If there was a list of ballets that belonged on a non-Tchaikovsky greatest ballets list Romeo and Juliet would be on there, though I would put Giselle and Coppelia above it. This Bolshoi production is truly enchanting stuff though the Nureyev and Fonteyn production is my first choice from the DVDs available. The DVD doesn't do the production, which actually has nothing to complain about, justice, with some of the camera work looking a little dated and darkly-lit. The costumes and sets are traditional and elegant. Prokofiev's beautiful and dramatic music is beautifully played and conducted musically and sensitively. The choreography is so good you will be left in a trance, especially at the end of Act 1, and the dancing of it is done with poise and grace. Natalia Bessmertnova is a poignant Juliet and places her arm and leg lines perfectly, while Mikhail Lavrovsky's Romeo is dashing, youthful and with powerful jumps. In support, Yuri Papki was a perfect Mercutio being witty and loyal, and the Tybalt of Vladimir Levaschev had authority and cunning with smoothness of movement.
All in all, a wonderful production that was deserving of a better DVD. 9/10 Bethany Cox
All in all, a wonderful production that was deserving of a better DVD. 9/10 Bethany Cox