Cirque du Soleil - Varekai (2003)

not for the hoi polloi

The amazon editorial review states, "this artsy circus aspires to weave a narrative..." keyword: aspires

If your a big fan of cirque..., please disregard my opinion. The show is filled with excellently synchronized dancing and extraordinary acrobatics and I can understand the appreciation cirque...gathers. However, I don't believe this type of show is entertaining for the common folk (the hoi polloi).

If you enjoy opera and or a couple hours of acrobatics and tangents of dances then go see it. I just got back from Vegas and am glad I didn't pay the money... I was curious of the hype and borrowed this DVD and again am glad I didn't pay for one of their shows.

Most of the summary/plot reviews are about two sentences long. That pretty much sums up the show correctly. The other 95% is just filler: a variety of incontiguous dances, contortions, juggling, and impressive acrobatics. Though many of the acrobatics are simply amazing (they kept me from walking out due to lack of interest), when it comes to continuity or any sort of story line Varekai comes up short. They cram their show full of random 10 to 15 minute performances that don't really seem to follow each other- a various talent show. It was like a soap opera in which everyday brings a completely new cast of characters and plot. I really wish these very talented acrobats (of whom are simply amazing at what they do and obviously spend a lifetime of what must be daily exercises) could find better writers.

Costumes are dissimilar from set to set, which further inhibits the poor attempt at a story line. I appreciate the effort put into said costumes. They are very eclectic. Although for me downright creepy. If I didn't have xenophobia before the show, I certainly have it now. I can see why they don't let children under 5 into many of their performances. If I were dreaming and some of these characters started to appear, I'd freak out.

Conclusion: This was my first Cirque du Soleil show and more than likely my last. Though, if $90-$150 is nothing to you then go ahead and see one of their shows for yourself. After all, opinions vary.
December 2, 2008

wanting more

This is a wonderful DVD. I would highly recommend it to any one who likes the circus, beautiful costumes, exciting airel acts. We will buy the whole set. We loved it. November 2, 2008

Cirque Du Soleil is theater and magic.

I love Varekia i have the sound track and the dvd, Cirque is pure magic and theater combined, very true to the art form of entertainment. excellent story, magical characters, breath taking feats, beautiful costuming ,superb in all sense of the word one of the best i have ever seen, i can't wait to actually see Cirque Du Soleil live! March 25, 2008

So it is colorful and feats of skill...but

I wanted this to be so much more than it is. I understand that it is difficult to harness the energy of a performance and place it in a package but this one is so woefully lacking that I can't recommend it to anyone. If you want to play it in the background during a party to show off your HD Plasma then it will work but don't expect anyone to pay attention long term. October 12, 2007

Best yet

Of all the Cirque de Soleil DVD's I have purchased - this is by far the best. The perfomers are top notch - as is the case in all the Cirque productions but this one has exceptional costumes and music.

I highly recommend it - especially if you are a first time buyer of Cirque work. May 12, 2007

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