Search - The Nutcracker - Tchaikovsky, Peter Wright, Irek Mukhamedov on DVD

Well done.

Titus orange | 11/01/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"I enjoyed this version of 'The Nutcracker' very much. The costumes and scenery and stage mechanics were very well thought out and a joy to see. The choreography was also a little different from most of the other Nutcracker DVD's I own. I particularly liked the battle between the toy soldiers and the mice. Also the 'Waltz of the Flowers' was more varied and interesting than most other versions I've seen. I think a lot of thought went into the details of this ballet and overall it has a very whimsical and lighthearted feel."

Sir Peter Wright's Masterpiece

The Joy of Music | Victoria, B.C., Canada | 12/12/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This is a Nutcracker which would appeal to Kids Of All Ages!

It should win Awards for: Best Christmas Party, Best Acting, Best Directing, Best Dancing by a Provincial Troupe, Best Costumes, Best Battle between Rat King and Nutcracker Prince and their Armies, Best and Cutest Child Dancer/Actors, Best Performance by an Older Male Dancer (Irek Mukhamedov at age 40 is just amazing, and he KNOWS how to showcase his Ballerinas to perfection!) I could go on - I have seen it 4 times so far, and I keep noticing new bits of clever Stage Business! The Grandfather's Dance is delightful, The Adagio is excellent, Fritz is The Most Convincing Brat Ever Seen on Stage, etc., etc..

OK, the Downside: 1) Unfortunately, Kultur chose to use a 4:3 Screen Ratio, and it's no use stretching, zooming or whatever, it just distorts the bodies and faces. 2) The soundtrack does not stand up to close scrutiny: Barry Wordsworth does an excellent job of Conducting, but there is an idiot in the Control Room who, for no apparent reason, moves the Gain Control up or down at random. In addition, soundtrack distortion increases noticeably as the SPL rises. Heard on the best possible (2 channel) equipment it just doesn't compare to top recent recordings such as the 2007 Baden Baden Opera Gala. 3) Clara's permanent look of amazement and delight probably looks great on stage, but could use some variation on screen.

This DVD is, overall, an excellent value. Buy it, enjoy it, and if the negatives bother you too much, give it to a Friend who isn't as picky. They will be delighted!"