Fulvue Drive-In.com
Current Reviews
In Stores Soon
 
In Stores Now
 
DVD Reviews, SACD Reviews Essays Interviews Contact Us Meet the Staff
An Explanation of Our Rating System Search  
Category:    Home > Reviews > Classical Music > Ballet > Drama > The Art Of John Neumeier: Death In Venice (Tod in Venedig/2004) + The Art Of Mats Ek: Giselle (1987/both ArtHaus Musik/Naxos Blu-rays)

The Art Of John Neumeier: Death In Venice (Tod in Venedig/2004) + The Art Of Mats Ek: Giselle (1987/both ArtHaus Musik/Naxos Blu-rays)



Picture: B Sound: B Extras: B Concerts: B



The Art Of John Neumeier: Death In Venice (Tod in Venedig)


I'll be the first to admit that I don't know too much about classical ballet, but I will say that The Work of John Neumier is pretty impressive. From the Hamburg ballet at Festspielhaus Baden-Baden in 2004 comes a beautiful performance of Death In Venice featuring Lloyd Riggins (Gustav von Aschenbach, Master Choreographer), Laura Cazzaniga, Ivan Urban, Helene Bouchet and Elizabeth Cooper on piano. Visually interesting and expertly choreographed, this is a fun performance to watch.


One key element is the music - which features Johann Sebastian Bach and Richard Wagner, both of which help tell a story without words but rather with dance and interpretive language.


Presented in 1080i high definition and 1.78:1 widescreen image, the show looks as good as it can considering the codec and would benefit to a 1080p switch or higher, but that's the way it was shot. Still, the audio track sounds great with a PCM 2.0 Stereo track that brings out the classical music very well.



The Art Of Mats Ek: Giselle


Another great release from Art Haus is Swedish choreographer Mats Ek's Giselle, which has an up-beat tone and backgrounds that remind me of Dr. Seuss and Pablo Picasso. With a world premiere onstage in 1982 and adapted for TV in 1987, this Cullberg Ballet performance features music by Adolphe Adam. The cast includes Ana Laguna (Giselle), Luc Bouy (Albrecht), Yvan Auzely (Hilarion), Vanessa McIntosh (Bathilde) and Lena Wennergren (Myrtha).


Presented in 1080i high definition and 1.66:1 full-frame image, the costumes here are mostly white or light colors which complement the background colors well. The PCM 2.0 Stereo soundtrack sounds crisp and clear throughout as well.


Special Features on both include...

Siddharta

Don Quichot

Raymonda

Full color insert booklet/Slipcase


Venice adds...

Der andere Liebestod

Another Liebestod


These are both great releases for those that enjoy classical music and ballot.



- James Lockhart

https://www.facebook.com/jamesharlandlockhartv/


Marketplace


 
 Copyright © MMIII through MMX fulvuedrive-in.com