Editorial Product Review:

Description:
Available on DVD for the first time - Filmed in HD wide-screen. A colorful, imaginative and modern version of Prokofiev's popular classic ballet, performed by one of the world's most prestigious dance companies, in the choreography of their Artistic Director, Jean-Christophe Maillot. Like Prokofiev, Maillot sees Cinderella not only as a fairy tale character but also a human being, who lives and feels and whose fate moves us. Through this essentially human vision, Maillot toys with natural and supernatural elements to reveal a giant picture book, both strange and familiar. The brilliant ensemble is led by exquisite prima ballerina Bernice Coppieters as the Fairy Godmother, and the amazing Aurélia Schaefer as Cinderella. Two bonus features will reward ballet enthusiasts: a portrait of Bernice Coppieters and 'The Making of the Ballet.'









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Customer Rating: - Unexpected
I took a gamble buying this DVD with little editorial comment provided. It is a work of true artistic merit, much in the style of 20th century stage drama that Prokofiev may have embraced. It is modern, perhaps too modern and abstracted for a tale which many would expect to fit a traditional mold (Disney style and such). There are dance approaches that tend more toward the erotic and create psychodramatic effects that are not sensitive to all audiences. Trying to turn the tale into some kind of allegorical or primitive emotional display is perhaps a tribute to the spirit of Prokofiev, but not so much to the cultural heritage of the tale.

The presentation is clean, abstract and clever with eccentricities and hyperdramatic energy typified in 20th century dance. There is great character development appropriate to the spirit of the drama.

The musical performance is in question, because this is not a live presentation. I believe the ballet was performed with recorded music and studio produced. Also, the sense of deeper purpose than to entertain an electrified audience runs throughout the performance and in the (detached) styles of the performers.

A contemporary and original concept, but not for the enjoyment of all.

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Customer Rating: - A Wonderful Blend Of Tradition And Modernity!
The story of Cinderella has its origins in antiquity, but our modern concept of the story is due to Charles Perrault and the Brother's Grimm. It is from the Perrault version that we get the role of the Fairy Godmother and it is from the Grimm version that we find a link between Cinderella's adventures and her mother's spirit(manifested in the form of two birds in the Grimm version). The concept in this ballet combines elements from both versions, and even includes ideas from other versions. The dancing itself is mostly based on classical ballet technique with the usual character elements. For example, all the female roles are danced entirely on pointe with the exception of the dancers in foreign lands and, most notably, Cinderella herself, whose roles are danced barefoot. The other traditional aspect is the presentation of the story itself. We begin with a pas de deux between the father(danced by Roelandt) and his first wife, Cinderella's mother(danced by Coppieters, who also dances the part of the the Fairy). The relationship between the members of the original family is emphasized, which gives this story great emotional depth. It is the love in this family that survives the mother's death and gives the impetus for the adventures to come. There is even a scene at the end, where the father is happy to see his daughter's joyous fate, but then realizes how lonely he is and the spirit of his first wife returns to comfort him. Most of the other aspects of the story are included in their familiar forms. The modern aspects are the sets and costumes. They are quite surreal and impressionistic, but the entire ballet genre could be said to be surreal and impressionistic so this fits just fine. The music is mostly Prokofiev's Cinderella, but some music from other Prokofiev pieces is also used. There are actually two DVDs in this set. One is the performance and the other includes an extensive look into the rehearsals and making of this ballet, as well as a documentary on the life and art of Bernice Coppieters. There are subtitles in English, German, Spanish, and Chinese(most of the discussions are in French).
The dancing is of the highest caliber and the story is presented in one of the most thorough and romantic styles. Don't miss this most amazing and unique version of Cinderella!