Baz Luhrmann’s ground-breaking and highly regarded production was new at Sydney in 1990. It was committed to video in 1993. More recently it was transferred to Broadway, where it hasn’t proved an overwhelming success, mainly because of some indifferent casting. Watching at it again on DVD, I enjoyed it quite as much as before in spite of some reservation about the sets, which range a little uncomfortably across various decades – the scaffolding used for Act 3 now seems distinctly yesterday’s idea.

Within the eccentric decor, Luhrmann gives new life to old routines, the personal dramas projected sincerely by a youthful group of principals, obviously in love with life and each other. The most convincing is Hobson’s Rodolfo, a tousle-haired, gangling youth with film-star looks, a gift for natural, impetuous, uninhibited acting and a bright, keen-edged tenor capable of fulfilling Puccini’s demands.

Barker is an appealing Mimì in the modern vein, more knowing than vulnerable, at least until her death scene. As with many modern interpreters of the part, her attractive voice can go out of focus at the top, but her phrasing is always exemplary in style, her ‘Addio’ especially eloquent. Christine Douglas is all-too-obviously a blowsy, brazen Musetta with voice to match. Her Marcello is the burly, down-to-earth Roger Lemke, who has a nicely bronzed baritone. The Schaunard and Colline are both well in the picture.

Smith supports his singers admirably but sometimes lays a slightly heavy hand on the score. Both sound and video direction are excellent.