Orchestra Rehearsal - Blu ray Review

1978
Directed by - Federico Fellini

A documentary television crew interviews musicians preparing for a rehearsal in a rundown church that doubles as a makeshift auditorium. Durning the interviews the musicians interrupt one another and show outright contempt. Each musician believes their instrument is the most vital to the success of the performance and calls the other performers talent and integrity into question.

The conductor barks orders with an affected German accent to drive home his authoritarian role in the orchestra. He has conflicts with both the musicians and the labor reps who are overseeing the proceedings. The tension is immediate and eventual spirals into chaos and revolution.

Orchestra Rehearsal is overtly political and satirical in its execution. Connections to our current political climate are in fact easy to make. This is one of Fellini's funniest and most thoroughly entertaining efforts. Rich imagery and expressive style fill every frame of Orchestra Rehearsal and marks the final collaboration between Fellini and legendary composer Nino Rota who provides one of a beautiful theme in the film's conclusion.

Bonus Materials

Brand new 2K restoration from original film elements, produced by Arrow Films exclusively for this release
High Definition Blu-ray (1080p) presentation
Original 1.0 mono sound
Optional English subtitles
Richard Dyer on Nino Rota and Orchestra Rehearsal, the film scholar talks about the great composer and his last collaboration with Fellini
Orchestrating Discord, a visual essay on the film by Fellini biographer John Baxter
Gallery featuring rare poster and press material on the film from the Felliniana collection of Don Young
Reversible sleeve featuring two original artwork options
FIRST PRESSING ONLY: Illustrated collector’s booklet featuring new writing on the film by Adrian Martin

Orchestra Rehearsal is available from MVD here.

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