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Amazon.co.uk Review
When Rudolf Nureyev created a new version of The Sleeping Beauty for the Paris Opera Ballet in 1989, Tchaikovsky's richest, most gem-studded score was about to celebrate its 100th birthday. He made some modifications to the original score and stagings, but basically took Marius Petipa's choreography and polished it with the greatest of respect for what he dubbed "the ballet of ballets". Ten years later, the Opera Bastille adopted his version in a sumptuous new production, and what a sensory experience it turns out to be.
For one thing, the brilliance of the classical sets and costumes fills the huge stage of the Opera Bastille with extravagant glamour. For another, the quality of the dancing is superb at every level. Aurélie Dupont as Princess Aurore and Manuel Legris as her Prince Désiré trigger sublime romance in their ultimate pas de deux. Other highlights include Nathalie Aubin's sinuously evil Carabosse, finally managing to deliver the fateful needle in a bunch of flowers before meeting her match in the Lilac Fairy, and the parade of fairy-tale characters in Act III. This is a connoisseur's production, true. It celebrates one of the greatest classical ballets and the genius of one of the greatest dancers. But it is also a superb entertainment, certain to generate a festive thrill in the chilliest of hearts.
On the DVD: Excellent sound quality (Dolby Digital 2.0) and the 16:9 picture format do proper justice to the sweeping, theatrical scale of the production. The disc also includes printable articles on Petipa's and Nureyev's choreography and a link to NVC Arts' Web site. The comprehensive booklet includes explanations of Nureyev's alterations, a brief history of the ballet and a plot synopsis. --Piers Ford
Special Features
16:9 Wide Screen
DVD 9
Region 2
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
DVD 9
Region 2
Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
12 of 12 people found the following review helpful
I thoroughly enjoyed this. For sheer beauty of classical dancing from the 2 principals it excels. But don't expect the carefree joyousness of a Fonteyn or the noble adventurousness of a true prince as there's very little feeling in this production. The awakening scene was so perfunctory ,I had to laugh. The Prince might have beeen buying a stamp from the Post Office. This was definitely an arranged royal marriage and not a great romance. Some of the choreography is very fussy so even the solos, hoever accomplished, can seem a bit over-long, while a fair bit of the corps' choreography can be hackneyed or twee. The Bluebird pas de deux though is excellent, but in terms of expressiveness, the ballet only sprang into life for me at the Puss in Boots dance which was absolutely delicious and showed what was missing throughout. HAving said all this I still think this is well worth having. If you can only afford one version though, I'd keep looking.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful
This version of the "Sleeping Beauty" is Nureyev's re-working of the story in which greater emphasis is placed on the psychology of the characters than in some versions. That said, this is not some modern, impoverished version but a sumptuous realisation of one of the greatest ballets. The scenery, costumes and dancing all take full advantage of the Paris Opera's huge stage. Prince Desire, danced impeccably and beautifully by Manuel Legris, is given extra solos including a wonderful "soliloquy" in Act II, to give the role greater depth. Aurelie Dupond, as Princess Aurora, is a fitting partner for him. They both excel themselves in the final pas de deux which is breath-taking and thrilling, bringing the house down. The ballet ends with an exuberant finale performed by the entire company. With Tchaikovsky's matchless music this is an essential for any ballet lover's DVD library, along with the same company's "Don Quichotte" and "La Bayadere".
45 of 50 people found the following review helpful
What adjectives can I use to discribe this ballet? Amazing? Fantastic? Brilliant? Well, think of all those and more besides and it won't beging to go near this ballet.
Fantastic costumes, sublime orchestration, and of course, the dancers weren't bad either.
If I could have just one ballet video/DVD - this one would be it. I love it, and you will too.
Fantastic costumes, sublime orchestration, and of course, the dancers weren't bad either.
If I could have just one ballet video/DVD - this one would be it. I love it, and you will too.
Most Recent Customer Reviews
Beautiful Production
Just as I hoped and expected - this is Paris Opera Ballet at its very best! Rudolf Nureyev - genius - what an influence, his choreography, his vision. Read more
Published 15 months ago by Aislinn
excellent production, some disappointing dancing
I was expecting this to be a brilliant recording - the excellent Manuel Legris and Aurelie Dupont, and the reputable Paris Opera in a visually sumptious staging that I have seen... Read more
Published 16 months ago by MsBookworm
grandiose production
At first viewing I thought this the most beautiful, exquisite ballet I had seen, that is not very many. Beautiful costumes, and sets, precision dancing, huge corps de ballet. Read more
Published 17 months ago by M. Compton Sally
Do not buy this if you want to enjoy other performances!
This was the first DVD from a buying spree of child-friendly ballets for my 3 year old daughter including Sleeping Beauty and the Nutcracker. Read more
Published on 23 Jan 2010 by Vanessa Buchanan
Sleeping Beauty : Ballet at it's best
If you like ballet. Buy this!
Great set, cast, music, production. Loved it!!
Great set, cast, music, production. Loved it!!
Published on 6 Feb 2009 by Twinkle
staggering but abridged
This is a beautiful producion,danced to an extremely high standard,,the costumes in themselves make it worth watching,but its incomplete. Read more
Published on 4 Aug 2008 by Roger Smith
A Grande Production
The first thing that strikes you is this is a very lavish production. Very Glitzy. There was no little Red Riding Hood (my name sake) so I was dissapointed. Read more
Published on 15 Jan 2007 by E. Hood
A priceless gem
Enough has been said of this wonderful production and all of it is true! The costumes, the decors, the music, the corps etc'. I wish to dedicate this review to Ms. Dupont. Read more
Published on 6 July 2004 by "michaelfraydon"
Excellent BUT incomplete
A marvellous production, what else would you expect from Nureyev and the Paris Opéra? However, be warned, this does not present a complete performance of the ballet... Read more
Published on 18 Dec 2003 by Walter Fawcett Geoffrey
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