Search - Prokofiev's Peter and the Wolf / Royal Ballet School on DVD

Great for Kids

dpk-VT | Vermont | 10/18/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought this DVD for my kids, who are familiar with "Peter and the Wolf" from CD and book versions. Both the 5 year old girl and 3 year old boy wanted to see it again at the end of the first showing. It is well done, and my kids obviously enjoyed seeing other kids perform on stage. My kids have no prior exposure to ballet, and this is why I bought it. Based on one of the prior reviews, which complained of close up camera work, I nearly didn't order it. It turns out that the occasional close up is not at all a negative, especially for my kids, since it allowed them to identify with the character. They argued which one they wanted to be. In any case, usually most or all of the stage is shown.
The DVD, although short and without extras, is inexpensive and a good counter to the latest disney shlock."

Little Girls Love This Ballet

D. Bell | Olney, MD USA | 04/03/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I bought three copies of this DVD, one for myself, one for my 8-year-old granddaughter, and one for a friend's daughters, ages 11, 9, and 6. All of us, including my friend and his wife, loved it. It is the perfect length for children who are being introduced to ballet. The costumes are beautiful and colorful, and, of course, the music is outstanding. The students dance very well. At the price, it's a bargain. Buy this video & enjoy it with your young ones. Even boys would like this one!"

Excellent Interpretation!

woodfamily100 | Anaheim, CA USA | 05/29/2002

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I found this little chestnut on the day we (finally) purchased a DVD player. As a parent and sometime performer, I'm always looking for new ways to introduce my children to classic stories and music. In this production of "Peter and the Wolf," they get both.As my wife and I watched, we both realized that here was a very clever rendition. I'll grant you that there is very little teaching of musical instruments here, beyond what is written in the narration. But as a simple ballet, using minimal sets, this rendition of an old favorite rings very true. The music, as much as the dancing, sells this disc. I would take my daughters to see such a production in a theater.Casting was masterful. The principles were delightful, and their characterizations were never over-stated. Sir Anthony Dowell lends a wonderful air of old-fashioned story-teller as both the narrator and the grandfather. The use of chorus to depict meadow, tree, or pond was very cleverly done.All in all, I'm sure Prokofiev would be pleased. I know I was."

Charming Classic

Richard M. Teeter | Walnut Creek, CA USA | 08/27/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Not much to say. I found it absolutely charming. The dancers are all very good, especially considering their ages. Anthony Dowell gives his expected expert performance. This would make an excellent introduction to ballet for children, perhaps inspiring them like "The Red Shoes" did when I was young."