George Balanchine's The Nutcracker

George Balanchines The Nutcracker

Amazon.com

Tchaikovskys timeless Yuletide ballet is presented in an all-new movie version with as much eloquence as one would find in a live stage production. Replete with gorgeous costumes and scenery, George Balanchines production, adapted by Peter Martins, features the New York City Ballet with narration by Kevin Kline. From the moment the Nutcracker prince winds toymaker Drosselmeiers life-sized dolls, viewers are ushered into the captivating story of a little girls Christmas Eve fantasy of beauty, magic, and sugarplums. While several versions of this beloved tale are available in video, this one is distinguished for the magnificent performances of a large cast of young ballet dancers from the School of American Ballet. While Culkin lends his star-studded name, that is all he lends in what is mostly a wooden performance (he often appears on the sidelines looking quite blas and detached). More deserving accolades go to Jessica Lynn Cohen as Marie, whose genuineness never wanes and dance steps never falter. Bart Robinson Cook is wonderful as the playful Herr Drosselmeier, and Darci Kistler is the graceful Sugarplum Fairy. Mostly this film belongs to children--both on the stage and in the audience. What is lacking in spontaneous energy of live theater is made up for in a perfectly polished performance. The only thing missing is the well-earned applause. --Lynn Gibson

Description

Angels and sugarplums. Candy canes and ice. A magic prince, a dreamy young girl, a mysterious old man and a Christmas tree that grows sky high. Enter the world of George Balanchines The Nutcracker, featuring the New York City Ballet, and let this all-new movie version of a timeless Yuletide fantasy, narrated ny Academy Award(R) winner Kevin Kline, draw you under its spell. Starring Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler and Bart Robinson Cook. Year: 1993 Director: Emile Ardolino Starring: Bart Robinson Cook, Macaulay Caulkin, Darci Kistler, Damian Woetzel
Rate Points :4.5
Binding :DVD
Brand :Warner Brothers
Label :Warner Home Video
Manufacturer :Warner Home Video
MPN :WARD13000D
ProductGroup :DVD
Studio :Warner Home Video
Publisher :Warner Home Video
UPC :085391300021
EAN :9786306510481
Price :$14.98USD
Lowest Price :$7.33USD
Customer ReviewsBest production of The Nutcracker
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
This is really the best production of this ballet that Ive ever seen! The costumes, staging and ballet are first rate. Macaulay Culkin is adorable as the Nutcracker Prince. Its also nice that the characters Marie and the Prince are performed by children.People with kids who like coloring pictures will be pleased to find a coloring book that is based on this production. Get this DVD, even if you have other versions.Nutcracker Ballet Coloring Book (Dover Pictorial Archives)

Wonderful Production!
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
This is a wonderful version of the Nutcracker. It is especially helpful to those new to ballet because there is a narrator who explains the story. The dancing and costumes are beautiful! I would recommend this DVD to anyone who loves the ballet.

A rare family event
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0
The Balanchines Nutcracker is one of the most beloved Nutcracker Ballets
in The United States. Many ballet companies have different versions of the holiday story, but this ballet is a warm exciting evening for all, even those who are not big dance enthusiast. You may not be able to go to the State Theatre in New York City to see a performance, but even better if you have small children, what a way to spend an evening at home with them. The narration on this DVD,by Kevin Klein also makes this an enjoyable relaxing evening

A common mans point of view.
Rating Point :5 Helpful Point :0

With over 60 reviews I doubt if this one is needed. Its too bad that some of the truely great ballets, like "Giselle" get so few reviews.

This is a well done ballet with some very good dancing even from the children. Macaulay Caulkin sometimes turns me off with that smirk of his, however. One can tell that these children are well trained, especially the Marie character.

The computer animation is also another turnoff as it lacks the spontaneity of a live performance with audience reaction. It goes down as a spectacle instead of a performance. Of course the music was delightful as usual, but the narration during the action is not needed and is detracting unless this is strictly for children, and they do not buy many ballet DVDs. If you are a parent or grandparent buy this for your children.

Baryshnikov version is much better
Rating Point :2 Helpful Point :0
Very disappointing if you actually want to see some ballet dancing.
There is no real dancing for the first hour, just theater and kids running around. The battle with the mice is not very dramatic, and, because Macaulay Caulkin is playing the nutcracker prince, theres no
dancing there. The second act is better, as the various candies and
Darci Kistler are lovely. Caulkin is totally out of place and distracts. For a much better version, with lots of great ballet dancing and an absolutely fabulous battle scene with the mice, see the American Ballet Theater version with Baryishnikov and Gelsey Kirkland. Barynikov is out of this world as the nutcracker prince.

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