Customer Reviews

Billboards - The Joffrey Ballet with the music of Prince [VHS]

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(0)
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I first saw the Joffrey Ballet perform this ballet 5 years ago, when they still were located in New York. It had been quite a while when I noticed a copy of the video in my school library (at NC School of the Arts). So, of course I picked it up to refresh my memory. I was totally blown away, once again. The choreography is spectacular and flashy, the dancing is amazing--I'm not a cameraman, I'm a dancer but I thought the recording itself was a work of art. If someone truly enjoys a totally fun time and would like to see a "ballet for people who hate ballet" this is DEFINITELY it!

Billboards is one of the hottest, if not "THE" hottest ballets ever choreographed. It is a cross between MTV, and classical ballet. The music by Prince, the steps by various contemporary choreographers, and the costumes out of Studio 54. The steps are jazzy, sassy, flashy, fresh, and always fierce! This tape is a must have.

You don't really have to be a ballet or Prince fan to enjoy this show. I saw it both on PBS and live on stage, and this video is a wonderful souvenir of the show. It is fun, energetic, a little sexy, and features some outstanding young dancers. Not much "traditional" ballet here, but viewers can easily see how much hard work and discipline goes in to ballet training. Ballet purists may be a bit put off by this performance, but for the rest of us it a an excellent way to enjoy an art form we wouldn't normally view otherwise.

My only complaint about the recording is the canned applause. Much of it seem forcibly and awkardly inserted. The live audience certainly seemed to appreciate and enjoy the show, but it is obvious that the cheers and applause were sweetened for effect.


******* November 2010 Update: I gave away my VHS copy many years ago after acquiring the show on laserdisc. I have since transferred the show to DVD and it looks great!

I was blow away when I first saw this performance on PBS. I searched for this video and, after several years, I was told it is available.... The sound quality is good. The opening numbers make it hard to sit still. Some of the choreography needs a little work. One dancer at the begining almost falls. I did notice, at times, some of the enthusiasm of the dancers wanes. The cut "Willing and Able" is by far the best on the video and is worth the cost of the tape. Good modern entertainment.

Outstanding programing that should definitely be released on DVD! I am not really a ballet fan and not even a real dance fan, but this thing blew me away. My VHS is on its last legs and this is something I would love to continue to watch and listen to well into the future...Everyone I have ever shared it with has been mesmerized by the melding of some classic songs from his Purple Baddness and a total visual feast of beautiful people who know how to move...Don't miss this...

The marriage between the music of Prince, a great artist and the dance of the Joffrey Ballet. This is something to see and see again and again.
The choreography is very unique, very skilled dancers supported by an exquisite choice of music.

Specially "I wanna melt with U" where a dazzling ballerina plays an erotic game with two male dancers, flying (literally) with a sophisticated technique of movement and expression.
Joyfull!

I, too, first saw this performance on PBS in the early 90s and was captivated. I was familiar with the songs, and the context, and so was a bit puzzled at first, at the thought of any ballet company trying to dance to Prince's music, who was one of my favorites at the time.

I needn't have been concerned - the choreographers did a marvelous job of capturing the emotional content of many of the numbers and the tongue-in-cheek attitude of some of the lyrics. I'm THRILLED to see it available at last!

The creativity and choice of music is unsurpassed! A spectacular programming achievement that should be seen by anyone who enjoys dance.

I was glad to have found this! I searched for years and at one point it was almost $100, which is way to much!! I had forgotten how new video technology was back then. I just remembered LOVING the performance. I'd purchased the VHS at the venue but lent to a friend who denies every borrowing it.
Vendor product came in original VHS cover, in almost new condition. Tape played well. I can't get over how much technology has improved though!

I would order from this vendor again. I think package arrived in 2-3 days, way quicker than I expected.