Product Details

• Actors: Mikhail Baryshnikov, Natalia Makarova, American Ballet Theatre
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Paramount Home Video
• VHS Release Date: December 22, 1992
• Run Time: 95 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6303100791
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #157,836 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Makarova and Baryshnikov bring Kirov magic to ABT's Giselle, August 23, 2004

By 

nysusan "nysusan" (New York, NY United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Adam: Giselle (American Ballet Theatre) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This is an amazing version of Giselle - and my favorite. It was taped live in NY in 1977, with Baryshnikov & Makarova, Martine van Hamel as Myrta, Frank Smith as Hilarion, Marianna Tcherkassky and Kirk Peterson in the peasant pas de deux, Jolanda Menendez & Nannette Glushak as Moyna & Zulma. Baryshnivov is amazing to watch, not only because of his technique, but also because of his artistry. Makarova is every bit as good as he is and together they are simply stunning both in the technical aspects of their performance and in their ability to project the emotional power of the story. It's wonderful to see two such talented artists at the height of their powers, so totally commited to their artistry. The whole cast is excellent.This has been out of print for a long time, grab it if you can find it

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars There Is None Other To Compare This Giselle To, December 1, 2007

By 

E. Barkley (California) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Adam: Giselle (American Ballet Theatre) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

This version of Giselle is the benchmark to judge all Giselles. What sets this Giselle apart from all the others are the extensions that both Baryshnikov & Makarova put into their technical performances. Martine van Hamel, well, I'm in love with her, and her performance is simply the best Myrtha I have ever witnessed, expressing the correct demeanour matched only by her phenomenal technical performance considering that she is not exactly a petite ballerina--that is what makes her performance extraordinarily amazing! It is for the performance of Myrtha by Hamel that I am drawn time and again to this Giselle excluding, of course, the famous variation of Giselle in the second act that only Makarova has done to perfection. However, Hamel puts on such a consistently well executed performance of extrenuous movements throughout her entire retinue that I am literally drawn to tears of overwhelming emotion, just as I am drawn to tears by Makarova's performance in the first act. There are a few flaws in this American production, one committed by Baryshnikov which is still difficult for me to understand how it could have happened being that it is a simple movement during the Grand Pas de deux. The Corps de Ballet is also a little lacking, especially in the Pas de deux scene between the two Willis, where the timing of the movement is off from the orchestra. What really makes this ballet the success that you hear from other critics is the score used by the orchestra which only accentuates the dramtic effect of the artists' performances. If you do not own this video, get it no matter the price! You will not regret it, even with the few flaws I've mentioned, it is still my favorite Giselle. And, if you have read other reviews of mine, you will be pleased to note that the filmography of this ballet is perfect; not once are the feet cut off by the camera during critical performances of the footwork.

6 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The GISELLE of the Century!!!, November 14, 2005

By 

Fausto Barzaghi (Italy) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Adam: Giselle (American Ballet Theatre) [VHS] (VHS Tape)

The best Giselle I've ever seen on stage or recorded in decades!. Makarova is not only a ballerina, but a true musical butterfly!!!
Despite the poor quality of the video, there is no price for such an overwhelming item! Makarova is the best Giselle since... since ever. And Barishnikov even matches the historical Nureyuev, with less romantic (?) affections.
Simply, a must to have!!!