Customer Reviews

Nureyev's Don Quixote / Lanchbery, Nureyev, Helpmann, Aldous, Australian Ballet

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This complete version of the ballet by Minkus was supervised entirely by Nureyev, not only a great artist and dancer but also a man of excellent visual imagination. There are no weird camera angles, a fault that is common in film presentations done by filmmakers who are unfamiliar with the unique requirements of dance. It also presents Nureyev in an unusual role in which he is allowed to capitalize on his quick, bright sense of humor. THIS MOST EXCELLENT BALLET VIDEO IS LIVELY AND DELIGHTFUL, AN ESSENTIAL PART OF ANY BALLETOMANE'S VIDEO LIBRARY OR THE PERFECT INITIATORY PRODUCTION FOR THE BALLET NEOPHYTE.

This DVD is a spectacular restoration of one of the best ballet films of all time. It has a terrific performance by Nureyev, and features the great Lucette Aldous, a perfect match for Nureyev in charisma and technique. The DVD also has numerous bonus materials, including a "making of" documentary and side-by-side before-and-after scenes to illustrate the restoration. I also have the VHS and laser disk of this movie, and they are both dark and dirty looking compared to this beautiful DVD. It's really a great improvement and well worth purchasing.

This totally remastered version of this ballet shows Nureyev at his most brilliant. The DVD itself has biographies on the artists but best of all it has "the making of" 20 minute special showing how the film was put conceived by two of the ballet worlds creative artists, Nureyev and Sir Robert Helpmann. Not to be missed for the true balletomane.

This is my FAVOURITE ballet video. I can watch Nureyev forever and never get tired. The whole ballet is filmed like a movie. And because it's directed by Nureyev, there are no annoying extreme closeups of dancers' faces. Lucette Aldous, who dances Kitri, is like a firecracker, she never stops. And Robert Helpmann is a very chivalric Don Quixote.

...this is a handsome and historical ballet film...well worth owning, especially if you are an admirer of Nureyev. The film has been carefully restored and there is a short restoration demo and also a 'making of' short. The bottom line is that this Australian Ballet film is beautifully mounted and very well performed. Mr Nureyev is at the height of his abilities (1973)...and it is a joy to watch.

I have had the pleasure of seeing Nureyev dance on VHS tapes and read much about him, but I never really saw Nureyev until I saw him in this DVD! I have always heard that his beauty was shocking and I was able to see him as clearly as if I was standing next to him during the entire DVD. It is TRUE that his beauty is beyond description. The dancing by all was wonderful, but I could not take my eyes off of Nureyev until about my 10th viewing! I also loved the segment on the making of the movie. It was fascinating and showed what I imagine would be rare footage of everyone involved in the movie. If you REALLY want to see Nureyev you MUST add this one to your collection! Nureyev's Don Quixote is a masterpiece but you must purchase the DVD or you will lose so much that makes this ballet wonderful.

Essential. Often called the greatest dance film ever made, and easy to see why when witnessing Nureyev's blazing solos.
--Octavio Roca, Dance critic

I bought this as I loved the music by Minkus and bought the CD of it last year. Because of it I bought the DVD of the ballet and it is wonderful and this is Nureyev at his best. A very colourful, fast moving and exhilarating ballet beautifully produced. All the scenery and costumes are Spanish.

My requirements were that the version available was a ballet danced in the traditional style,with traditional tutus and costume,with tradtional stage settings. This item met my specifications completely. Amazon's understandings and desire to fill their customers needs has proved to be far more dedicated than face to face service received from local retailers.

With Nureyev and Helpmann in the directorial chairs and Nuraeyev, Helpmann and Lucette Aldous as lead dancers, this 1973 film glittered with dance, costume, scenery and music. The 1999 restoration enables us to see the production at its best, a best which is hard to beat. The Don Quixote story is barely utilized but supplies the framework for ensemble, duet and solo dance which puts it among the finer demonstrations of ballet centered film making. Nureyev does not disappoint though dividing his energy between the two roles, directing and dancing. In Lucette Aldous and the Australian Ballet he has found able support while Robert Helpmann does well all that is required of him.
In all, a most entertaining movie with all the flashy movement and lush setting that one could hope for. Settle down in front of your screen and enjoy.