Search - The Red Shoes [Criterion Collection] on DVD

MPAA Rating: NR Content Advisory: Suitable for Children Movie Release: 1948 DVD Release: 05/18/1999 Format: DVD - Pan and Scan Edition: Special Collection Audio Tracks: English Subtitles: English SwapaDVD Credits: 1 Number of Discs: 1 Run Time: 2 hrs 14 mins Studio: Criterion Members Wishing: 36 Genres: Drama, Musical, Romantic Drama, Musical Drama

Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's influential musical tragedy set the stage for the climactic dance ballets that became a staple of the Arthur Freed-MGM musicals (An American in Paris, Singin' in the Rain and The Band Wagon) of the early 1950s. Hans Christian Andersen's tragic fairy tale forms the basis of this film about betrayal, love and art. The story begins as struggling composer Julian Craster (Marius Goring) attends a performance of the Lermontov Ballet Company and recognizes his own score in the production of "Hearts of Fire." Julian protests to ballet company director Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook) about the unauthorized use of his music. Impressed by Julian's talent, Boris hires him to compose the score for his next ballet -- a dance version of "The Red Shoes." Boris also hires an attractive young dancer, Victoria Page (Moira Shearer), to perform in the ballet. When the lead ballerina announces that she plans to get married, Boris, in a pique over being abandoned, casts Victoria in the starring role. As Julian works on the score and Victoria struggles to perfect her dance technique, the two fall in love. When "The Red Shoes" ballet is premiered -- seen in a stunning and glorious fifteen-minute sequence -- it is a raging success and it makes Victoria a star. But when Boris learns that Julian and Victoria have fallen in love, Boris, who is secretly in love with Victoria, in a fit of rage forces Julian to leave the ballet company; Victoria leaves with him. Since Boris owns the rights to "The Red Shoes" ballet, he forbids Victoria to perform the dance and she becomes unemployable. Time passes and Julian and Victoria are now happily married. Julian's compositions have made him an international success. One day, with Victoria disembarking from a train in Paris, she meets Boris, who implores her to do one performance of "The Red Shoes" in Monaco. Victoria agrees as Julian cancels an engagement in London to travel to Monte Carlo in order to convince his wife not to perform the ballet. But Victoria goes on with the performance, with tragic results. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide

Anton Walbrook - Boris Lermontov
Marius Goring - Julian Craster
Moira Shearer - Victoria Page
Léonide Massine - Grischa Ljubov
Albert Basserman - Sergei Ratov

Criterion's presentation of this classic film is typical of their DVD productions: stupendous. As often is the case, a number of quality supplements are included. At the top of the list would have to be an exceptional partly scene-specific commentary moderated by film historian Ian Christie, with interviews from stars Marius Goring and Moira Shearer, director of photography Jack Cardiff, composer Brian Easdale, and devoted fan, director Martin Scorsese. On a separate audio track, Jeremy Irons' wonderful voice reads excerpts from directors Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's novelization of The Red Shoes and the original Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale -The Red Shoes. A real treasure is a gallery, made up of many photographs of posters, lobby cards, and more from a personal collection of Scorsese. In addition to this is a second gallery, made up of numerous production shots and even a few from deleted scenes. A featurette, utilizing the angle button, where animated storyboards and the final filmed version can be viewed, will also appeal to a legion of fans. Finally, along with the film's trailer, is an extraordinary filmography of Powell and Pressburger, including not only text, but film clips from many of the movies they made. The film is nothing short of remarkable as well. The transfer, shown in its original full-frame aspect ratio of 1.33:1 isn't exactly flawless, as minute scratches are visible from beginning to end, but the new digital transfer, supervised by Cardiff, is far better than has been available before, and these minor faults are far from a distraction. Detail is outstanding and the depth of field is simply marvelous. Color, an essential element of the film, comes across vividly. Skin tones are equally impressive. The mono Dolby Digital sound, utilizing the original elements, is accurate in its presentation from the theatrical release. Criterion, not known for altering the sound on their titles, has done a splendid job with what was available. Dialogue is clear, and the music, though it may have had a fuller sound with some enhancements, still comes across beautifully. Once again, Criterion releases a DVD that equals the art of the film itself. ~ Trent Fordham, All Movie Guide