Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker – San Francisco Ballet

Ballerina Flat 5 comments

This visually stunning, all-new production of Nutcracker,
choreographed by Helgi Tomasson (artistic director of the San
Francisco Ballet) is a graceful and timeless adventure on a grand
scale. The scenic design by Michael Yeargan, setting the tale at
the time of the 1915 San Francisco World Fair, is sensational.
From the lovely Waltz of the Flowers to the crystalline beauty of
the stunning Snowflake Waltz, each scene is more breathtaking
than the last, bringing to life all the well-known and beloved
characters with fresh sparkle and compelling originality.
Recorded in High Definition video and true surround sound,
this age-transcending production offers a dazzling magical
journe… More >>
$19.54
4.0
Tchaikovsky: Nutcracker – San Francisco Ballet

Ballet DVDs Ballet, Francisco, Nutcracker, Tchaikovsky

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Written by Larry R. Coffman about 10 months ago.

I Agree to a certain extent with those who felt there were too many close-ups. However, I believe the ensemble dancing was well covered with long shots as were most of the solos, pas-de-deuxs, etc. In addition to the ballet, there are extras on the blu-ray version (which I am reviewing) and, I assume, on the standard DVD, including the wonderful short documentary of the 1915 World’s Fair which inspired the lovely production design and choreography by Helgi Tommason and others. The performance on this disc was in 2007.

It is unfortunate that the Blu-ray recording is not available in the U.S. I ordered my copy from a private vendor in the U.K. through Amazon.com United Kingdom. The audio is recorded in PCM 5.0 and is very good with a wide dynamic range. The price for the imported Blu-ray disc is a little “stiff,” but if you want the best “Nutcracker” available in high def, you might find it worth it. It is far superior to the ugly Marinsky production (also from Opus Arte) and more suitable for children. So far, foreign imports I have bought on Blu-ray have not been regionally encoded and, therefore, you will have no trouble playing this disc on any Blu-ray capable component. If you wait, it may be offered in this country at a somewhat lower price, but I see no indication that this Blu-ray HD recording will be available here in the near future.
Rating: 5 / 5
Written by K. Stenger about 10 months ago.

I bought this production of the Nutcracker because my three year-old was still begging to go back and see Clara two months after we’d seen a local production at Christmas. She adores it and watches it every day. It is just the right length for little ones and adults can appreciate the quality of the dancing, set, costumes, and choreography. I especially like the touch of San Francisco the director added. I highly recommend it.
Rating: 5 / 5
Written by Ballet Lover about 10 months ago.

I was actually present at one of the taping sessions for this magnificent ballet. One year later, it is a joy to watch it over again. This is a visual feast. The dancing is beyond compare and the musical score magnificent!
Rating: 5 / 5
Written by A. Markel about 10 months ago.

This is by far the best performance of the Nutcracker I’ve seen, live or recorded. The fresh setting (both time –1915, and location–San Francisco), as well as the beautiful costumes and the fabulous twist on the pas de deux make it a pleasure to watch. The use of the World’s Fair Pavilion as a backdrop for Act 2 is also a fun change.

This production is more child-friendly than many others, because it lacks the creepy persona that Drosselmeier is often given. There is also a more playful nature to many of the dances (the Chinese dance with the dragon comes to mind) which children love.

Helgi Tomasson should be commended for choreographing an old standard in a new way that makes it exciting to both new viewers and those who have seen the ballet many times before.
Rating: 5 / 5
Written by Lilli about 10 months ago.

Having seen Nutcracker in several productions, I can say that this one is incredibly beautiful, from the colors, to the coreography. First act is charming with a party scene with little boys and gilrs. My daughter favorite are Clara’s friends, expecially the smaller one with the yellow dress. The snow scene is a classical beauty with great snow and lights effects. The second act starts with a scene that reminds me of Midnight Summer Dreams, flowers and dragonflies and cute small ladybugs dancing with the Sugar Plum Fairy. This scene is best appreciated from a distance as the coreography creates circle of flowers that open and close in delicate shades of yellow and orange. The Russian Dance is also one of my favorite. Madame De Cirque and her buffons are as cute as ever. A well deserved applause to these little dancers.
Rating: 5 / 5

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