Great Ballets from the Bolshoi 2 - DVD

This special collection brings together three acclaimed Royal Ballet performances of Tchaikovsky's celebrated masterpieces. The tragic and gloriously romantic Swan Lake features compelling dancing from Marianela Nunez and Thiago Soares, while an enchanting and visually striking the Sleeping Beauty, based on the classic 1946 production, showcases the Royal Ballet's inimitable style and virtuosity. Finally, the enduring Christmas favorite the Nutcracker is at it's most captivating in Peter Wright's timeless production.

This masterpiece of classical dance was filmed at the Bolshoi Theatre. Choreographer Yuri Grigorovich immerses himself in Hoffmann's fantastic imagery, and takes his cues from the traditional staging of Marius Petipa' scenario Battle of the Mice, Snowflake flurries, and character dances performed by the dolls who have come to life. The greatest talent of the Bolshoi Ballet appears in this production - Nina Kaptsova (Marie) and Artem Ovcharenko (the Nutcracker Prince) and Denis Savin (Drosselmeyer).

This special collection includes three Royal Ballet performances of Tchaikovsky's beloved masterpieces Anthony Dowell's majestic production of the beautiful and romantic tragedy Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty in it's detailed re-creation by Monica Mason of the landmark 1946 production, and Peter Wright's classic production of the quintessential Christmas ballet, The Nutcracker. These spectacular and iconic ballets present the virtuosity and skill of the whole Company. InchOsipova was riveting throughout... [Golding] demonstrates real brilliance and prowess.Inch (Swan Lake - The New York Times) Inchfresh and reinvigorated - Nutcrackers come and Nutcrackers go but the Royal Ballet's version is a hardy perennial. Peter Wright's version of Lev Ivanov's original 1892 ballet has undergone changes since it's debut in 1984 but it remains the one by which all others must be judged. Francesca Hayward dances like a dream child as Clara, expressive, musical and guileless and is ably partnered by Alexander Campbell as Hans-Peter.Inch (The Nutcracker - The Stage) InchIf you want spectacle at the ballet then this Sleeping Beauty is for you. Based on the opulent production that reopened the Royal Opera House after the Second World War, Monica Mason and Christopher Newton's staging is a sumptuous homage to the splendour of the French court of Louis XIV. With so much richness on stage, in costumes, sets and the sheer number of courtiers and fairytale characters, the view from the stalls is full to bursting.Inch (The Sleeping Beauty - The Times)