Search - Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake [Blu-ray] on Blu-ray

A world-class performance!

Warden Manford | 08/25/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To date this Blu-ray performance of Tchaikowsky's Swan Lake is the best I have seen! Rudolf Nureyev's professional direction is an art to behold. The dancers' choreography is balanced and symetrical as well as easily understandable. Also, if desired, infrequent English subtitles help clarify the story line. Absolutely enchanting!"

The ballet is technically impressive and the music is extrao

Paul Dickinson | Chicago, IL | 01/05/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"'Tchaikovsky: Swan Lake' has a richly textured transfer that will please fans. Colors are vivid, black levels are inky, and detail is quite breathtaking. Just look at the costumes and cloaks worn by the various dancers - I could see individual stitching and accents on every inch of the costumes. Hair and sweat were particularly well defined and long shots of grouped dancers were sharp.
A top notch audio track keeps Tchaikovsky's compositions vibrant and kinetic. The surround mix, on the other hand, showcases robust dynamics and a stable soundfield that really sells the realism of the musical performance. The clarity of the strings had me initially fooled into assuming this was a lossless track and the bass lines have a strong presence despite the absence of an LFE channel (a low frequency effects channel -- noted by the ".1" designation in a typical "5.1" surround mix). Channel pans are particularly nice as violins and cellos swell across the soundscape. Lighter instruments like clarinets, oboes, and flutes are also well prioritized in the mix and never feel lost in the chaos of the horns.
Fans of classical music performances will find a lot to love here."

Superb dancing in this Nureyev choreographed Paris Opera pro

Mr. John A. Coulson | Australia | 08/13/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The lead dancers and the Corps de ballet of Paris Opera ballet produce a near perfect performance of this work to the accompanyment of Tchaikovsky's glorious music. The Nureyev interpretation sometimes invokes unusually slow tempos which can take some getting used to and his adapting of the storyline to give a slightly more male focus is interesting. I have loved this ballet and its music for over 50 years now and never tire of it. This production is a gem with excellent audio and video and clever filming which shows the company at its best. Thoroughly recommended.

And it IS 16x9 - the Lawrence review refers to the other Decca Marinsky blu ray whic is the old 4:3 format and should be moved. Technically this release is first rate.

John"

What I've waited for...

Thomas E. Ascher | Bellingham, WA | 12/20/2009

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been watching and loving Swan Lake, both live and on video for over 50 years. I currently own 7 other versions on either laserdisc, dvd or both.

I've been waiting for a production that is widescreen, superb picture and sound, that has wonderful performances, choreography and camera work. My wishes have been realized with this performance.

My only reservation is that I still miss the more traditional pre-Nureyev choreography. But I have to admit that, in many ways, this interpretation holds together better than earlier versions. It is more coherent and has many subtle, enhancements that give more detail, texture and depth. Also, the camerawork is utterly flawless, giving overhead views of patterning and group movement, meaningful close-ups of expressions, yet not intrusive on overall dance. There is no needless or excessive cutting. The camera knows when to just observe the action in medium-shot, allowing the viewer to choose which details to focus on.

Finally, Letestu is a passionate, visually expressive Odette. She is haunting, lyrical, captivating, wonderful! Her Odile is not Plisetskaya, but certainly adequate.

Incidently, this current Blu-ray version is widescreen, 16x9. The reviewer who commented it being 4x3 must have been watching another version."