Customer Reviews

The Little Humpbacked Horse / Maya Plisetskaya, Vladimir Vasiliev, Bolshoi Ballet

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Despite the datedness of this production (including some primitive animation and an unintentionally funny undersea scene), it is well worth owning for the dancing and charisma of its two principals. In 1961, Maya Plisetskaya was considered by many to be the greatest ballerina of her time; Vladimir Vasiliev (now Gen'l & Artistic Director of the Bolshoi) was a rising young star of the Bolshoi. Plisetskaya's unusual strength and flamboyance created a unique presence, and Vasiliev's clean technique and unmannered style are admirable even by today's standards. Also very enjoyable are the Russian folkloric elements of the production, with wonderful character actors and dancers.

This ballet, formed from a much beloved as well as archetypal Russian folk tale was created for the Bolshoi Ballet's Maya Plisetskaya by her husband, supremely skillful orchestrator Rodion Shchedrin, composer of the work. Lissome Plisetskaya's recognized strengths, here as the Queen Maiden, are clearly in evidence throughout the film: matchless elevation, splendidly disciplined movements, and emotional interpretation that covers a wide range. English ballerina Alicia Markova's published comment that Plisetskaya is incapable of completing fouttés is thoroughly discredited as the latter lightly tosses off more than the 32 of these demanding turns that have become traditional in the role of Odile in Le Lac des Cygnes, to which Markova refers. Plisetskaya is partnered here by a youthful Vladimir Vasiliev, (later both General, and Artistic, Director of the Bolshoi Theatre), whose acrobatic flair as Ivan is on display, his highly accomplished technique nearly matching in worthiness that of the great ballerina. Partly filmed during an actual performance at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow that utilizes original sets crafted for the piece, the narrative rhythm of the ballet is nearly daunted by an attempt to augment its essentially folkloric elements with primordial animation, in addition to superimposition and uninspiring table top models, but fortunately the narrative and dancing prevail. The Bolshoi's house Ballet Master, Alexandre Radunsky, not only choreographs and scripts the production, but also plays as the King, and Alla Scherbinina is wonderful as the Little Humpbacked Horse whose conjuring powers are of signal importance to Ivan, while the Bolshoi Corps and soloists are as accomplished as ever in secondary but crucial character parts. The film has no dialogue as produced by Mosfilm, and certainly none is required, but English language voiceover narration is added by Artkino and accompanies a Kultur release, not in the event inappropriate as it is spare while yet being descriptive of the storyline's progress. At any rate, all else fades from a viewer's attention when Maya Plisetkaya dances.

This is my daughter's favorite ballet. The story and presentation are children-friendly. And the absolutely fabulous dancing will make this a treat for adults. My family watches this ballet at least once a month.

I really enjoyed the DVD because it is a Russian folk story that features one of the greatest ballerinas ever. I greatly admire Maya Plisetskaya's technical and performance abilities and I especially enjoyed seeing her execute the fouette turns with the corps de ballet towards the middle of the DVD. The film was a bit fuzzy, but the story and music were a joy. I recommend this for children, especially children studying classical ballet because it shows us that ballet does not have to be stiff, sterile or acrobatic to entertain, as is so often the case now.

Thoroughly enjoyed this production, despite parts of it being dated. This does not detract from its overall charm. Brilliant performances from Maya Plisetskaya, and the characters of Ivan and the King. Delightful window into another time and culture. The score is beautiful, the storyline enchanting and already it's a family favourite.

This is a must have ballet to be enjoyed by adults and children. The story is engaging and the production offers amazing specials effects considering that it was done at the Bolshoi in the early 60's. In this ballet one can not select a performer. All of them are absolutely marvelous.

A Russian folktale made into a movie/ballet/drama. This is not a well made movie but still quite enjoyable telling of a story with lush costumes and ballet accompaniment. Not a great ballet movie, very dated in style and videography;however, the narration and comedic story help.