Most Helpful Customer Reviews
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27 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
A generally very good performance by the Royal Ballet, 13 Oct 2006
This recording of a performance by the Royal Ballet in 1991 is based on Natalia Makarova's production, which generally follows the Soviet-era Russian choreography. The main difference between them is that Makarova re-created the final act of the wedding scene where the temple is destroyed by angry gods.
The main attraction of this DVD (to this reviewer) is the guest appearance of Altynai Asylmuratova, then a prima ballerina of the Kirov/Mariinsky Ballet, in the role of Nikiya, the temple dancer ("la bayadere"). She brings out the heroine's inner emotions through her dancing and miming. The choreography for Nikiya is so demanding that it requires a dancer , like Asylmuratova, with technical as well as artistic maturity. In the Kingdom of the Shades scene in Act 2, she is an epitome of a classical ballerina.
Irek Mukhamedov is excellent as Solor - primarily in pas de deux as there are not many solo dances for him. These two Russian dancers show complete rapport.
Darcy Bussell is very good as Gamsatti; the role suits her style. The dramatic role of the High Bramin is acted by Anthony Dowell very convincingly. In the Kingdom of the Shades scene, the contributions from some soloists and the corps de ballet (only 24 girls instead of 32 in the current Russian version) are generally good, although the soloists do not always achieve synchronization.
Finally, a negative point. The original score by Minkus was "arranged" by John Lanchbery (for Makarova's version) who also conducts the orchestra in this recording. Intrusive counterpoints and unnecessary variations on the original themes have unfortunately been added. Makarova could have used the more traditional score currently in use in Russia.
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20 of 23 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
The divine and the delightful., 22 April 2005
This is probably not one of the ballets that spring to most people's minds but it is one of my favourites. You might not want it to be your first ballet DVD since the music is not so well known as for example Nutcracker or Swan Lake but at least make it number 2 or 3 in your collection. The entrance procession of the corps de ballet as the "shades" with a wonderful sequence of arabesques, the delightful variations and the powerful pas de deux all are shining examples of classical ballet at it's best. The performances of all the principals was excellent but standing out for me was the scintillating presence and sheer artistry of Darcey Bussell as Gamzatti. Mukhamedov impressed as Solor and (The Divine) Asylmuratova (as Nikiya) shows that visiting artists from the Kirov shined way back then but of course she was their Prima Ballerina Assoluta. Tetsuya Kumakawa deserves a mention for his excellent Dance of the Bronze Idol, though in his case it was more remeniscent of goldfinger, it must have taken hours to get his makeup on, all for only 2.5 minutes, but what a 2.5 minutes no wonder he is famed for his elevation. This production was unfortunately filmed in 4:3 format but the quality is pretty respectable and direction sympathetic, the audio quality is very good with stereo, 5.1 and DTS all on offer. I for one like to hear the corps de ballet's footfalls and it was right there for me but it was not intrusive at all. The set and costume design were colourful and not too "faddish" or intrusive, giving a well executed final scene of the temple destruction and Nikiya and Solor's union in spirit for example. The enclosed booklet is not terrifically informing but it does at least give the story and indexes the performances. The DVD has no extras on offer at all apart from scene access, audio selection and a quartet of samples from TDK's other ballet DVD's.
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5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
Starski&Darcey, 9 Oct 2008
Let me start with the only negative thing I have to say-Its filmed in 4:3,mind you my TV allows me to pick 4or5 different screen modes,play this set at 14:9 and its perfect.On this DVD you will find 2 of the most sensational dancers ever,Altynai Asylmuratova and Darcey Bussell,so you just know its going to be good,and it is.From the very opening scene in Act 1 til the destruction of the temple in Act 3 I thought it to be as close to perfection as you're liable to get,and I include the entire cast in that.The sets were good as were the costumes,the music of Ludwig Minkus does not require any praise from me as I could not do it justice.Someone has said this Ballet is not one of the first to spring to mind-THATS TRUE-but I think it should be up there with many better known ones and I am sorry for people who may never find out about this piece,as it is a Gem,who knows?one day it may get the widespread acknowledgement it so surely deserves,I say buy it and love it-I'M SURE YOU WILL...
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