Anna Bolena (2001)

"It would have been better, of course, if this 1984 production had been filmed 20 years earlier, when Joan Sutherland's voice was in its spectacular prime. But this is a better-late-than-never documentation of one of the most remarkable voices of the 20th century. Lotfi Mansouri spared no effort or expense in making this production special. He personally directed the staging, and handpicked an outstanding cast (right down to the very young Ben Heppner in the small role of Hervey). The visual elements (sets, costumes, camera work) are also handled with great care, and Sutherland's positive response to this dedication can be sensed in her performance of the title role. James Morris is best-known as a Wagnerian singer, but he is equally at home in many of the villainous roles that are the fate of bass- baritones. In this sinister tale of an innocent woman ruthlessly destroyed, he shows a surprising knack for the bel canto style. Judith Forst is also excellent in the role of Jane Seymour." (Joe McLellan, Amazon)