- Format: Classical, Colour, Dolby, DVD-Video, NTSC
- Language English
- Region: Region 2 (This DVD may not be viewable outside Europe. Read more about DVD formats.)
- Aspect Ratio: 4:3 - 1.33:1
- Number of discs: 1
- Classification: Exempt
- Studio: Philips
- DVD Release Date: 20 Nov 2000
- Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (1 customer review)
- ASIN: B000051VS2
- Amazon Bestsellers Rank: 173,542 in Film & TV (See Top 100 in Film & TV)
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
10 of 11 people found the following review helpful
A seminal recording.
This is a digitally remastered version of the 70s (I think) studio recording of the ballet. The set and staging is brilliant and the best of the studio recording - without losing the performance feel. The careful use studio techniques in recording (camera angles, being closer to the dancers and an intimacy in the more dramatic moments in the ballet, etc) only enhances the visual experience. And the advantages of studio quality sound are noted.
But in all this: it is the performances of the artists that makes this recording. Fracci is brilliant as Giselle, Erik Bruhn's technique is not as technically brilliant (as we have come to expect from male dancers of the 90s etc) but he is the right man for the role in his balance and character development. But - even so - the most memorable performances in this piece are in the Peasant Pas de Deux in Act I (artists names escape me at this point) and the Queen of the Willies in Act II (probably the most powerful - and technically excellent) executions of this role!
That this rendition of the ballet is a brilliant introduction to ballet in all it's power and evocative strength - especially for the (as yet) "uninitiated" rounds at an oltogether excellent offering.
This is a digitally remastered version of the 70s (I think) studio recording of the ballet. The set and staging is brilliant and the best of the studio recording - without losing the performance feel. The careful use studio techniques in recording (camera angles, being closer to the dancers and an intimacy in the more dramatic moments in the ballet, etc) only enhances the visual experience. And the advantages of studio quality sound are noted.
But in all this: it is the performances of the artists that makes this recording. Fracci is brilliant as Giselle, Erik Bruhn's technique is not as technically brilliant (as we have come to expect from male dancers of the 90s etc) but he is the right man for the role in his balance and character development. But - even so - the most memorable performances in this piece are in the Peasant Pas de Deux in Act I (artists names escape me at this point) and the Queen of the Willies in Act II (probably the most powerful - and technically excellent) executions of this role!
That this rendition of the ballet is a brilliant introduction to ballet in all it's power and evocative strength - especially for the (as yet) "uninitiated" rounds at an oltogether excellent offering.
Most Helpful Customer Reviews on Amazon.com (beta)
Amazon.com:
8 reviews
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Great Dancing Hideous Editing/Camera work
28 Aug 2003
Sadly we won't see great dancing like this again but as usual the idiotic director/editor has ruined what could have been an incredible record of great artists. Where today can you see the drama and charm of a Carla Fracci or the princely elegance of an Eric Brune. Nowhere, that's where. The peasant pas de deux is wonderfully danced by the technical dynamo Eleanor D'Antuono and Ted Kivett. It is such a shame that it is all ruined by a demented director. You will see the same thing happen in the editing of many Broadway shows. Sunday in the Park with George for instance. What a waste!
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Fracci magnificent as Giselle... but pitiful film editing
8 Oct 2003
Despite some of the negative connotations suggested by the title of this review, this is still one of my favorite ballets on DVD.
This is the movie of Adolphe Adam's Giselle, performed by the American Ballet Theatre. The choreography is by David Blair (after Perrot and Corelli). The principal dancers are Carla Fracci as Giselle and Erik Bruhn as Albrecht. The sets and costumes are beautiful and fairly portray the era they are meant to represent.
Fracci is a superb dancer, but beyond this, she does a magnificent job in her emotional interpretation of the shy village girl who falls in love with the deceitful Albrecht and then later in Act II, (as a spirit, after her death) where she tries to save her lover from a watery grave at the hands of the vengeful Wili. This ballet has several different mood swings during the performance and Fracci accomplishes them all with surprising ease and elegance.
I think this work has a lasting, timeless appeal because of the way that Adam's beautiful, haunting melodies are able to fit with the choreography that was provided for this ballet; the dance and music so superbly suited that this ballet has become ageless masterpiece.
There is, unfortunately, a negative side to report (thus the loss of one star): as mentioned by almost all reviewers; some of the camera work and editing is hard to believe. Awkward close-ups, bumpy movie scenes taken from the backs of moving horses, highly magnified distorted shots: all detract from an otherwise outstanding performance. I cannot imagine what the producers or editors were thinking when they allowed this product to be the ultimate version for retail distribution. The cast must have been stunned to see this as the final cut.
All in all, I can recommend this work because the music, the dancing and dancers in this ballet are of 5 star quality, however, the entire work is somewhat tarnished and diminished by its less than stellar camera work and editing.
12 of 13 people found the following review helpful
curious ballet-film
29 May 2001
This classical ballet is shown in a rather uncommon way. It seems that the director tried to merge the art of film and the art of dance to produce his own Giselle. The result of this experience is some for and against points. In my opinion the for points are the camera unusual closes, the interesting shots and the importance given on acting as well as on dancing. Considering the year of production the quality of image and sound are surprisingly goods. The against points are the excecive and sometimes disturbing cuts. I wouldn't say this is the definitive Giselle.
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