Product Details

• Actors: Damian Smith, Elizabeth Powell, Davit Karapetyan, David Arce, Yuan Yuan Tan
• Directors: Matthew Diamond
• Format: Classical, Color, DTS Surround Sound, DVD, NTSC, Subtitled, Widescreen
• Language: French (Dolby Digital 5.1)
• Subtitles: French, German, Spanish, Italian
• Region: All Regions
• Aspect Ratio: 1.78:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Bbc / Opus
• DVD Release Date: November 18, 2008
• Run Time: 132 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.1 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (29 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B001HBX918
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #30,218 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)
• For more information about "Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet" visit the Internet Movie Database (IMDb)

Editorial Reviews

TCHAIKOVSKY:NUTCRACKER - DVD Movie

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A beautiful version, December 17, 2008

By 

Emily Kissner (Biglerville, PA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet (DVD)

We purchased this to prepare our two sons to see a local live production of the Nutcracker. We love it! The quality of the production is just beautiful, especially in HD. It makes explaining the story to children much easier. (There is also a synopsis on the DVD, which is very helpful) This production includes the applause of the audience, which helps to make it feel like a real performance and not a silent stage set. It is a bright, lively performance.

The DVD is organized in chapters, which makes it easy to navigate from scene to scene. Our four year old has asked to watch it again three nights in a row, and we can easily skip from one favorite part to another. (Right now, he likes the Children's March and the battle scene the best.) My favorite is the Snow scene, which is absolutely gorgeous.

The storyline doesn't stray too far from the familiar tale, but there are some interesting twists. Drosselmeyer is mysterious, but not scary, and we enjoyed watching the opening bit in his clock shop. The stage magic is entertaining and fun. The young Clara transforms into an older version of herself in Act 2. There are some fun surprises in Act 2, with little twists on the usual dances. Even the Arabian dance, usually my least favorite, is fun to watch.

Whether you are looking for a first Nutcracker, or you want to add to a collection, this is a great performance to buy. (Parents and teachers: The San Francisco Ballet has a wonderful teaching guide on their website, with additional background and activities.)

46 of 48 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Magical Nutcracker, December 15, 2008

By 

Randy Buck (Brooklyn, NY USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet (DVD)

This new SF Ballet production of the Tchaikovsky warhorse is a real treat for dance fans and novices alike. The physical mounting's sumptuous, witty, and the San Francisco references seem playful, not forced. There are moments of such stunning beauty in this performance, the music, design, dance and storytelling combine to transport the viewer instantly to a happy, marvelling state of childhood. Would serve as an ideal introduction to the NUTCRACKER for young viewers, and there's plenty for their parents to enjoy, too. Highly, highly recommended.

31 of 34 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A wonderful performance, December 18, 2008

By 

julier "julier" (Virginia) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker - San Francisco Ballet (DVD)

This is a spectacular performance of the Nutcracker with lots of little twists on the traditional dances. My parents who are classical music, ballet and opera lovers said it's the best Nutcracker they've ever seen. The dancing is marvelous, and the costumes are elegant and beautiful, set in the period during the San Francisco 1915 world's fair. If this is not the best Nutcracker, then it's got to be in the top two or three. You won't be disappointed if you purchase this DVD.