Interweaving Pavarotti’s genre-defining performances with revealing, never-before-seen footage, 'Pavarotti' is a movie experience as singularly entertaining as its legendary subject.
Some of the footage within this film includes moments that can easily induce tears, so please be aware. Some of the best include the Three Tenors' 1990 concert (with Placido Domingo and Jose Carreras) that followed the FIFA World Cup.
While there is fascinating information revealed about Pavarotti's personal history, I get the feeling it could have been given more of a personal touch from those closest to him.
Case in point, compared to the very charming 'Maria by Callas' released a couple of years ago, 'Pavarotti' seems to stay at the surface and misses opportunities to be as magical as its subject.
That said, Director Ron Howard ('A Beautiful Mind') continues his great stretch of documentary films with 'Pavarotti'. A film that will be treasured for generations to come it is superbly insightful and honest; regardless of how much more could have gone into it, of course.
Traveling politely through the ups and downs of the tenor's career without skipping a beat, as aforementioned, the final act almost brought me to tears - so I suggest a box of tissues be beside you also, my friends.
In closing, we get to meet his family, his managers, his celebrity friends and it was rather lovely to see the late Princess Diana during happier times; and awesome to hear the thoughts of Bono who appeared in concert with Pavarotti.
Born during the War and following an early brush with death, Pavarotti grew up embracing life with a zest that rubbed off on many who crossed his paths.
You don't have to be an opera lover or a Pavarotti fan to enjoy this film, but you will come away knowing a lot more about this fascinating larger-than-life human being and appreciating his outsized talent. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.78:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:
• “Friends of Pavarotti” Featurette
• “The Entertainer” Featurette
• “Ron Howard on Pavarotti” Featurette
The 'Pavarotti' Blu-ray + DVD + Digital arrives September 24th, 2019 and will be available for the will be available for the suggested retail price of $29.99.
www.LGF.com
Official 'Pavarotti' Trailer