. . . the Metropolitan has a rich, dark splendour . . . Supremely "real" is Sherrill Milnes's performance of the title-role . . . it has gained as an expressive instrument and his phrasing is masterly. He is a singing actor with natural command of the stage, and what the filming shows to most moving effect is the face, marvellously responsive, especially as the brief moments of happiness are reflected in those deep-set eyes.

Milnes was a great Verdi baritone . . he has many excellent moments, knows what he is doing, and is very touching in his death scene . . . Plishka is another admirable singer . . . Tomowa-Sintow's voice was perfect for Verdi's weightier heroines, and her Amelia is solidly sung . . . Brian Large's fine videography captures both the details and the "big picture" . . . Milnes definitely lives up to expectations here . . .

. . . on ne dira jamais assez quel grand chef de théâtre est James Levine; élégant, coloré, son "Boccanegra" a du souffle, la mer est proche . . .