Customer Reviews

Nutcracker, the Motion Picture

5 star:		(15)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Every year I check to see whether this movie has been released on DVD and every year I am disappointed. Thank goodness they still show it on tv. This version of the Nutcracker actually develops the story, and the set by Maurice Sendak is gorgeous. I love that an actual young girl plays Clara in the first half, not a ballerina, and the young Clara is a beautiful dancer. I managed to record this movie off the tv years ago and it's the only reason why I still have a VCR.

Every year for the past six years when the holidays seasons comes around and Christmas comes near, I log on to Amazon to see if this movie version of the Nutcracker Sweet has finally been released on DVD, and every year I'm disappointed to see it not there. But at least they they have this VHS listing up with the promise of a potential "maybe soon" for the DVD.

By far this is my favorite rendering of the Nutcracker, mostly because it is the most true to the original classic. While still beautiful and elegant, this one has slightly darker undertones, which gives it less of a kiddy feel. Beyond that by staying closer to the original, the entire second half actually has context and meaning, instead of it being ballet for the sake of ballet. Add in the majestic pieces, superbly choreographed dance, and expertly crafted costuming and sets, and this movie comes alive like none of the other Nutcrackers have before.

I can't recommend this version highly enough. And if it ever comes to DVD it will be a very merry Christmas indeed.

I remember watching this when it first became available. I was entranced by the entire production, the first act is usually a little stale because it's the background information leading up to the dream sequence but in this video it is lively, entertaining and truly shows you the connections of the mother and father becoming characters in the second act. I am now a retired ballerina and I danced in the nutcracker for 20 consecutive years and of all of the productions I have seen and been in this video still captures the magic more beautifully than any other. If you want a ballet video that will be cherished for years and enjoyed by young and old this is the one to get - enjoy your holiday season!

If you are looking for a Nutcracker video and are confused as to which one to get, because there are just so many, stop here! This is the best version of the Nutcracker, good for people who like a story and for people who like dance. This version has the most character development and best cinemotagraphy out of all the nutcrackers. The dancing and the sets are also exquisit.

A stunning production of a Christmas Classic, beautifully danced by the Pacific Northwest Ballet with sets and costume design by Maurice Sendak, directed by Carroll Ballard. It's a vision for children and adults alike. I have to shake my head in amazement that yet another holiday will probably go by without this wonderful film being available on DVD.

I was lucky enough to see this lovely holiday film with my children at the theater when it was released, and I keep hoping I'll be able to see it with them again now that they're grown on a great quality DVD. For now, I'll just have to cling to my battered VHS for however long it takes....

Please release Nutcracker - The Motion Picture on DVD!!

This version of the Nutcracker is completely faithful to Hoffman's original story, with a real storyline children can relate to. The set design, by Maurice Sendak, is incredible, and the dancing is enchanting for all ages. If you only watch one version of the Nutcracker, this is the version to watch. And please, somebody - this production needs to be put onto DVD!

For as long as I remember, we would all pile on the couch for that special night during the holiday season when this movie would air. We all LOVED it; it's such a beautiful, dramatic representation of the real story. Unfortunately, networks in my area don't play the movie anymore, and I wish it was available for my children to watch. And who do we have to contact to get this released on DVD? Hundreds of stupid shows and movies are released for no good reason and everyone wants a copy of this on DVD and can't get it! Sign a petition if you find one!

Just by accident, today I found Nutcracker: The Motion Picture available on Amazon's Video On Demand for under $10. Half the details and all the reviews there are for another film, but I bought the download and I indeed got "Nutcracker, the Motion Picture." Needless to say, I am thrilled to death because (1) I don't own a VCR, and (2) I watch all my DVDs on my computer anyway, so having the film as a digital download rather than a physical DVD is not an issue. Since I bought it, I can save it as a data file to a disc for storage, if I want to. I still hope it comes out on DVD someday, but at least I can watch it this Christmas. Last year, it wasn't even shown on any channel I have access to. The sound is good. The colors are bright. The picture is sharp. This is a great deal!

I have seen my fare share of Nutcracker renditions, remakes, etc. But, to me there is none that compare to this one. It is very rare for a production to encorporate many aspects from the original story telling, while making this a unique play that explains the transition from childhood to adulthood. The story is not sugar coated and sweet, and you can actually feel a lot of the sexual tension that is hinted at in the triangle between Godather, Clara, and the Nutcracker. In addition, because the costume and set design was done by Maurice Sendak, there is an entirely otherworldy feel, that is extremely fresh and refreshing, compared to the candy-cane palaces you get in most modern productions. My one regret is that this has not been released on DVD, because it certainly is a treasure in my house.

It's too bad this wonderful Tchaikovsky ballet "The Nutcracker" had a "Christmas" theme. It's condemned to be performed only at the Christmas season, but it should be seen anytime of the year. To prove my point,look at the dates on all the reviews. They are all dated right around Christmas. The fact is I watch it whenever I want to see a good ballet. Of course, this is not a live ballet with audience participation, but because it is a movie, lots of magical things can happen. A doll house can have real live ballerinas and harlequins dancing in it's miniature rooms. Just wind up the key and everything comes alive. As she walks through the coat sleeve of a giant mouse Clara magically changes from a young girl into a beautiful Princess. Because it is a "dream" even more fantastic things can happen, for instance, Clara's Mother can become a beautiful Peacock (actually she is a Peahen), but again, this is a dream, so a Peahen can be adorned as splendidly as a Peacock, and can dance to the music of the Arabian Dance. A ferocious tiger can be restrained by ribbons and controlled by children as they dance to the Chinese Dance. Unfortunately there is no Sugar Plum Fairy, but Clara (Patricia Barker) dances the Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Patricia Barker can also be seen in the fabulous production of "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by the Pacific Northwest Ballet, either in HI-DEF DVD, Blu-ray, or Standard Def DVD....... A Midsummer Night's Dream [HD DVD].....It would be great if this Nutcracker was available in Blu-ray. The Pacific Northwest Ballet is a very talented Ballet Company, and every ballet I've seen by them has been fabulous. Since this is not available on DVD and is out of production, it is already becoming a collectors item....Here is another listing....Nutcracker Motion Picture [VHS]....Nutcracker:The Motion Picture [VHS]...There are several, so check them all for price. It is only available on VHS, and pre-viewed is better than nothing....Richard