Don Quixote (1933)

Starring:Don Quixote
Studio: Legacy Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre

Average customer rating:

great cast, great baryshnikov
Leaves You Smiling and Happy
Don Quixote - sheer technical excitement
Great Dancing, Great Fun
ABT-Golden Years

Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Starring: Mikhail Baryshnikov , Cynthia Harvey , Richard Schafer , Brian Adams (VII) , and Christine Spizzo Serrano
Director: Brian Large
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00008AORE
Release Date: 2003-04-15

Description

Mikhail Baryshnikov's sparkling full-length production of Don Quixote captures all the excitement, Spanish color, and humor of Cervantes' original masterpiece. It is one of the most popular and joyful ballets surviving from the imperial Russian ballet's repertory. The famous virtuosic pas de deux is danced in this performance by Baryshnikov "like a dream," according to the New York Post, "a madcap bravado which combined with his pure classicism gives his dancing an edge of genius." His partner, Cynthia Harvey, who takes the part of Kitri, was reviewed in the New York press as possessing "a clear line and splendid grace that grow more wonderful on each viewing." American Ballet Theatre was ecstatically received by the New York press for this performance. The New York Times described how "the dancers had the audience gasping," while the New York Post felt that the company had "never looked better. Dancing flows out of the Ballet with a boisterous beauty."

Customer Reviews:

great cast, great baryshnikov.......2006-12-05

Mikhail Baryshnikov is soooooooo amazing and thrilling to watch, and this DVD is no exception. This is a wonderful cast and most likely the best ABT DVD available. I love it, though I will say that I still prefer the Kirov Don Q to this one.

Leaves You Smiling and Happy.......2006-08-22

This ballet is fun to watch! I've watched it many, many times, and I've never failed to be uplifted by this performance. It is showey, and full of life and joy. One rather unusual feature is the playing of some of the closing music during the final curtain calls. This adds much life to what is frequently a rather dull time, watching the dancers take their bows. The music adds a final sparkle that brings the whole performance to a close with verve and life. As some of the reviewers have pointed out, it may not be perfect, but it provides an evening of sheer enjoyment, and is a great way to introduce your non-ballet friends to something they may have a better than average chance of enjoying.

Don Quixote - sheer technical excitement.......2003-12-22

The DVD version of Baryshnikov's 'Don Quixote' is a must-have for balletomanes, and even new ballet audiences. Not only does it involve the wonderful lyric side of the ballet, it also has sheer flair and virtuosity displayed in Baryshnikov & Harvey's dancing.

Cynthia Harvey is a wonderful Kitri, with her childish playfulness and flair for turns. Her characterisation is perfect and the execution of the choreography is mostly accurate. Important solos to note are: her entrance, her variation in Act One, and then her Dryad variation in Act Two. Her variation in the Grand Pas (Act Three) is a little bit tired and not always timed accurately. To a certain extent, it's the choreography to blame. The Ballerina benchmark of 32 fouettes is pulled off accurately in the finale (with Harvey rarely moving off the same point), however, Harvey does not gain much momentum and almost appears that she is dragging.

Baryshnikov, as always, is wonderful. He is a charismatic Basil, portrayed beautifully with his lyricism and virtuosity. His pirouettes and tour en'lairs are amazing, and he has added extra moves that are quasi-contemporary (which is good to see). His variations are always a delight to watch (particularly Act 3 Grand Pas). Baryshnikov set a benchmark for male dancers of his time, and although most male dancers can now pull off what he was able to do, it is all attributed back to him.

The choreography of the production is reasonably good, however, it is sometimes hyperactive and difficult to watch. The Corps are sometimes distracting with their facial expressions and constant talking. Baryshnikov's own virtuosity set the tempo for his choreography, and thus, some dancers might not have pulled it off as he had at first imagined. One disappointment was the Grand Pas de deux in Act Three. It was seldom stylish for the traditionalist, however, was still satisfying to watch.

Overall, it is a very nice ballet to have in the collection when all you want to watch is the athleticism of dancers. The choreography is good, the dancing is wonderful and the costumes/scenery is great! Buy it now!

Great Dancing, Great Fun.......2003-05-12

This is my favorite ballet tape, and I look forward to having it on DVD. I don't even know where to start in my praise, so I'll begin with the smaller parts. Susan Jaffe and Cheryl Yeager as the dream Mercedes and Amor absolutely shine. It is no wonder Jaffe has become a superstar. Johan Renvall is adorable in the small part of the innkeeper's son and has a few incredible leaps. Frank Smith has become an excellent character dancer as the innkeeper, who is Kitri's father. It was good to see Robert LaFosse in a small role as well, as he had subsequently left American Ballet Theatre for the New York City Ballet. Unfortunately I do not remember the names of the soloists who dance Kitri's friends, but they are also quite lively. On a sad note, the late Peter Fonseca, who died too young, sparkles in the corps and in the gypsy camp scene. He would have been a major international star if he had lived, and I was fortunate to have seen him, Jaffe, Yeager, and Julie Kent with the Maryland Youth Ballet when they were in their teens. Patrick Bissell, also, is a very attractive Espada. He, too, died too young and is much missed.

In my opinion, Cynthia Harvey was a wonderful Kitri. Not only was her dancing outstanding, but her personality shone through the role of the kittenish innkeeper's daughter who was determined to win the man she loved, even though he was merely a poor barber, and also to keep the upper hand in their marriage. Baryshnikov exudes charm and demonstrates that he was, at that time, the world's greatest dancer.

However, for me the highlight of the ballet was Victor Barbee as the rejected suitor Gamache. There is no better actor in all of ballet and, although he wasn't the strongest dancer in the corps, he carries the role with panache and aplomb. He receives the last curtain call, and rightly so.

Although Minkus is not the greatest ballet composer, the score is easy to listen to. The costumes and settings are colorful and enjoyable. There are some unanswered questions, including where Kitri changed her clothes between act 1, when she runs off with Basil, and act 2, when they arrive at the gypsy camp, as she took nothing with her! And doesn't she notice that there is no blood on the knife Basil pretends to stab himself with? But they can be easily overlooked.

This is a really enjoyable ballet. I strongly advise buying it!

ABT-Golden Years.......2001-05-22

This is my absolute favorite version of this ballet. It is delightfully funny, beautifully costumed, and well cheorgraphed. Baryshnikov, Cynthia Harvey, Patrick Bissell, who could ask for anything more. I am completely sucked in by the beauty of such talented dancers.

Nureyev's Don Quixote / Lanchbery, Nureyev, Helpmann, Aldous, Australian Ballet

Average customer rating:

From the San Francisco Chronicle:
Buy It!
A rotten tomato in a golden box.
Don Quixote
The Beauty of Nureyev

Nureyev's Don Quixote / Lanchbery, Nureyev, Helpmann, Aldous, Australian Ballet
Starring: Alan Alder , Lucette Aldous , Ronald Bekker , Kelvin Coe , and Francis Croese
Director: Robert Helpmann
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004ZEQE
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Amazon.com

This 1973 film treatment of the ballet classic Don Quixote has a spaciousness, a freedom of movement often missing when a staged ballet production is taped for television. It captures the art of Rudolf Nureyev at the height of his powers, both as a dancer and as a choreographer. With distinguished supporting performances by Robert Helpmann and Lucette Aldous, the production balances lyric and narrative elements, wit and pathos, satire and idealism, with virtuoso solo and ensemble dancing.

Nureyev, a perfectionist, had an enormous airplane hangar in Australia transformed into a studio for the 25 days he spent dancing and shooting this episode in the crazy life of Cervantes's mock-epic hero. The routine 19th-century score by Ludwig Minkus has been modestly upgraded by conductor John Lanchbery, contributing positively to the performance's energy. --Joe McLellan

Description

Rudolf Nuryev and Robert Helpmann are thrilling in this Australian Ballet production. Also starring Lucette Aldous, Ray Powell, and Francis Croese. Shown in widescreen, and digitally restored to its' original brilliance. Includes bonus features, such as the details of the film's restoration, and a comparison of the old and new versions.

Customer Reviews:

From the San Francisco Chronicle:.......2003-01-03

Essential. Often called the greatest dance film ever made, and easy to see why when witnessing Nureyev's blazing solos.
--Octavio Roca, Dance critic

Buy It!.......2002-05-23

This DVD is a spectacular restoration of one of the best ballet films of all time. It has a terrific performance by Nureyev, and features the great Lucette Aldous, a perfect match for Nureyev in charisma and technique. The DVD also has numerous bonus materials, including a "making of" documentary and side-by-side before-and-after scenes to illustrate the restoration. I also have the VHS and laser disk of this movie, and they are both dark and dirty looking compared to this beautiful DVD. It's really a great improvement and well worth purchasing.

A rotten tomato in a golden box........2001-08-08

This is a relatively well-made ballet DVD among others. However, the cheesy performance really is not worth such a luxury. Compared to the fascinating 1988 Kirov version by Tatyana Terekhova and Farouk Ruzimatov, this one is on the kindergarten level, I'd say. I really don't know why Lucette Aldous was able to get a chance to play the leading role with her flat, robot-like performance. What's more, in the final act she seems to be totally exhausted with sore legs that couldn't stretch or even stand at all. I think the only reason Kultur Video made this DVD so well is simply because it presents Nureyev, whose name is supposed to attract lots of ballet fans (although I personally don't think his performance could compete with Ruzimatov's in the Kirov version). My own suggestion is that don't pick this version, if you are not a big Nureyev fan.

Don Quixote.......2001-05-21

...this is a handsome and historical ballet film...well worth owning, especially if you are an admirer of Nureyev. The film has been carefully restored and there is a short restoration demo and also a 'making of' short. The bottom line is that this Australian Ballet film is beautifully mounted and very well performed. Mr Nureyev is at the height of his abilities (1973)...and it is a joy to watch.

The Beauty of Nureyev.......2001-03-04

I have had the pleasure of seeing Nureyev dance on VHS tapes and read much about him, but I never really saw Nureyev until I saw him in this DVD! I have always heard that his beauty was shocking and I was able to see him as clearly as if I was standing next to him during the entire DVD. It is TRUE that his beauty is beyond description. The dancing by all was wonderful, but I could not take my eyes off of Nureyev until about my 10th viewing! I also loved the segment on the making of the movie. It was fascinating and showed what I imagine would be rare footage of everyone involved in the movie. If you REALLY want to see Nureyev you MUST add this one to your collection! Nureyev's Don Quixote is a masterpiece but you must purchase the DVD or you will lose so much that makes this ballet wonderful.

Average customer rating:

Don Quixote [DVD Video]

Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Prokofiev - The Stone Flower
Paul Czinner: The Bolshoi Ballet [DVD Video]
World's Young Ballet / Moscow International Competition, Mikhail Baryshnikov, Ludmila Semenyaka, Anna Pavlova
Minkus - La Bayadere
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake

ASIN: B000O78KX8
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Studio description

VAI DVD 4407 Nadezhda Pavlova, Vyacheslav Gordeev, Bolshoi Ballet, 1978, 113 min., Color. Bonus: Don Quixote (scenes) Maya Plisetskaya, Maris Liepa, Bolshoi Ballet, 1964, 31 min., B&W, All regions.

Average customer rating:

Another Spanish Teacher
Why isn't there a DVD, Region 1 version of this movie??

Don Quixote
Starring: John Lithgow , Bob Hoskins , Isabella Rossellini , Vanessa Williams (VII) , and Lambert Wilson
Director: Peter Yates
Manufacturer: Divisa Red
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The House of Bernarda Alba

ASIN: B000A32UHS

Product Description

Spain released, PAL/Region 2 DVD: it WILL NOT play on standard US DVD player. You need multi-region PAL/NTSC DVD player to view it in USA/Canada. Languages: o English (Dolby Digital 2.0) o Spanish (Dolby Digital 2.0) Synopsis: A crusade for decency and truth is mounted by a man gone mad (or has he?) in this made-for-TV adaptation of the classic novel by Miguel de Cervantes. Alonso Quijano decides that it is time to devote his life to battling evil in all its forms; he dubs himself Don Quixote (John Lithgow), obtains a suit of armor, and with the help of his loyal friend and squire Sancho Panza (Bon Hoskins), he sets out to confront the world's ills. Inspired by the lovely Dulcinea (Vanessa Williams) and pursued by a mysterious Duchess (Isabella Rossellini), Quixote fights his battles as he finds them, with Sanson Carrasco (James Purefoy) attempting to find the eccentric old man and send him home before he can do any serious damage to himself or others. Don Quixote was something of a labor of love for John Lithgow, who had been attempting to get a feature film version of the story off the ground for several years. Special Features: o Biographies o Filmographies o Interactive Menu o Photo Gallery o Scene Access o Trailer(s)

Customer Reviews:

Another Spanish Teacher.......2006-01-22

I agree with Merlino. I keep looking for this in DVD (and I already have the video). It is outstanding--too classic not to be on DVD.

Why isn't there a DVD, Region 1 version of this movie??.......2005-08-16

I bought this movie on VHS a few years back, and was hoping that it would eventually be released on DVD. I was in Spain, and saw the DVD version there. The DVD version has scenes that are not on the VHS version and not to mention the option of watching the movie in Spanish!! I really would like to buy the DVD version of this movie that can be played in North America! This movie is very faithful to the spirit of the original book it came from. People who are familiar with this masterpiece of Cervantes and anyone who just likes a good story will be happy with this movie. I highly recommend it!

Minkus - Don Quixote / Ananiashvili, Fadeyetchev

Average customer rating:

Excellent Soloist Nina! But Dry ballet Company

Minkus - Don Quixote / Ananiashvili, Fadeyetchev
Starring: Nina Ananiashvili , Alexei Fadeyechev , and State Perm Ballet
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BZIT7U
Release Date: 2005-12-20

Description

Prima ballerina Nina Ananiashvili stars in this spectacular new full-length production of one of the world's favorite ballets Don Quixote with the Russian State Perm Ballet. In this delightful ballet, Nina Ananiashvili and Aleksei Fadeyetchev portray the lovers Kitri and Basilio; Alexsandr Astafiev is featured in the title role as Don Quixote, and Evgeny Katusov is his comic squire Sancho Panza. This joyous new production of composer Leon Minkus' ballet, which tells the tale of an old knight who dreams of chivalry and tilts at windmills, is a visual treat for dance lovers of all ages. Nina Ananiashvili's superb technical command is a thrilling dance experience which the viewer will want to enjoy again and again. Don Quixote: Alexsandr Astafiev, Sancho Panza: Evgeny Katusov, Kitri/Dulcinea: Nina Ananiashvili, Basilio: Aleksei Fadeyetchev, Gamache: Vladimir Golub. Performed September 20th, 1992, at NHK Hall.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Soloist Nina! But Dry ballet Company.......2007-06-27

Yes i could give 4 stars for Ananiashvili, Fadeyetchev. cause they are the one bringning life for this production, and the rest its vry awful a mediocare ballet company. Espcially the part of don quixote's dream, the Cupid has a very dry expression,and the other soloist is very stiff when dancing, no continuity of movements no grace! I can only say Bravo for Ananiashvili, Fadeyetchev!

Richard Strauss: Don Quixote - Berliner Philharmoniker

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Richard Strauss: Don Quixote - Berliner Philharmoniker
Starring: Herbert von Karajan
Director: Ernst Wild
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: DVD
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ASIN: B0007TFHCU
Release Date: 2005-04-19

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Don Quixote in the shifting sands of modern times
a surrealists dream

Don Quixote De Orson Welles
Starring: Francisco Reiguera , and Akim Tamiroff
Director: Orson Welles
Manufacturer: Continental
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006LBY1C

Product Description

Only when one hear Welles narration on the soundtrack of this film, does one get a tiny glimpse of what Welles might have been able to achieve in bringing "Don Quixote" to the screen. Many people believe that "Don Quixote" is unfilmable, even by a genius like Welles. The 'director', Jess Franco', is no Welles, to be sure. Where and how Franco got his hands on this footage, is as mysterious as Welles himself. Apparently shot over a number of years, the assembled footage, is a mish mash of stills, unrelated footage, an out-of-sync sound track (scenes of Welles in a car shooting footage like an enthusiastic tourist), and ludicrously dubbed American voices, makes this just a slice of arcane interest. BE WARNED: The dubbed voices are waaaay out of sync!!!

Customer Reviews:

Don Quixote in the shifting sands of modern times.......2005-04-09

Orson Welles was dead when these sequences shot by him over a period of fourteen years were finally edited into a film. Don Quixote was in his time the reflection of the great change that was occurring all over Europe : the shift from the old feudal society to the new order. More materialistic interest, more freedom in a society that was at last being freed of divine providence for which the only human liberty was to freely follow the precepts and orders of God. This nostalgic picture was at times ambiguous : for instance the emphasis on courtly love for women. It can all be summarized in the barber's dish used as a helmet by Don Quixote. Orson Welles shifts this character to Franco's Spain, without ever criticizing the dictatorship (that's not his objective). The barber's dish is confronted to the electric razor. Don Quixote has to cope with, no longer windmills, but scooters, cars, cameras, telescopes, rockets and many other diabolical inventions. He ends up in prison as a dangerous being for public order. He even attacks religious processions that more or less revive old legends of the past about Spain when it was under the control of Islam and then when it was reconquered. The Inquisition is not very far. Sancho Pansa has to cope with this new anachronic age and he appears as some kind of inoffensive clown. He tries to save his master and free him from this present. But the worse transformation Don Quixote is confronted to is that he has become some kind of epic puppet for children, a rustic and rusted clown for the young, no longer the hero of the vanishing philosophical and poetical squires and lordlings of feudal times. And all this in a constant craziness : ferias of all types, cows and bulls freed in the streets with music and bands, arenas full of chaos and bullfights. The Spanish appear to be totally unaware in these moments of the world at large and of anything but their unconscious joy and pleasure heavily watered down with some red liquid that contains 10 to 15% of an exciting and inciting element. We will regret that the editing of the film being posthumous, Orson Welles has not been able to do it. The film is loose, and at times repetitive.

Dr Jacques COULARDEAU

a surrealists dream.......2005-03-30

orson welles embarked on a personal quest to film a loose version/interpretation of don quixote. filmed with his personal finances, and over many years, welles never finished the film. whether this was intentional or not is uncertain. welles had a pension for thinking way outside of the box that was/is hollywood. even when the principle actors died (mischa aver as quixote in the 50's, replaced by francisco reiguera who also passed on during filming), welles continued to shoot film. taken all this into account, it will be impossible to construct what welles intended.
so here is a version done by jess franco, who was an assistant cameraman to welles. i read the description of this dvd before i bought it, fully aware of described flaws. after veiwing whatever it was that was projected on me tele, and then doing some research on the internet about this version (most of the film critics scorn the attempt with comtempt..those anal retentive uptighters who, for bogus rationale, cannot control alliance to "the box". ), i have come to a conclusion far away from all the uptighters. go now and get with it ye persons seeking brinking madness!! this is a fantastic mistake, or is it?
this version is a bizarre mesh of "quixote" footage, footage of welles during the filming, poorly overdubbed voices from welles and other voice actors (in both narrative and play form), stills, supposedly unrelated footage, and to top it it off, footage of both quixotes. you have to witness it to believe. it is my opinion that this mesh is nothing short of a masterpeice. it makes for a fine slice of surrealism; but more to the point: it serves as an ironic slice of which has been exploited and explored: the quixote mystique as a pet project for the mortal welles. as i was watching, i could not help but think that welles had instructed franco to take quixote into another rhelm. pops, do i remember you whispering in my ear "the sun will set with the sharp, beeming openings bursting forth from dangly dungerees that is quixote's suit of armor, in this form. nothing short of eye toys my son."
if you do not have a sense of humour, then you will not get it. if you cannot not "see", or "hear" this version, you will not get it. i would wager that welles would have had more than a few chuckles if this was presented to him.
the footage throughout is nothing short of breathtaking...and it is for this, and the fact that this version is so out there (warts and all), that i call it a cause for celebration. oh, and musn't forget the lovable and evil sancho (akim tamiroff), who enters into various realities as he charts the fate of quixote. no more to give you viewer.. lights out..final cut.

Minkus - Don Quixote / Terekhova, Ruzimatov, Ponomaryov, Kirov Ballet

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Great performances, fabulous dancers
The bEst Version of This Ballet On Film.
Outstanding performance!

Minkus - Don Quixote / Terekhova, Ruzimatov, Ponomaryov, Kirov Ballet
Starring: Vladimir Ponomaryov , and Tatyana Terekhova
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0006212TU
Release Date: 2004-11-16

Description

The tremendous resources of the Kirov Ballet flash and dash through the four acts of joyous Petipa and Gorsky choreography making Don Quixote a thrilling visual treat. This delightful spectacle features the great Soviet dancers Tatyana Terekhova and Farouk Ruzimatov as the as the lovers Kitri and Basilio. Don Quixote is performed by Kirov star Vladimir Ponomaryov.

Customer Reviews:

Great performances, fabulous dancers.......2007-05-12

I would have given this 5 stars accept the transfer quality of the DVD is not good at all.

That aside, I must say that the dancing by all was superb! Farouk Ruzimatov in particular is spectacular.

The bEst Version of This Ballet On Film........2005-03-09

The Kirov (or now the Ballet of The Mariinsky) have perfromed this ballet ever since Marius Petipa (Creator of "The Sleeping Beuty", "Raymonda", "La Bayadere", "The Nutcracker", "Swan Lake" among others) staged it (after his original production at the Bolshoi in 1869) for the Imperial Ballet (The Kirov's former name) in 1872. The ballet has come down through time at the Kirov in many revivals, particularly by Alexander Gorsky in the early 1910's. Here is a late 20th century performance of this fun, flashy ballet set in Spain. The story is not really based on Cerevantes famous novel, and Don Quixote is a minor character here. But anyway, this film is great!

Tatiana Terekhova and Farukh Ruzimitov star as Kitri and Basilio. They are primary examples of the finest Russian schooling and performance. Thier last act pas de deux is a sight to see! The first act is a whole load of fun, with a large cast. Altinai Assylmuratova dances in the Toreador's Dance with style and pizzaz....she is almost sexy in her interpretation of the street dancer Mercedes. The second act is probably the best out of the whole ballet for its scene "The Kingdom Of The Dryads" (a typical Petipa ballet blanc) where Don Quixote dreams of his ideal Dulcinea in a garden of cupids and nymphs. Here Yulia Makhalina performs the Dryad Queen variation with her astonishing technique and high extensions. Terekhova's variation here is breath taking as well. The scene in the bar is a little boring however, with national dances added in from the ballets previous restagings. But no matter this performance is great. The audience is a lot of fun to. The Russians seem to have more fun at the ballet than Americans do at a football game.

Production-wise, such as sets, costumes, music, and arrangement of numbers are second only to Rudolf Nureyev's production for the Australian Ballet. But despite that this performance is great. Five stars

Outstanding performance!.......2004-12-23

This is not a very recent performance, but it is certainly one of the finest done in the modern style(no "chubby" dancing!). The video quality is not perfect, showing a little age. The colors are slightly faded, but the picture is definitely acceptable. This might qualify as a collector's dvd. If you want something new and flashy you might want the Paris Opera Ballet version(also first class). I really enjoyed the dancing in this Kirov performance. The character dancing is also noteworthy.

Adventures of Don Quixote / G.W. Pabst, Feodor Chaliapin

Average customer rating:

Go Back in Time 100 Years
Beware!!!!

Adventures of Don Quixote / G.W. Pabst, Feodor Chaliapin
Starring: Feodor Chaliapin Sr. , George Robey , René Donnio , Renée Valliers , and Emily Fitzroy
Director: Georg Wilhelm Pabst
Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Musicals & Performing Arts | Genres | DVD | Video

( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000FDE5S0
Release Date: 2006-05-30

Description

VAI DVD 4367, 1933 film starring Feodor Chaliapin and directed by G.W. Pabst. Includes both the English and French language versions. 120 min., B&W, Region 0

Customer Reviews:

Go Back in Time 100 Years.......2007-06-22

There are few experiences in the movies where one can go back in time a century...as it truly was. Chaliapin was Russia's greatest opera singer who thrilled the Imperial Czars with his acting and voice. The ONLY full length film of his performance is this one of Don Quixote. We might have preferred one of his Russian operas, but Chaliapin is really very dynamic in this role - one he created in 1910. Don't miss it.

Beware!!!!.......2007-05-23

If the above information is accurate, that means this DVD is only a transfer of the VHS (which I sent back as soon as I received it 3 years ago) where about 2 x 15 minutes are missing : the runtime for these movies (english & french versions should be around 150 min., and not 120 min. as shown in 'product information'.

Of course my rating doesn't apply to the movie, which is the ONLY ONE where one can listen to Feodor Chaliapin Sr.'s voice. When the nerds pretending to enforce copyrights are going to understand that butchering movies is the worst offence? Or maybe they only want to enforce crooks' rights, and believe customers have only the right to be cheated!!!!!

Great Performances {Monsignor Quixote (#15.1)} [Region 2]

Average customer rating:

A worthy compliment to the novel
the artistry of the author and the actors...
Beautiful and Complex
monsignor quixote
only by tilting at windmills did Don Quixote find the truth!

Great Performances {Monsignor Quixote (#15.1)} [Region 2]
Starring: Alec Guinness , Leo McKern , Ian Richardson , Graham Crowden , and Maurice Denham
Director: Rodney Bennett
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Comedy | Genres | DVD | Video

( G ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Man of La Mancha

ASIN: B0001V0134

Customer Reviews:

A worthy compliment to the novel.......2007-06-21

The sweet, intelligent story of a simple and pure village priest (Alec Guinness as Quixote) inconveniently promoted to Monsignor through a twist of fate, and his Communist ex-mayor friend/traveling companion (Leo McKern as Sancho). Their antogonists are post-Franco Spain (late 1970's) and to a greater degree, the formal bureaucracy within the Roman Catholic Church (don't worry, both God and the Church recieve due honor here - just not in the traditional formal manner).

A wonderful, wonderful film - as is the novel. I was struck by a quality of this film that is unique in my viewing experience concerning books adapted to film: Having read Graham Greene's novel not long ago, I still carried strong mental pictures of the scenes in the story. Watching the film last night, I was pleased and awed to find those same pictures uncannily reproduced on the screen. Credit to Greene for creating a world with words, and to director Rodney Bennett for faithfully interpreting it to the screen.

I'll refrain from retelling the story. Acting is superb by the entire cast, not the least of which is Guinness as the Monsignor. The wine-drinking enhanced dialogue is sublime. The Spanish scenery is a treat and well filmed.

A subtle film vs. book difference that I may have detected is that Sancho's character seems a bit stronger in the film, whereas Quixote seemed dominant in the book (perhaps that is my misinterpretation since the novel was written with focus on Quixote). I also noted clearly for the first time (though it was there all along for me to see in the book) the parallel in the story of the situations and behaviors of Monsignor Quixote, to the biblical record of Jesus . . . the fellowshipping "with winebibbers and sinners", the righteous indignation with merchants of religion, the simultaneously simple and profound wisdom.

As another reviewer suggested, it's surprising that a movie of this nature can even be made anymore (maybe it can't, this film is more than 20 years old).

A closing note - As I've mentioned, much of the structured "religion" in this film is related to the Roman Catholic Church. However, one need not be Catholic to fully enjoy this. I'm not. Perhaps some aspects of this movie might even be a bit offensive to a certain flavor of Catholic. I hope not.

In it's niche, this is one of the best films ever produced. Should not be missed.

the artistry of the author and the actors..........2004-03-04

Monsignor Quixote the movie enchanted me when I saw it the first time. With each viewing I love it more. The characters wonderfully depict people we might meet in each of our lives. Sir Alec gives a beautiful performance of the innocent and devoted soul often hidden deep within us, while McKern depicts a more worldly, cynical and earthy person. But Monsignor Quixote's naivete contains kernels of wit and a practical humanity as well. Their friendship and dialog is touching and uplifting. This is a satisfyingly complex and intellectual story, but there are some very funny incidents too, in the gentle meandering of the tale, which keep me coming back again and again. (I wish it were also available on DVD, I am wearing out my vhs copy.)

Beautiful and Complex.......2002-03-17

On repeated watchings, this film reveals ever greater levels of complexity, and has become one of my very favorites. Both highly cerebral and deeply devotional, it probes a myriad of philosophical, political and theological questions through searching discussions between its two protagonists (the very sweet and holy Monsignor Quixote, played with obvious affection by Sir Alec Guinness, and his atheistic, communist pal Sancho, portrayed by wonderful veteran actor Leo McKern), and the adventures they encounter on their road trip through contemporary Spain. This film is so intelligent it's almost a miracle it was made at all. It's literate, sensitive and unapologetically religious (practically taboo in movies these days), all cradled in a lovely soundtrack which is at once playful and remarkably poignant. A high point here is an exquisite performance by a young Valentine Pelka as the haughty, steely-eyed Father Hererra, the replacement in whose heartlessness Quixote must leave his beloved little village in his absence. Pelka - a Shakespearean with a long list of film and stage credits - may be the greatest "unkown" actor alive. Do yourself a favor and view some of his other work, some of which is available through this site.

monsignor quixote.......2000-08-07

this is the best movie a ever nown

only by tilting at windmills did Don Quixote find the truth!.......2000-07-11

What else can I say? Alec Guiness and Leo McKern give great performances and are well supported by a good cast (and soundtrack) - a beautiful picture which explores many interesting ideas and has some terrific lines from a great author!

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