Stars: Nadja Saidakova, Vladimir Malakhov, Oliver Matz, Staatskapelle Berlin, Daniel Barenboim

Summary: A modern performance of Hoffman's Christnmas fairy tale set to the music of Tchaikovsky.

Peter Tchaikovsky's THE NUTCRACKER is arguably the most famous ballet of all time, having crossed over to the realm of pop culture. Performed at hundreds of different venues around the world every Christmas, this enchanting tale of a young girl meeting her Nutcracker Prince is loved by millions. The performance recorded on this video release is very special indeed, having premiered exactly 107 years after the very first NUTCRACKER was staged. Internationally renowned choreographer Patrice Bart adds an illuminating prologue which updates the story into a modern context, and stars Nadja Saidakova and Vladimir Malakhov dance the main roles beautifully.

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It's easy to see why The Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky's perennially popular ballet first performed in 1892, has such enduring appeal. As Patrice Bart's 1999 production shows, it is always beautiful to look at, lending itself to the Christmas season where it has a permanent place in the schedules of the major dance companies. And Hoffmann's tale of the troubled child who must go on a wonderful (and occasionally terrifying) journey of discovery has a universal and timeless appeal.

Bart's production for the Staatsoper Unter den Linden in Berlin builds on Petipa's original choreography and develops the context of the child Marie's (Nadja Saidakova) anxiety into a strong narrative. The godfather Drosselmayer (Oliver Matz) is initially a sinister figure, forcing her to confront past events before leading her into the glittering land of the Sugar Plum Fairy. Here, all expectations are exceeded. The familiarity of Tchaikovsky's intricately woven themes works in total harmony with sumptuous production values. The dancing is sublime. As the Prince, Vladimir Malakhov evokes the spirit of a young Nureyev. His pas de deux with the Sugar Plum Fairy should challenge even the most cynical tear ducts. Sit back, share the frisson of anticipation as Daniel Barenboim enters the conductor's box and let the whole experience engulf you.

On the DVD: There are no extras. In addition to the 16:9 picture format, which enhances the authentic theatrical atmosphere, the Dolby Digital 5.1 sound helps make this Nutcracker an aural feast. Under Barenboim's masterful control, the orchestra draws you into the heart of the music. Booklet notes provide historical background as well as performer biographies, but a more complete cast list would have been useful. --Piers Ford

Aspect Ratio:	16:9 Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 0
Year:	1999
Release Date:	November 6, 2000
Runtime:	118 minutes
Certification:	Exempt.
Catalogue Number:	100 118
Keywords:	Music, Ballet, Dance, Works, Nutcracker, Stage, Classical, Performing, Arts
Genre:	Music/Performing Arts