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Amazon.co.uk Review
When Cirque du Soleil first ventured beyond Canada's borders, its powerful, singularly ambitious "reinvention of the circus" seemed quixotic. Inspired by European precedents, this was a big top downsized to a more intimate, single ring, as the French-Canadian troupe jettisoned animals, banished the usual fright-wigged clowns in favour of funny folks versed in (gulp) pantomime, and focused on acrobats, contortionists and illusionists. Conventional wisdom would have held that such esoterica was doomed, but anyone lucky enough to catch that initial Cirque production (or, for that matter, any of its subsequent offerings) knows just how wrong conventional wisdom can be.
Cirque's creative brain trust, including "guide" Guy Laliberte and director Franco Dragone, have crafted each production as an extended performance piece framed by recurrent characters, unified production design and underlying themes. Already mesmerising visual tableaux and astonishing illusions are given an added poignancy (and, occasionally, true gravity) by the productions' underlying comments about society, conformity, beauty and emotion; even without such conscious motifs, however, Cirque's sheer artistry is never less than riveting.
Quidam revolves around an Everychild, living with self-absorbed (and deliberately archetypal) parents, who is whisked away to a vividly surreal world where Cirque's remarkable acrobats and artists take literal flight. Their tools are often prosaic--oversized flying rings, an open steel wheel large enough for a single inhabitant, skateboards, ropes--yet the resulting images are stunning. Injecting further drama and atmosphere is the score (here by musical director Benoit Jutras), which is as far removed from traditional circus music as Cirque's "acts" are from Barnum & Bailey. Performed with synthesisers, electric guitar, solo reed instruments, percussion and voice (often singing in a kind of Esperanto that's tantalising yet foreign), Cirque's music can be dismissed as New Age only until heard in its intended context. Quidam can't quite achieve the sheer, enveloping wonder that its theatrical source does, but for fans of Cirque du Soleil's unique performance art, this latest presentation sustains the troupe's magic. --Sam Sutherland, Amazon.com
DVD Description
Cirque du Soleil has dazzled audiences around the world with its astonishing, eccentric and high energy performances combining breathtaking acrobatics, brilliant light displays, spectacular costumes and bewitching music. Now the thrill of one of their greatest productions, Quidam, has been captured and is an entertainment extravaganza for all ages.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
16 of 16 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
I was introduced to Quidam by a friend who had seen the show in Los Angeles. He showed me a video but nothing prepared me for the live show which I saw in Manchester last year. This video is a wonderful souvenir if you have seen the show and what a reminder of the wonder that is Quidam or if you are new to the Cirque Du Soleil experience. I have never tired of watching it over and over because there is always something new to discover. My personal favourites are the diabolos - which I might add I have tried and failed to recreate myself! - and the statues. Please buy this video - you will not be disappointed and if you have the chance to go and see it, don't miss out. It comes highly recommended. Spellbinding.
11 of 11 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
The most enthralling video I have watched for a long time. The strength and stamina shown by the performers enhanced a unique performance and the music fully complemented the amazing feats of all the performers. One to watch again and again. Excellent.
9 of 9 people found the following review helpful
Format:VHS Tape
Having recently seen Quidam live in London I cried when the show was over. The Cirque is so unique, so moving, so indescribable that I had to get this video to remind myself of the magic until I can afford to see the show again. I'm a Cirque Groupie, and proud of it....
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
Could be better
I was disappointed with Quidam. After Dralion, Varakai and the others in my collection I felt that it lacked the tremendous excitement and action of the earlier shows. Read more
Published 22 days ago by Peter Miller
Absolutely terrific !
I first saw Cirque du Soleil when they appeared at a Royal Variety Performance in honour of Queen Elizabeth IInd at the London Palladium a good many years ago now when they had not... Read more
Published 4 months ago by Patrick H. Williams
Not my favourite
Although this is not my favorite show, you can definitely see how Cirque is reinventing circus worldwide. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Alexander House
quidam
Quite happy with the DVD, however the show was recorded in 1999 which I didnt realize at the time - so few numbers have changed since then and I expected to see exackly the show I... Read more
Published on 14 Feb 2010 by J. Kaczmarek
Quidam
I went to see this live in manchester and was so impressed i finally bought the dvd, i have been informed that they have stopped making this dvd so if you want a new one you had... Read more
Published on 10 Oct 2009 by actionman023
Excellent entertainment
Excellent and mysterious Show with haunting and exciting music and dance.Very unusual show but with stunning circus acrobatics.Well worth buying.
Published on 27 Sep 2009 by Mollyx
How do they do that
If you can't go to the shows, this is the next best thing
Published on 2 Sep 2009 by Dance Fan
sheer brilliance entertainment
having seen the show live this makes an ideal reminder which can be seen over and over again, well worth the cost
Published on 28 April 2009 by P. Williams
quidam
absolutely brilliant well worth the money the acts are unbeleivable how they do some of the acts needs so much skill.
well worth the money leaves you wanting to see more.
well worth the money leaves you wanting to see more.
Published on 28 April 2009 by Kevin Butler
Quidam DVD
Fabulous reminder of the live show, just seen in Sheffield, excellent choice of content. DVD captures the essence of Cirque De Soleil.
Published on 16 April 2009 by C. J. Garden
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