The DVD Corner/Reviews
It's been one of those standing ovation performances: one where you want to sit down, watch the curtain rise, and see the show all over again. For the last umpteen years, that's been possible. All you needed was a television and a video; and each year, more and more performances, and more and more documentaries about the dance world have been made. And that was great...But now there are DVD's. What's the difference you may ask. The images are sharper...and not only are there special features, but, and you may know all of this already, it is possible to zoom in and repeat a pas de deux, or a particular variation if you're watching a classical ballet; or a set of exercises if it's an instructional disc; or just watch the dance sequences if it's a Fred Astaire movie. The choices can be overwhelming. Now The DVD Corner will be in your corner with all the information you need before renting or buying your own disc.
Top of this month's list:
Rudolph Nureyev's "La Bayadere" with The Paris Opera Ballet Filmed in 1994 at The Paris Opera House:
146 minutes
Up close and personal for this spectacular production of the time-honored ballet of star- crossed lovers. Exquisite, expressive dancing by everyone involved. Isabelle Guerin as Nikiya dances with a velvety smoothness. Elisabeth Platel is a haughty Gamzatti, and Laurent Hilaire with his beautiful, long lines makes Solor the perfect lover. And the purity of the French classical training is evident in that otherworldly vision of 'The Shades.' A short introduction brings you to Paris and fills in Nureyev's struggle to choreograph this ballet.
A must own:"Great Pas de Deux" Compiled in 1997:
111 minutes ($19.99)
This amazing, star studded, gold standard collection of eighteen classical pas de deux featuring top artists from all over the world is worth every penny. Every selection is a gem. Highlights include Adam Cooper in Mathew Bourne's revolutionary, all male "Swan Lake;" Alessandra Ferri's unforgettable interpretation in "Romeo & Juliet;" the rarely seen, exquisite dancing of Altynai Asylmuratova in "Le Corsaire;" and Jennifer Penny and Anthony Dowell's romantic "Manon." Among other unforgettable moments: Rudolf Nureyev and Mikhail Baryshnikov in favorite roles.
Scene selections but no added features.
Ballet history collection: "Romeo & Juliet" with the English Royal BalletMargot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev:
125 minutes
When Rudolf Nureyev burst onto the ballet scene over forty years ago, he changed the role of male dancing. And his partnership with Margot Fonteyn changed ballet history. Way past Juliet's age in this performance, Fonteyn's lyric grace, ignited by Nureyev's passionate nature, enables her to create the illusion of a young girl. The emoting may seem over the top, the close-ups too revealing, and the technique surprisingly easy; but the drama and the artistry hold. Remember you're seeing a legend in the making.
Check out your libraries, video stores, or contact Kultur to see these discs. Information on new DVD's should be sent to ERogosin@aol.com