Search - Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Kolpakova, Berezhnoi, Kunakova, Kirov Ballet on DVD

Beyond Perfection

Brother Pan | Berkeley, California | 04/17/2006

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The ballerinas in this production by the Kirov are dazzling. One wonders how one company can have so many dancers operating at such a high level of brilliance. The set for Act 2 - enormous background paintings in fall colors - stands out in particular. But it is the dancing of the Corps, along with the individual fairies and Aurora herself, that make the viewing of this DVD a reason to go on living."

Best Version on DVD

Eric Henwood-Greer | Victoria, BC CANADA | 01/16/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"As a huge fan of Russian ballet, and The Sleeping Beauty in general, this DVD is the best full length Beauty we have available. Until they wise up and film the current Kirov/Mariinsky reconstruction fot he original 1890 production (you can find a glorious performance of Act III on the DVD New Year's Eve in St Petersburg), this probably will remain the best filmed version despite worthy and interesting productions on DVD from the Royal Ballet nad the Bolshoi.



This is the production Konstantin Sergeyev premiered in 1953, and has remained in the repertoire of the Kirov/Marrinsky since then and is something of a classic in its own rights. It's also, arguably but to my mind, the most faithful to the original Petipa choreography we have. Yes Sergeyev replaced a lot of the mime and made some other changes (some of which, like the new male variations, are, while far from authentic, admirable additions), but we get the basic text of this ballet down to all of the charming wedding divertisements, most not performed in the West.



Kolpokova was nearing the end of her career when this was filmed in 1983, and I admit the idea of a 50 year old Aurora can be off putting--but the lady dances spectacularly and is a great and welcome presence. Everyone else is in fine form--the men and the classic female corps of the Kirov in particular.



A must for any classic ballet lovers and Sleeping Beauty fans out there."