George Balanchine's The Nutcracker (1993)

Tchaikovsky's timeless Yuletide ballet is presented in an all-new movie version with as much eloquence as one would find in a live stage production. Replete with gorgeous costumes and scenery, George Balanchine's production, adapted by Peter Martins, features the New York City Ballet with narration by Kevin Kline. From the moment the Nutcracker prince winds toymaker Drosselmeier's life-sized dolls, viewers are ushered into the captivating story of a little girl's Christmas Eve fantasy of beauty, magic, and sugarplums. While several versions of this beloved tale are available in video, this one is distinguished for the magnificent performances of a large cast of young ballet dancers from the School of American Ballet. While Culkin lends his star-studded name, that is all he lends in what is mostly a wooden performance (he often appears on the sidelines looking quite blasé and detached). More deserving accolades go to Jessica Lynn Cohen as Marie, whose genuineness never wanes and dance steps never falter. Bart Robinson Cook is wonderful as the playful Herr Drosselmeier, and Darci Kistler is the graceful Sugarplum Fairy. Mostly this film belongs to children--both on the stage and in the audience. What is lacking in spontaneous energy of live theater is made up for in a perfectly polished performance. The only thing missing is the well-earned applause. --Lynn Gibson Amazon.com

Best production of The Nutcracker

This is really the best production of this ballet that I've ever seen! The costumes, staging and ballet are first rate. Macaulay Culkin is adorable as the Nutcracker Prince. It's also nice that the characters Marie and the Prince are performed by children.People with kids who like coloring pictures will be pleased to find a coloring book that is based on this production. Get this DVD, even if you have other versions.Nutcracker Ballet Coloring Book (Dover Pictorial Archives) July 24, 2008

A common man's point of view.

With over 60 reviews I doubt if this one is needed. It's too bad that some of the truely great ballets, like "Giselle" get so few reviews.

This is a well done ballet with some very good dancing even from the children. Macaulay Caulkin sometimes turns me off with that smirk of his, however. One can tell that these children are well trained, especially the Marie character.

The computer animation is also another turnoff as it lacks the spontaneity of a live performance with audience reaction. It goes down as a spectacle instead of a performance. Of course the music was delightful as usual, but the narration during the action is not needed and is detracting unless this is strictly for children, and they do not buy many ballet DVDs. If you are a parent or grandparent buy this for your children. July 20, 2008

Classic!

Whats to say? Its the Nutcracker.... everyone should watch it at least once a year! April 20, 2008

The Perfect Nutcracker for Children

If you're looking for a kid-friendly version of the Nutcracker, easy to understand and intriguing, this DVD is for you. It has mostly child dancers viewers can relate to, has unobtrusive, occasional narration to help viewers understand the plot, and is gentle in the "scary" parts. The Mouse King portion is not scary which is a concern for younger children. My four-year-old daughter who loves ballet was delighted with this DVD and I'd call it a success. Only four stars because it really doesn't appeal to adults much. If you want a companion book to help explain the story, I recommend "Nutcracker Ballet (Paperback)" by Vladimir Vagin. It follows this DVD closely. See my review with the book. April 17, 2008

reviewing Nutcracker DVD

I bought The Nutcracker DVD and my grandchildren loved it. We only played in five times or so and yesterday when we tried watching it, half way through it gets stuck and won't go any further. It's broken! So glad you asked me for my review because I have been trying to find a way to contact you about this problem. I really feel that I should be given a new DVD, but, again, don't know how to contact you and talk about the problem. Please refer these comments to the appropriate people. We did love it when it worked! March 12, 2008

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