DVD/Videos: Giselle

[mylildancer]

If one cannot get their hands on the Giselle DVD staring Mahkarova and Baryshnikov, which Giselle would be the next best thing? Any suggestions?

[thecostumelady]

I love the version with Erik Bruhn and Carla Fracci.

[Victoria Leigh]

I like that one, too, however, I like anything with Erik Bruhn! And Carla Fracci is so right for any of the romantic period roles.

[LauraR]

Interesting that you would recommend the ABT DVD. The only one I could find was a late 60's filming. I haven't seen it, but I saw some reviews claiming the camera angles and 60's cinematography took away from the ballet too much to be enjoyed. I saw other mediocre reviews and decided to by-pass it.

 

My dd is performing a piece from Giselle for her SI performance, so we were also searching for a good Giselle DVD. We ended up watching Rudolf Nureyev and Lynn Seymour. I've only seen Giselle one other time, and that was our company's production years and years ago. I am not qualified to speak of the technical aspects of this DVD production, but the sets and costume were very nice and Ms. Seymour was very convincing as a peasant. She seemed to be a bit older in this production.

[mom2]

I have the Bruhn/Fracci version. It is wonderful. Because it was filmed for television, the camera is not miles away from the dancers as it would be for a live performance. I love being able to see things in this detail.

 

Of course, any opportunity to see footage of Erik Bruhn should not be missed!!

 

 

m2

[mohnurka]

I think it is most interesting to be able to watch several different performances and compare. There are a few that haven't been mentioned yet -

with Mezentseva, Zaklinsky, Terekhova, and Selyutsky (Kirov-Mariinsky, 1983);

with Bessmertnova, Lavrovsky, Kozlova (I don't remember who danced Hilarion) (Bolshoi);

with Zakharova, Bolle, Romagna, D'Amato (La Scala, 2005);

with Ferri and Murru (sorry, I don't remember the other names) (La Scala);

with Semenyaka, Anissimov, Gracheva (Bolshoi, 1993);

with Durante, Kumakawa (Royal Ballet? I don't remember, I saw this one a long time ago).

 

The Giselles with Mezentseva and Bessmertnova are my personal two favorites.

[Guest JustMigrating]

I really enjoy the Svetlana Zakharova/Roberto Bolle version (La Scala Ballet).

[LauraR]

I have the Bruhn/Fracci version. It is wonderful. Because it was filmed for television, the camera is not miles away from the dancers as it would be for a live performance. I love being able to see things in this detail.

 

Of course, any opportunity to see footage of Erik Bruhn should not be missed!!

 

 

m2

 

Now I'm disappointed that I followed the reviewer's advice and did not choose this one. I think we'll go back and watch it!

[EricaHart]

I really enjoy the Svetlana Zakharova/Roberto Bolle version (La Scala Ballet).

 

I've seen this one numerous times and love it. Of course, I've also seen that recent one that was shown in 3D in theatres.