Stars: Paris Opera Ballet, Monique Loudieres, Charles Jude, Lionel Delanoe

Director: Alexandre Tarta

Summary: Choreographed by Rudolph Nureyev and recorded at the Opera Bastille in Paris, this production of Romeo and Juliet combines with Cinderella, The Nutcracker and La Bayadere and was the final episode in Nureyev's choreography output in Paris.

The talents of three legends -- ballet great Rudolf Nureyev, infamous playwright William Shakespeare, and Romantic composer Prokofiev -- converge in this lovely 1995 performance the ballet version of ROMEO & JULIET. Based on Shakespeare's classic love tragedy, the ballet features Prokofiev's music and masterful choreography and staging by Nureyev. Monique Loudieres and Manuel Legris dance the roles of the star-crossed lovers with passion and grace.

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The combination of Prokofiev's masterful score with Nureyev's choreography for the ballet company of the Paris Opera could hardly make this Romeo and Julietanything but a success. However, as it's Nureyev, God is in the detail, and while the sheer exuberance of Manuel Legris and Monique Loudieres in the leading roles is undeniable, it's the little things that count, such as Romeo's shyness as he shuffles from one foot to another in the presence of the object of his affections (it's one thing to do dying swans and amorous raptures, but not everyone can effectively choreograph a fidget). The production is visually stunning, although there's an am-dram overstatedness to the glary lighting thatcan take one aback somewhat. What's very good indeed, however, is the presence of surround and stereo audio options and a multi-angle option, which are all too often omitted altogether from dance DVDs. The booklet notes are detailed but unfussy.--Roger Thomas

Aspect Ratio:	2.35 Wide Screen, 16:9 Wide Screen
Main Language:	English
Region:	Region 2
Special Features:	Interactive Menus, Scene Access
Year:	1995
Release Date:	April 10, 2000
Runtime:	140 minutes
Certification:	Exempt.
Catalogue Number:	0630 15154 2
Keywords:	Music, Ballet, Opera, Dance, Works, Romeo, Juliet, Stage, Rudolf, Classical, Performing, Operetta, Arts, Nureyev's
Genre:	Music/Performing Arts