Product Details

• Format: Classical, Color, NTSC
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Kultur Video
• VHS Release Date: September 24, 1996
• Run Time: 160 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6304218036
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #274,414 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

It may be a truism to say that Russians interpret Russian music best, but based on this stunning Kirov Ballet performance taped during its 1989 Canadian tour, it's excitingly and exhilaratingly accurate. Tchaikovsky's ballet is brought to vividly atmospheric life by the company who may dance him better than any other company, even the rival Bolshoi, especially in this production by master Kirov choreographer Marius Petipa (revised by his successor, Konstantin Sergeyev).

From the principal dancers (Larissa Lezhnina is simply fabulous as Princess Aurora, and her partner, Farukh Ruzimatov, is her equal as Prince Désiré) to the last member of the ensemble, the grace and mastery of this world-class company is in evidence from the opening Marche to the closing duet. Simon Virsaladze's tastefully opulent sets and costumes contribute strongly, as does Viktor Fedotov's conducting and the Kirov Orchestra's playing of one of ballet's most attractive scores. --Kevin Filipski

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 33 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The Sleeping Beauty/ Kirov Ballet, July 2, 2002

By 

Lea Jadis "leajadis" - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Kirov Ballet (DVD)

The uppers:
This was such a great performance of this ballet. The camera angles helped compliment the dancers and Larissa is adorable as Princess Aurora. The set, costumes, and corps helped to accent the principle dancers. The choreography was well done to the music and the orchestral balance was fine tuned. They also included all the most memorable songs and themes. Many movie verson cut some out due to available tape time, but this one kept to the original main themes.

The downers:

They tried to add some Computer Graphics at one point that was rather annoying, but they did not interfere with the ballet so it is permissible. They DID happen to cut off the corps at some points and the corps got rejected for more intricate choreography, and they repeated their movements quite a bit. Still, it is one of the better corps parts that I have seen.

*I hope that you enjoy this ballet and that this review was helpful to you!

38 of 44 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Breathaking ! A Ballet Enjoyed In Many Levels, December 21, 2002

By 

Rachel Garret (Beverly Hills) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Kirov Ballet (DVD)

Tchaikovsky's second ballet, presented at a prestigious Russian theater in the 1880's, became successful and standard for ballet dancers and is still a ballet enjoyed by many in several levels. It is the age-old Sleeping Beauty fairy tale. Aurora is the princess under the curse of a wicked fairy, doomed to sleep forever until a prince awakens her with a kiss. Bits and pieces of the Tchaikovsky score was used in the 50's Dysney animated film, Sleeping Beauty. This DVD is visually striking and the Russian ensemble who perform the ballet are exceptional. The costumes are gorgeous, true to the French-style that Tchaikovsky was going for when he wrote this (he was said to be modeling the court of King Louis XIV). The principal dancers in the roles of Aurora and Prince Desire, as well as the evil fairy, express themselves fully in their solos. Fancy footwork, pas de deux, lavish corp and the ensuing divertissements in Aurora and the Prince's wedding are fine examples of how great the ballet is visually on DVD and in the hands of the Russians.

Act I begins with the theme associated with the evil fairy, dark, powerful and fatalistic, but is subdued when the hopeful, romantically melodic theme of the Lilac Fairy (Aurora's fairy godmother) erupts into a glorius introduction. The kingdom prepares for Aurora's christening (The March) and congregate in the hall of the castle. The fairies endow the child with special qualities, beauty, grace, song, etc..keep in mind this is not all that different from the Dysney film or the fairy tale. When the Lilac Fairy is about to bestow her gift on the baby, the evil fairy and her minions storm the castle and the evil fairy rages in her fury about not being invited. In revenge, she casts a dark spell on the child. She will prick her finger on a pointy spindle and die. Of course, the Lilac Fairy offers hope and reverses some of the spell. Aurora will sleep and not die, awaken only after the kiss of her true love prince. Also, the entire kingdom will sleep with her. Act 2 features Aurora as a young woman who is awakening to her femininity, celebrating her sixteenth birthday, surrounded by loving and doting parents and many interested princely suitors. The Waltz, the Rose Adagio and Aurora's Death are the highlights. In the final act, the Prince, with the help of the Lilac Fairy, defeats the evil fairy, penetrates the castle and awakens the sleeping beauty with a kiss. Their wedding features many characters from fairy tales, including Cinderella and Puss'N'Boots. The Apotheose ends gloriously, and is without doubt Tchaikovksy's most brilliant work for orchestra.

This ballet is a great introduction for ballet novices, a lesson in good choreography and over all, a glittering rendition of the masterful art. Who says ballet is sentimental nonsense ? It is a passionate, engulfing and living art form that requires stamina, endurance and precision, full of magnetism and full of life. This particular ballet can be enjoyed in many levels. Children will like the fairy tale ambiance, adults will enjoy the developing ballet structure and balletomanes will be in heaven. I am a ballet/ music and opera teacher and encourage any medium to instill a love of the arts. On DVD, ballet is a must see, almost, but never quite, like, seeing a live performance.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A muscial and visual delight, March 2, 2002

By 

Karen B. Chenier "kchenier" (LA, CA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Kirov Ballet (DVD)

This DVD is exceptional! I am very pleased. The quality of the digital images is clear and crisp and the audio is wonderful. The Kirov's Sleeping Beauty is staged, choreography and danced beautifully. I highly recommend anyone interested in romantic/classical ballet to purchase this DVD.