Balanchine: Jewels [Blu-ray] [2010]

This is a modern ballet of 3 pieces performed in classical style - 1. Emeralds, danced in green to music by Faure; 2. Ruby, danced in red to music by Stravinsky; 3. Diamonds, danced in white to music by Tchaikovsky.
It is abstract ballet with no particular story although, as the accompanying documentary relates, that does not mean the dancing lacks emotion. The staging is deliberately free of distractions so one concentrates on the exceptional dancing. The piece was inspired by jewels Balanchine noticed in the window and this is the first time it has been proudly presented by the Ballet of the Opera national de Paris which claims credit as being one of the founding ballet companies in the world. I feel this is a disc one will appreciate more and more on repeated viewing. The Faure music is instantly appealing although the Stravinsky requires more familiarisation and the Tchaikovsky is a selection from the lesser known 3rd Symphony. The video is up to the usual BD standards but I was less impressed with the audio and suspect the surround sound might be merely compressed DTS rather than the latest BD standards. It lacked the depth possible with the latest format.
So, bottom line of how this disc will appeal to you is how much you like ballet. The dancing is first class and that is the big plus for "Jewels". But if you are looking for spectacular staging with dramatic music and story then this might not appeal. That said it has a lot to offer and I suggest it is very helpful to look at the very good 1 hour documentary before viewing the work. So strongly recommended, but with a few cautions.

Balanchine: Jewels [Blu-ray] [2005]

This lovely abstract ballet choreographed by Balanchine is the finest fusion between dance and music I have so far discovered. There are three movements, centred on the quality of precious stones as follows:

EMERALDS - Faure provides the music for this gentle romantic movement staged in shades of green with a simple backdrop that focuses our attention on the dancers and their interactions.

RUBIES - Stravinsky is the catalyst for a sprightly movement based in Broadway musicals, a great display of dancing.

DIAMONDS - Tchaikovsky with ice white costumes and elaborate silver and diamond tunics and bodices against a pale blue background with an elaborate diamond motive, so effective there is applause before the dancing starts. I view this movement as homage to Tchaikovsky, but the documentary also views it as woman with a remote goddess like presence.

The excellent documentary on Jewels provides fascinating insights into the minds and thoughts of the dancers as they perform, and greatly enhanced my appreciation of the performance.

Although presented in 1080i format the high bit rate (33 to 34 Mbps) provides excellent colour depth.

Abstract ballets do not get better than this.

There are now two versions of this ballet to choose from on Blu-ray. This one by the Paris Opera ballet and recorded in 2005 and the Mariinsky version recorded in 2006 although not released until 2011.

The ballet is a totally abstract creation by George Balanchine based on music by Faure, Stravinsky and Tchaikovsky. The steps danced in both versions are identical of course and are equally well performed. Both stage settings focus on the colour of the three featured jewels, my preference being for the slightly more sumptuous sets at the Mariinsky theatre. The music is equally well performed and recorded by both teams and both offer finely detailed camera work giving a nice combination of close and panoramic views. The sound in both cases offers good quality surround sound or stereo.

Although this is an abstract creation as mentioned above, it is nevertheless very traditional as regards movements and dress. It best rewards repeat viewing as some people might find the lack of narrative and drama a little dull at first. The target is actually to illustrate grace and abstract beauty as appropriate to the perceived characteristics of emeralds, rubies and diamonds. The music moves from gentle Faure to spikier but accessible Stravinsky and concluding with typical Tchaikovsky but un-typically using the conclusion of his less well-known 3rd symphony.

So which to buy? In this case there is no clear winner in my view although I have a personal preference for the Mariinsky version. Choice could well be based simply on price. I personally would wish to own both as the choices of camera angles and use of close-up and panoramic views vary throughout, sometimes favouring the Paris production and sometimes the Russians.

Prospective purchasers would be safe with either version despite my very slight preference for the Mariinsky recording. As that is an entirely personal preference others could easily choose the other way round and for similar subjective reasons. In my opinion therefore, both are worth the full 5 stars and will give much satisfaction.