Asmik Grigorian - The Gambler - DVD

Based on a short novel by Dostoyevsky, Prokofiev's The Gambler unfolds in the fictional casino town of Roulettenburg, where a variety of characters converge and clash. These characters include a General indebted to a covetous Marquis, the General's resentful stepdaughter Polina, and Alexey, who harbors feelings for her. Director Peter Sellars, known for his insightful interpretations of overlooked masterpieces, challenges us to mirror the bravery of Dostoyevsky and Prokofiev - the courage to confront our inner darkness. The musical direction of Russian conductor Timur Zangiev shines together with the vocal performances of the exceptional cast InchAsmik Grigorian portraying a passionate Polina, and Sean Panikkar delivering a powerful performance as AlexeiInch (Financial Times)InchPeter Sellars... has done what this exceptional director always tries to do present an old, distant story as an analysis of the here and nowInch (Suddeutsche Zeitung)InchA triumph of vision and passionInch (European News Agency)InchGrand sound cinemaInch (Bachtrack)

James Caan is Harvard University professor and compulsive gambler Axel Freed, who tries to turn borrowed money into a small fortune in Vegas, but winds up deeper in the hole to bookies. With his life spiraling out of control, the beleaguered Freed sees an exit from his troubles in the form of one of his students, a star basketball player willing to shave points. Lauren Hutton, Paul Sorvino, and James Woods also star in this moody drama directed by Karel Reisz and written by James Toback from his own experiences. 110 min. Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack English; Subtitles English (SDH); audio commentary; featurettes/ Two-disc set.

With a spectacular cast and the staging direction of Stefano Poda, this production of Verdi's Nabucco presents the Arena di Verona in a postmodern aesthetic brought to light through a futuristic vision, cosmic symbolism and absolute abstraction. Anna Netrebko gifts the festival's audience with a powerful interpretation of one of Verdi's most demandingroles her Abigaille is 'beautiful, vivacious, magnetic' (La Stampa) and 'tackles this formidable challenge with great confidence' (Rivista Musica). Amartuvshin Enkhbat is 'a marvellous performer of Nabucco, deeply moving' (Forum Opera). 'Pinchas Steinberg conducts the choir and orchestra of the Arena di Verona with verve, power, brio and fire' (Der Merker),a magnificent performance that culminated in a rendition of 'Va' pensiero' brimming with pathos and intensity.