Ballet Shoes

Starring:Angela Thorne, Barbara Lott, Jane Slaughter, Elizabeth Morgan, Sarah Prince, Joanna David, Sheila Keith, Terence Skelton, Bridget Kelly (II), Julian Herrington, Edmund Kente, Samantha Clogg, John Crocker, Patrick Godfrey, Hazel Dorling, Mary Morris
Director: Timothy Combe
Studio: Bfs Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

It's been said that this 1948 classic has been responsible for the ballet lessons of more young girls than any other film. It's not hard to understand why: Michael Powell and Emerich Pressburger's dark fairy tale presents the ballet as an exquisite, magical work of art; but under the theatrics and glory is an all-consuming lifestyle with the power to destroy those who love it perhaps too much. Moira Shearer practically glows as Victoria "Vicky" Page, a young woman consumed by a will to dance who is accepted into the highly prestigious ballet company run by perfectionist Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook). Meanwhile, a gifted young composer, Julian Craster (Marius Goring), is brought on board as an orchestra coach, and later conductor and composer of the ballet that will make Vicky's name: The Red Shoes, one of the most beautiful and dramatic dances ever captured on film. Professional and personal jealousies soon pull this creative team apart, however, and Vicky is torn between her love of Julian, her responsibility to Boris, and her need to dance. Powell and Pressburger recast Hans Christian Andersen's sad story as a modern romantic melodrama, highlighted by beautiful dances and shot, not as stage ballets, but rather as expressionist cinematic dramas on impossibly grand sets awash with bold color and beautifully captured in glorious Technicolor by cinematographer Jack Cardiff. It's a brilliant melding of dance and drama as Vicky's real life mirror's the tragic story she danced in the Red Shoes ballet. --Sean Axmaker

Description

A glorious Technicolor epic that influenced generations of filmmakers, artists, and aspiring ballerinas, The Red Shoes intricately weaves backstage life with the thrill of performance. A young ballerina (Moira Shearer) is torn between two forces: the composer who loves her (Marius Goring), and the impresario determined to fashion her into a great dancer (Anton Walbrook). Criterion is proud to present The Red Shoes in its DVD premiere.

Customer Reviews:

The Red Shoes.......2007-06-25

Close to sixty years after its initial release, Michael Powell and Emeric Pressburger's best-remembered classic remains one of the most sumptuous Technicolor films ever made. The ballet sequences (choreographed by Robert Helpmann) are breathtaking, but never eclipse the human drama, with Walbrook powerful as the icy Lermontov, and Shearer a red-haired vision, whether still or in motion. One of the great achievements in film, and a must for family viewing, particularly for those with daughters.

dance dance dance little lady -- leave tomorrow behind ..........2007-05-12

this backstage fantasia is the antithesis of baz luhrmanns overwrought "moulin rouge". co-directed by michael powell and emeric pressburger, it ranks as among the most sumptuous feasts for the eye you can ever see. moira shearer made a stunning debut as the debuting ballerina whose real life is a parallel to the starring role in her new ballet, caught in the maelstrom of a satanic impresario who can give her what she wants but only at the cost of her soul (& eventually her life). while it is not QUITE on the par with their other ballet masterpiece "tales of hoffman" (and the musical score is a primary culprit there), it is still a must-see.

Boris Lermontov: "A dancer who relies upon the doubtful comforts of human love can never be a great dancer. Never.".......2007-05-03

"The Red Shoes" (1948) is a fantasy/musical/romance/drama set in the world of ballet and it could be possibly the best or one of the best ballet movies ever filmed. The red shoes of the title are from Hans Christian Andersen's fairy tale about a girl who tried the shoes on and possessed by their spell, dances to her death. The shoes gave her dance unearthly ethereal lightness and elegance and she paid with her own life for them. Andersen's fairy tale was transformed into a ballet in Michael Powell's and Emeric Pressburger's glorious film. 21-year-old Moira Shearer, the real life ballerina gave a heartbreaking and awe-inspiring performance as a ballet dancer Vicky Page for whom to dance meant to live and to live meant to dance. She never included love in the equation and one day she found herself trapped in the red shoes forever just like the girl from the ballet "The Red Shoes" that was written by a young composer with whom Vicky fell in love. The ballet was produced for the stage by a powerful talented world famous impresario Boris Lermontov (based on Sergey Diaghilev, the head of the celebrated Russian Seasons, as brilliant as he was tyrannical, played to perfection by Anton Walbrook). The short ballet is included in the movie and it is 15 minutes of unbearable perfection where colors, music and dance blend into unforgettable delight. When you watch dancing Shearer with her glowing red hair of rare shade that matches the color of the magic shoes you would want to capture the moment of beauty and keep it forever in the vaults of your memory.

4.5/5

"Why do you want to dance?" "Why do you want to live?".......2007-04-07

If you can hear this melodramatic dialogue exchange without smirking a tad, then you'll dig the whole movie and find no melodrama in it whatsoever. Even if you find it a tad overwrought, however, you'll encounter lots to enjoy, and you'll find yourself involved in the story of the ballerina torn between a personal life and love, and the demanding dictates of her profession and her boss.

The twenty minute ballet in the middle of the film is very appealing, though it's supposed to be on a stage in front of a live audience and many of the things that take place in it could only happen in film. Still, it's captivating.

The performances are excellent all around and (though R. Baker's rule of thumb that everything is 20% too long applies here) the story keeps your attention most of the time, all the way up to the suspenseful, heart-wrenching--and, to me--unexpected ending.

The Red Shoes.......2007-03-15

I used to watch this on Public t.v. over and over when I was 13, so now that I have it in my posession I am very happy. It's a beautiful story, full of beautiful music and wonderful dancing. It still takes my breath away.

Average customer rating:

A very enjoyable adaptation of Noel Streatfeild's book
Good Movie
Ballet Shoes Video
Where's the rest?!!
VERY WELL MADE!

Ballet Shoes
Starring: Angela Thorne , Barbara Lott , Jane Slaughter , Elizabeth Morgan , and Sarah Prince
Director: Timothy Combe
Manufacturer: Bfs Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Drama | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $9.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Ballet Shoes
Theater Shoes
Dancing Shoes
Party Shoes
The Dancer

ASIN: 6301903412
Release Date: 2000-04-25

Amazon.com

Ballet Shoes, the movie adaptation of Noel Streatfield's classic story, traces the travails of a refreshingly functional if hardly traditional English family. There's Sylvia, the financially strapped lady of the house; her three benevolent boarders; Nana, the housekeeper; and, most important, the three orphaned girls in Sylvia's charge. When the household pulls together to secure the penniless but loaded-with-potential girls (Paulina, Petrova, and Posy) a scholarship at a rigorous, no-wimps-allowed arts academy, the girls' natural proclivities fast emerge: Posy's a gifted dancer, Paulina's a precocious actress, and Petrova has a way with engines. All three share boundless ambition and, early on, vow "to get our names in the history books without the help of relatives." Close to two hours of triumphs, tough knocks, and tantrums follow; Petrova gets discouraged, Paulina gets too big for her britches, and Posy gets the rug pulled out from under her when her masterful teacher is hospitalized. Through it all, Sylvia, Nana, and the others unselfishly cheerlead, but then the girls' road to greatness comes dangerously close to unraveling. Sylvia, no longer able to afford school necessities, may need to sell the house. Naturally, she doesn't--just in time, a plum deal plops in the girls' laps. This tidy, overlong movie ought to be sewn up then, but instead, true to the tale, it tacks on a happy, hopeful ending for all. Ballet Shoes is best suited to starry-eyed 9-year-olds and parents who wish to keep their kids' pulses low. --Tammy La Gorce

Customer Reviews:

A very enjoyable adaptation of Noel Streatfeild's book.......2006-11-06

I read this book about three or four years ago and was delighted to find a film adaptation of it when browsing Amazon. Ballet (and dance in general) is one of my greatest passions (though I come to it rather late in life as I started in my mid-twenties). Noel Streatfeild certainly loved the performing arts, as her children's books tend to be about orphaned children who get a chance to study acting, singing, or dancing. The characters from Ballet Shoes are revisited in Theatre Shoes, and Posy, Petrova, and Pauline give the next generation of performers some good advice and encouragement.
Anyhoo, back to the film. I loved it---yes, you can tell that there may have been some omissions from the original BBC release as one reviewer noticed, and consequently, a few of the transitions from one scene to another seem awkward. But I thought the acting was very good and especially enjoyed when Madame talked about how much she loves "the dance." I also love how Guarney's (Sylvia) boarders become a sort of makeshift family, and they all work together to ensure the girls' education.
It's sad that the family gets split up at the end of the movie in order for Posy to get "superior" training in Russia, for Pauline to make movies in Hollywood, and for Petrova to study airplanes (aeroplanes) firsthand with G.U.M. (Great/Grand Uncle Matthew). The "Bluebirds" (as the girls call themselves) are determined to make a name for themselves in their respective area of study.

Good Movie.......2006-08-07

I like this movie very much. It's good wholesome viewing for the family.

Ballet Shoes Video.......2005-07-29

This was a gift for my two young granddaughters who will be starting ballet lessons soon. They love this video and watch it over and over. Their mother gave it a great review.

Where's the rest?!!.......2005-02-08

I loved this program when it ran on PBS in the 1980s. This DVD is incomplete. It is missing about a half an hour of the original material that was shown at that time. I would love to have a DVD of the COMPLETE version of this program but I am very disappointed in this shortened version.

VERY WELL MADE!.......2004-12-07

This is an inspiring BBC-TV kids tale where a hard-working guardian takes care of three sisters, trying to provide a nurturing environment

This was first shown in 1975 and I remember seeing it when it first aired on PBS and ,I was really hooked watching the 3 sisters as they went thru their problems and had some good times along with the bad but how in the end they got what they wished and dreamed for. This is a great sentimental story and is a story that you will enjoy!

The Red Shoes directed by Michael Powell (Import)

Average customer rating:

The Red Shoes directed by Michael Powell (Import)

Manufacturer: Boying
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $14.99 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

Product Description

High quality DVD manufactured in Hong Kong. Dialog in original English with optional subtitles in Chinese and English. On screen menus are in English and Chinese and are easy to use. Very clear full screen color image. The following review was written for the VHS version: It's been said that this 1948 classic has been responsible for the ballet lessons of more young girls than any other film. It's not hard to understand why: Michael Powell and Emerich Pressburger's dark fairy tale presents the ballet as an exquisite, magical work of art; but under the theatrics and glory is an all-consuming lifestyle with the power to destroy those who love it perhaps too much. Moira Shearer practically glows as Victoria "Vicky" Page, a young woman consumed by a will to dance who is accepted into the highly prestigious ballet company run by perfectionist Boris Lermontov (Anton Walbrook). Meanwhile, a gifted young composer, Julian Craster (Marius Goring), is brought on board as an orchestra coach, and later conductor and composer of the ballet that will make Vicky's name: The Red Shoes, one of the most beautiful and dramatic dances ever captured on film. Professional and personal jealousies soon pull this creative team apart, however, and Vicky is torn between her love of Julian, her responsibility to Boris, and her need to dance. Powell and Pressburger recast Hans Christian Andersen's sad story as a modern romantic melodrama, highlighted by beautiful dances and shot, not as stage ballets, but rather as expressionist cinematic dramas on impossibly grand sets awash with bold color and beautifully captured in glorious Technicolor by cinematographer Jack Cardiff. It's a brilliant melding of dance and drama as Vicky's real life mirror's the tragic story she danced in the Red Shoes ballet. --Sean Axmaker

Average customer rating:

Unable to view the film
The Red Shoes
knockoff
Animated dance

The Red Shoes

Manufacturer: Good Times Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Adapted from Books | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Anime & Manga | Genres | DVD | Video

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( R ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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Similar Items:

The Red Shoes - Criterion Collection
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The Turning Point
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli
The Adventures of Indiana Jones - The Complete DVD Movie Collection (Widescreen Edition)

ASIN: B00019G4E6
Release Date: 2004-03-30

Customer Reviews:

Unable to view the film.......2007-01-09

When I received the DVD and tried to play it on my American DVD player, I found that it is formatted to be played only on DVD's that are sold in Europe. I emailed the seller that I couldn't use the DVD and he told me if the DVD was opened he couldn't take it back. I looked at the description of the DVD again and found nothing to inidicate this required a special DVD player to view the film. So I learned a valuable lesson. DO NOT BUY from EBAY sellers unless you know exactly what you are getting.

The Red Shoes.......2004-11-13

I absolutely love this movie. Not only is the lesson taught a serious heartfelt one of friendship, but the music only enhances the beauty of this film. This is a rare find great for all ages as I have loved this movie for the past 14 years and now, finally can own it.

knockoff.......2004-05-22

I am Michael Sporn, the director of THE RED SHOES starring Ossie Davis. This DVD is not my film; this is a knock off produced by Goodtimes and features my name on its packaging, though I had nothing to do with this poor product. I urge you not to buy this version of the film and complain to Amazon about the mislabelling of this DVD.

Animated dance.......2000-03-19

This is a short delicate film narrated by Ossie Davis. It tells a magical story of vanity and friendship about two girls who separate and rejoin. It's a classic far from the Disney mold.

Average customer rating:

Ballet Shoes
Starring: Ballet Shoes
Manufacturer: Bfs Ent & Multimedia Limi
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Ballet & Dance | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( B ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

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