DVD : The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli

Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
Audience Rating: NR (Not Rated)
Binding: DVD
EAN: 9780769729251
Format: Classical, Color, DVD-Video, NTSC
ISBN: 0769729258
Label: Kultur Video
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
Number Of Discs: 1
Number Of Items: 1
Publisher: Kultur Video
Region Code: 1
Release Date: September 28, 2004
Running Time: 78 minutes
Studio: Kultur Video
Theatrical Release Date: December 16, 1977
Sales Rank: 1744
2925

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Editorial Review:

Description:
The Nutcracker marked the initial choreographic effort of Baryshnikov, universally hailed as one of the world’s greatest dancers. Under Baryshnikov’s inventive direction, the traditionally lighthearted story of a small girl’s dream on Christmas Eve is transformed into a more complex theatrical experience. Broadcast regularly on PBS, this American Ballet Theatre performance (directed in the studio by Tony Charmoli) stars Gelsey Kirkland as Clara and Mikhail Baryshnikov at the peak of his artistic ability as the Prince/Nutcracker.

Amazon.com:
The American Ballet Theater version of the Tchaikovsky classic, a 1977 studio rendition directed by Tony Charmoli, has become a holiday perennial on PBS stations and home video. It's a favorite of parents who want to give their kids the gift of culture--and with good reason. There's a loose fairy tale plot to keep dance neophytes interested, and Boris Aronson's eye-candy production design is a series of lavish dioramas. From an imperial-era Russian Christmas party out of Tolstoy, a young girl named Clara (Gelsey Kirkland) is whisked in dreams to an imaginary world populated by the animated creations of the wizard toy maker Drosselmeier (Alexander Minz), who prances on his stick-thin limbs like a Dickens illustration come to life. The main attraction is, of course, Mikhail Baryshnikov, one of the greatest classical dancers of the century, at his absolute peak of athleticism and precision. An opening slow-motion montage diagrams his fabled smoothness of execution, elegant airborne trajectories that have a feather-light perfection. Music lovers who know only "The Nutcracker Suite" will relish the chance to hear this great score all the way through, conducted with lilt and vigor by Kenneth Schermerhorn. --David Chute




Rating: - Not for HD
The American Ballet Theatre DVD has great music and dancing but it was not produced for HD in 1977. If picture quality is important, I suggest purchasing the more modern 2008 San Francisco ballet production. The SF choreography has far more charm than the dark ABT version. Nevertheless, one cannot top Kirkland's dancing with Baryshnikov.

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Rating: - Love It!
First of all, as a dancer from a family of dancers, I really don't care about how/why/costume/sound/story/etc - I will never tire of watching Baryshnikov dance. Paired here with a prima ballerina who can keep up with him, as Kirkland can, it's even better. Just for the sake of the dancing, I love this rendition.

Second, I do realize the interaction between Nutcracker/Clara/Drosselmeier can seem a bit twisted, but when watching this as a young adult, I figured Uncle Dross was just getting ... Read More

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Rating: - Magical!
Is the best word to describe it. I was obsessed with this ballet when I was a little girl. I had it on VHS and completely wore out the tape. It wasn't until a couple years ago that I decided to search for it on Amazon and was so thrilled to find it. I bought it instantly and now I watch it about twice a week. There's just something about it that I can't get enough of. I'm going to see the stage version next week for the first time since I was five and I'm nervous that I've spoiled myself with Baryshnikov!

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Rating: - Absolutely Exquisite
I am a dancer and ballet is my favorite type of dance. I have seen dozens of different Nutcrackers over the years, from the traditional to the avand garde. Nothing can compare with this version. Baryshnikov shines. And Kirkland is a most sensuous Clara/Marie. Their duet at the end replaced the traditional "sugarplum fairy" dance. But, what a duet! I never get tired of watching it. A true Christmas treasure.

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Rating: - Mikhail and Nutcracker how bad can it be?!
Perhaps the best interpretation of "The Nutcracker" ever made. Baryshnikov's finest hour. And as even the most ballet-ignorant know, that bar's set pretty high.

I have seen Mikhail Baryshnikov dance in the much-praised chick-flick "The Turning Point." And I have seen him dance his own interpretation of "Don Quixote." Good. Great, even. But not as much as fellow Russkie ballerino Nureyev's stab at "Quixote." And I have seen much more of him dancing. The man defies gravity, as well as many other ... Read More

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