Rare revival of old ballet from the 1800's
L. Klaja | New York, New York | 04/21/2006
(5 out of 5 stars)
"This ballet was first choreographed by the French balletmaster Jules Perrot in 1844. The Russian balletmaster Marius Petipa redid it in 1886 based on the original by Perrot. It was very popular with the leading ballerinas and became a classic. The story is based on Victor Hugo's "Notre Dame de Paris" (The Hunchback of Notre Dame". The emphasis is on the plight of a gypsy girl who falls in love with a man above her station. A delightful touch is added by the appearance of her live pet goat on stage. This is not the version of the ballet choreographed later on by Agrippina Vaganova."
Abysmal
Raymond A. Firer | 10/02/2007
(1 out of 5 stars)
"Esmeralda
In my opinion, this must surely rate as the most disappointing ballet I have ever seen.
The picture quality is poor, probably because it was taken from an old film but what was even worse was the production! The set is very small, allowing the dancers little room to move, resulting in stilted jumps and turns. Even allowing for that, the standard of dancing is well below par, and the choreography poor.
I cannot recommend this DVD to anyone, not even as an historic record."
Impossible quality !
A. W. M. Schoormans | Netherlands | 10/06/2007
(1 out of 5 stars)
"I also bought this dvd a year ago in a PAL version. I didn't espect it was first class quality, because the price was low. I liked the ballet performance. The dancers did their best very well, but indeed on a to small stage! But the quality of this dvd was very very disappointing. It was almost viewing through a curtain!
I don't believe this was because it was an old recording. I have older ballets that are ten times better ! It's a real shame that something went wrong when this ballet was recorded on dvd. Buyers are warned now!
"
Poor Esmeralda
Jose Brito | Estoril,Portugal | 02/15/2009
(1 out of 5 stars)
"This ballet written by Cesare Pugni in 1844 has regained here a glimpse of life but it is so abridged,poorly staged and almost amateur-like danced that it turns out to be a dream not come true.In fact,I wish Kirov would ask Mr.Lacotte to help stage this beautiful ballet so that we could enjoy this once beloved ballet."