#317: POWELL, Michael & PRESSBURGER, Emeric: The Tales Of Hoffmann (1951)

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POWELL, Michael & PRESSBURGER, Emeric (United Kingdom)
The Tales Of Hoffmann [1951]
Spine #317
DVD
OOP


Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger create a phantasmagoric marriage of cinema and opera in this one-of-a-kind take on a classic story. In Jacques Offenbach's fantasy opera The Tales of Hoffmann, a poet dreams of three women — a mechanical performing doll, a bejeweled siren, and the consumptive daughter of a famous composer — all of whom break his heart in different ways. Powell and Pressburger's feverishly romantic adaptation is a feast of music, dance, and visual effects, and one of the most exhilarating opera films ever produced.

127 minutes
Color
Monaural
1:33:1 aspect ratio
Criterion Release 2005
Director/Writers


Film Rating (0-60):

60

The Extras

The Booklet

Twelve-page wraparound featuring an essay by Ian Christie.

Commentary

By director Martin Scorsese and film-music historian Bruce Eder.

Video interview

With director George A. Romero.
The Sorcerer’s Apprentice (1956)

A short musical film directed by Powell, based on the Goethe story.
Collection

Of production designer Hein Heckroth’s sketches and paintings.
Gallery

Of archival production and publicity photographs.
Original theatrical trailer

Extras Rating (0-40):

39

60 + 39 =

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