The Nutcracker (DVD, 2004)

Mikhail Baryshnikov's Nutcracker, choreographed for American Ballet Theater when he was its artistic director, was one of the first to challenge the hold that Balanchine's New York City Ballet Nutcracker had on the ballet-goers of New York. This Mr. B. cast the sublime Gelsey Kirkland (formerly of NYCB) to dance the part of Clara (instead of a child) and gave her an indeterminate age, somewhere on the brink of womanhood. It is a more of a psychological ballet, delving into Clara's emotions and her awakening sexuality.
The choreography is closer to the original Russian Nutcracker which had its debut in St. Petersburg, Russia, at the Maryinsky Theater, in 1892. Marius Petipa’s assistant, Lev Ivanov, set most of the choreography, and much of it is still apparent in Baryshnikov's modified version on this video which has been made into a DVD.
It is one of the few chances to see Gelsey Kirkland dance, as there were very few videos made of her performances.
I recommend it to those who are interested in something different from the New York City Ballet's video version (featuring McCauley Culkin), and, especially to those of you who like to make comparisons between different Nutcrackers (a hobby of mine, I confess!). It is a good DVD to have in your ballet collection.

I am a big Gelsey Kirkland fan & bought this dvd after owning the vhs for years. This is prime dancing, you won't be dissappointed.

Although this production with original choreography by Mikhail Barishnikov and Kenneth Schermerhom may disappoint purists, it introduces younger viewers to a less complex (confusing) story line than that of the Balanchine production. Seen more often on TV, Balanchine's New York City Ballet's version has a lengthy first act; the Mice Battles with the Toy Soldiers terrify. It seems to take forever for the protagonists to arrive at the Dance of the Snowflakes in the land of The Sugar Plum Fairy. In Baryishnikov's production the main characters are somewhat telescoped so we see him (in his prime) with the shooting star of the ballet world, Gelsey Kirkland, throughout the piece; one wishes they would dance forever. Their talent, so sympathetic to the score, more than makes up for the more showy, elaborate Balanchine version. And best of all for young viewers, the mice are clearly adults dancing as mice, not nightmarish creations.

Enchanting ballet; a delightful addition to the Christmas holiday season! I did miss the voyage on the Lemonade sea though. Costuming was beautiful.

The Nutcracker DVD was very good quality and we greatly enjoyed it. We will make watching this DVD an annual tradition.

The item took longer to get to me, but it was on back order. I just wish that they would have let me know a bit sooner about that, but once they said that it shipped, it was here very fast! Love it!!

LOVE IT! THIS WAS A SPECIAL REQUEST FROM MY GOD DAUGHTER. SHE IS ONLY THREE YEARS OLD! THE VIDEO TOOK A LITTLE LONGER THAN EXPECTED. IT WAS ON BACK ORDER!

The product was NOT available, it was advertised as BUY IT NOW.
I have no desire to do any more business in ebay.
Please remove me form your records.
Art

Never got my purchase! I can't make a comment since I never received it! Why do people sell things on ebay if they have no intention of selling it to you.

I usually try to see the Nutcracker on stage every year at Christmas time and knew that I was not going to make it this year, so I decided to purchase the dvd instead. I have always been a fan Gelsey Kirkland so I knew I wanted a dvd with her performance. The dvd arrived very quickly and both the dvd and the package were in perfect condition. I was very pleased with the purchase!

I used to take my daughters and granddaughters to The Nutcracker Ballet every Christmas for years. We moved two years ago so it is not easy to go any more. I bought the DVD of the ballet so I could continue to watch it from our home. It is a very nice DVD and it really starts the Christmas season for me. I really enjoy it and am sure that others would also.

In my mind this is THE Nutcracker. The dancing is amazing. Watching Mikhail Baryshnikov leap thru the air as if gravity does not exist and land as light as a feather never gets old for me. All of the dancers are superb and excellent actors as well. It's colorful, exciting, well filmed. My daughter (5) is also enthralled. Fortunately she has not been jaded by the special effects of todays movies where people do that sort of thing all the time. It is romantic and dramatic so plays into all of her "Disney Princess-Barbie Princess" desires. We are all familiar with the music but to see it with the actual choreography is such a treat. My daughter does not do dance or ballet, but when watching this movie, she will fly around the room, and will spin on my office chair "it's my prince holding me up!". I think this is an excellent way to introduce both classical dance and musical appreciation to children. When we are in a store and she hears the music she will say, "Mommy, it's the Nutcracker!", or "Mommy, this is where the Russian men are dancing!". I feel very good about that. Last year we went to a local (small) production of the Nutcracker and she really enjoyed it. This year we will try for the "Big City" one. I can't recommend it enough.

This seller provided excellent communiction and service. I was pleased to receive the DVD of the Nutcracker in new, unopened and perfect condition just as I had hoped! I would recommend this seller to anyone considering a purchase with them.