Bizet Carmen (1967): cast, story & where to watch

Released in 1967, Bizet Carmen is a drama and music film directed by Herbert von Karajan, running about 164 minutes. “This spectacular opera film was taped in 1967 and is based on the 1966 Salzburg Festival production directed by Herbert von Karajan himself, who also conducts the fabulous Vienna Philharmonic” — that tagline sets the tone.

What it’s about. This spectacular opera film was taped in 1967 and is based on the 1966 Salzburg Festival production directed by Herbert von Karajan himself, who also conducts the fabulous Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra. The production features the three greatest exponents of their respective roles at the time: Grace Bumbry’s magnificently seductive-toned Carmen, Mirella Freni’s ineffably lovely, touching Micaëla and Jon Vickers’s thrillingly manic-depressive Don José. On its release the film was hailed by Die Presse, (Vienna) as a “unique artistic event”, while Le Monde felt that Karajan’s production brought “a whole new dimension” to the opera, “combined with a magisterial interpretation”. A classical and utterly dramatic approach to probably the world's most beloved opera – Karajan’s Carmen is as much a delicacy for opera fans as it is a perfect starter for newcomers.

Who’s in it. Bizet Carmen stars Grace Bumbry as Carmen, Jon Vickers as Don José, Mirella Freni as Micaëla and Justino Díaz as Escamillo, among others.

How it landed. With an audience score of 6.0/10, Bizet Carmen has drawn a solid, mixed-to-positive response.

Where to watch. In US you can stream it on Carnegie Hall+ Apple TV Channel and Carnegie Hall+ Amazon Channel. See the full, country-by-country breakdown on our where to watch Bizet Carmen page.

If you liked it. Fans of Bizet Carmen tend to enjoy The Shawshank Redemption, The Godfather, Schindler's List and The Godfather Part II.