equally thoughtless acts of love, open-eyed enthusiasm to despondent sulks, with charm and verve. Plaudits should also go to the chorus, whose scenes are always visually and sonically spectacular, while the stunning surround sound of the DVD capturing every detail of Opera North's bold undertaking."
(BBC Music)

"Dove's writing characteristically is colourful and vigorous, with inventive instrumentation, as when Pinocchio refuses to pull a cart when asked by a stranger, denying that he is a donkey - at which Dove has the orchestra briefly making a hee-haw sound. The performance, filmed live, is excellent... conducted very ably by David Parry... Victoria Simmonds is excellent in the title-role, wearing a very convincing costume, with Jonathan Summers as Geppetto. Other first-rate contributions come from Mary Plazas, Rebecca Bottone, Graeme Broadbent, Allan Clayton and others in a big cast. A very welcome issue of a most attractive new opera."
(Gramophone)