Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet
by Matthew Diamond
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DVD Cover Information
Actor: Damian Smith, David Arce, Davit Karapetyan, Elizabeth Powell, Yuan Yuan TanDirector: Matthew Diamond
Brand: Naxos OF America INC
DVD: Region Code 0
Audio: English (Unknown); French (Subtitled); German (Subtitled); Spanish (Subtitled); Italian (Subtitled); English (Original Language)
Format: Classical, Color, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
Picture Format: 1.78:1
Running Time: 132 minutes
DVD Release Date: 2008-11-18
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Studio: Bbc / Opus
Movie Reviews of Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet
Movie Review: The best Nutcracker I've ever seen
Summary: 5 Stars
I've seen Nutcracker productions from the Royal Ballet, Kirov Ballet (live), ABT (the Barishnykov one), Bolshoi Ballet, and the previous (to this one) San Francisco Ballet production. This newest production from San Francisco Ballet beats them all, hands down! The update of the setting to 1915 San Francisco works well and doesn't intrude on the story. There are a few twists and "oh, that's what that's about" moments but they are pleasant and charming. Right from the rising of the curtain, the characters are well-defined by the dancers, with each one dedicated to not just half-heatedly play his/her role. I'm sorry but I don't remember the names of the soloists but they are all superb with special kudos to the king and queen of snow and their leading of the most joyous snow scene I have ever seen. The corps is tight (especially in the snow scene) and their steps are in as near perfect unison as you can get. I've watched many times and am always amazed at the precision. The party is fun and has great little touches of children occasionally interacting with their "parents" (showing presents, shying away from Drosselmeyer, etc.). Watch for the little girl asleep in the chair as the guests start to leave. The mime is clear and the story is easy to follow. There is a thorough synopsis on the disc that can be read before viewing, too. The second act is well done and Helgi Thomason has done a great job removing the stereotype choreography you normally see (especially in the Arabian and Chinese dances). The sets and costumes are sumptuous and there's quite a snow storm going on at the end of act 1. The orchestra plays tightly and obviously knows all the nuances of this score. They are well conducted and the tempos are close to those called for in the score (see my review of the Gergiev/Kirov CD for a more in-depth explanation). The sound and picture quality are excellent and the director for this video did an excellent job with it. There are extras on the disc about the design of the production and the 1915 International Exebition that are very interesting. This DVD is well worth having and will not disappoint you.
Summary of Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet
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