Rating summary

Movie		5.0
Video		4.5
Audio		5.0
Extras		3.0
Overall		5.0

Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany Blu-ray Movie Review

Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany was recorded in 2007, nearby Lajatico, a tiny village where the Italian tenor grew up. A special theater was erected to host the one-night event, which Andrea dedicated to his people.

The show is comprised of a total of eighteen songs featuring a number of very special guests: British soprano Sarah Brigthman ("Canto Della Terra" and "Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò)"), Laura Pausini ("Dare To Live"), Heather Headley ("Vivo Per Lei" and "The Prayer"), Elisa ("La Voce Del Silenzio"), saxophonist Kenny G ("A Te"), piano virtuoso Lang Lang ("Io Ci Sarò"), and trumpeter Chris Botti ("Italia").

Andrea's singing is relaxed yet full of emotion. He is just as impressive singing a classic Italian song as he is singing a contemporary song. There is a certain warmth to his voice that immediately transforms every song he sings into something very special.

It is difficult to pick favorites that stand out in Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany, but there are two songs that are nothing short of inspiring. The first is "Italia" featuring Chris Botti. When one listens to it, it is impossible not to dream about Tuscany, Andrea's homeland.

The second song, unsurprisingly, is one of Andrea's greatest hits - his duet with Sarah Brigthman "Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò)". It has that typical Italian "grande" feel that one cannot help but admire.

Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany also contains a lovely Spanish-flavored medley comprised of Consuelo Velázquez's classic "Bessame Mucho", Armando Manzanero's "Somos Novios (It's Impossible)" and a lovely arrangement of Luigi Creatore, George Weiss and Hugo Peretti's "Can't Help Falling in Love", a song Elvis Presley immortalized some some forty eight years ago.

Andrea with Sarah Brightman

Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany Blu-ray Movie, Video Quality 

Presented in an aspect ratio of 1.78:1, encoded with MPEG-4 AVC and granted a 1080i "live" transfer, Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany arrives on Blu-ray courtesy of Universal Music.

This is another breathtakingly beautiful Blu-ray transfer from Universal Music. Clarity is excellent, detail most impressive and contrast levels very consistent. Motion-judder is most definitely not an issue of concern. The close-ups are lovely, well detailed and never harsh looking. The panoramic shots from beautiful Tuscany are also very impressive. The stage is simple but very elegant - there are no serious shadow issues to report. There is a tiny bit of low noise that I noticed during the second half of the show, but I am convinced that even the most demanding amongst you would find its presence to be incredibly easy to tolerate. To sum it all up, Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany looks remarkably strong. (Note: This is a Region-Free Blu-ray disc. Therefore, you will be able to play it on your PS3 or SA regardless of your geographical location).

Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany Blu-ray Movie, Audio Quality 

There are two audio tracks on this Blu-ray disc: LPCM 5.1 and LPCM 2.0. I opted for the LPCM 5.1 track and later on did a few random comparisons with the LPCM 2.0 track for the purpose of this review.

As far as I am concerned, the LPCM 5.1 track is perfect. When I review music releases, I am very rarely completely satisfied with the audio treatment, but with Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany I felt that everything was handled remarkably well.

The dynamic levels are very impressive. The bass is surprisingly strong - certainly for a recording of a live show - while the rear channels add up plenty of extra oomph. Andrea's fantastic voice sounds incredible - from the relaxed "Besame Mucho" (a fantastic medley) to the nostalgic "Italia" to the moving "Time To Say Goodbye (Con Te Partirò)". Also, piano virtuoso Lang Lang's solo performance of Liszt's Hungarian Rhapsody No. 2 In C Sharp Minor is absolutely electrifying.

While there are certainly no technical issues to report with the LPCM 2.0 track, I have to say that it does not even come close to matching the depth and strength of the LPCM 5.1 track. Listen to "Canto Della Terra", a lovely duet Andrea does with Sarah Brightman - and you would immediately be able to tell why the LPCM 5.1 track is the one to experience this show with.

For the record, Universal Music have provided optional English, French, German, Portuguese, Spanish and Dutch subtitles (for the exchange of words between Andrea and some of the guests musicians, the audience, etc).

Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany Blu-ray Movie, Special Features and Extras 

Live in Tuscany/Backstage - a few interesting comments before the show by Andrea Bocelli, Tony Renis, Music Producer & Song Writer, David Foster, Music Producer, Caterina Caselli - Chairman Sugar Music, Elisa, Guest Vocalist, Laura Pausini, Guest Vocalist, Heather Headley, Guest Vocaslit, Lang Lang, pianist, Kenny G and Chris Botti. In English. (16 min, 1080i/60).

Tuscany, A Land of Magic - lovely footage from beautiful Tuscany. (6 min, 1080i/60).

Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany Blu-ray Movie, Overall Score and Recommendation 

A very, very special release! I really cannot say enough about the performances, as well as the terrific treatment Universal Music have given Andrea Bocelli: Vivere, Live in Tuscany. Treat yourself and add this disc to your collections, I guarantee you won't be disappointed. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.