“Carmen” will play exclusively in RealD 3-D-equipped theaters at more than 1,500 locations worldwide.
[ Comment from MarK Schubin to the LinkedIn Stereo 3D group • “Alas, it’s not the first. In June 2009, Opera de Rennes’ “Don Giovanni” was sent live in 3D to cinemas. Last November, “Faust” went live in 3D from Sweden’s Folkoperan. Before that (1998), “Monsters of Grace” was performed live in many locations around the world with a 3D backdrop.” ]
“Carmen in 3D” — which is believed to be the first opera to be shot in 3-D for movie theaters — will premiere as the closing selection of the Santa Barbara FIlm Festival on Feb. 6 and is scheduled to open in cinemas around the world on March 5, organizers said Thursday.
The movie version uses a 2006 staging of the Georges Bizet opera directed by Francesca Zambello at the Royal Opera House in London. The movie was shot over two performances in 2010, and stars Christine Rice in the title role, Bryan Hymel as Don Jose, Aris Argiris as Escamillo and Maija Kovalevska as Micaëla. Conductor Constantinos Carydis leads the Royal Opera House Orchestra.
The movie’s running time is estimated at two hours and 50 minutes, with one 20-minute intermission. It is performed in French with subtitles.
“Carmen” is a co-production with the Royal Opera House and RealD, the Beverly Hills cinema company whose proprietary 3-D technology is among the widest used around the world. Organizers said that “Carmen” will play exclusively in RealD 3-D-equipped theaters at more than 1,500 locations worldwide.