Margot Fonteyn

Starring:Margot Fonteyn, Robert Helpmann, Frederick Ashton, Rudolf Nureyev
Director: Patricia Foy
Studio: Image Entertainment
Product Type: DVD

Description

A compilation of movie musical highlights.

Customer Reviews:

What a pity..........2005-03-05

When MGM celebrated their 60th anniverasry they released this film... Unfortunately the studio included lots of footage from the output of other studios(RKO, Fox, Rank, WB - Swing Time, On Your Toes, The Red Shoes, Down Argentine Way, Flashdance etc)and the timing and editing is as clumsy as a 3 year-old loose in an editing room.

There are pleasurable momements from Vera Zorina, Michael Jackson, Cyd Charisse, Ginger & Fred, Dick Powell and Busby Berkeley... Liza Minnelli MUST BE ON SOMETHING??????? The guest stars` commentary are sentimental, uninformative and down right embaressing... The footage deserved MUCH BETTER THAN THIS!!!!

"The heart, the beat, to start the feet...".......2004-04-02

This is definitely one of the best films ever made! I loved this from the first five seconds on. I think that this is certianly a triuumph in the movie world. From ballet, to vaudeville and from Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers to Busby Berkley, this movie will have you tapping your toes and singing along to the beat. I never get tired of watching this!
Other good movies are the Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies from the thrities.

A triumph of Cinematography.......2002-03-04

This work, narrated by Gene Kelley, is devoted to the cinema musicals, starting with seldom seen footage of the silent era, and continuing with the fantastic dancing scenes of Busby Berkley. Next we move on to the Fred Astaire period, which centers attention on the individual dancer. We see beautiful performances from the likes of Ginger Rogers, Ruby Keeler as well as the incomparable Nicholas Brothers. With the advent of color, comes a never previously seen number on the 'yellow brick road' with Judy Garland and Ray Bolger. Not to forget a marvellous routine by Shirley Temple and Bojangles Robinson! Alltogether, this is the most memorable series of dance sequences that I have ever seen in half a century.

Now THAT'S Dancing!.......2000-06-24

This video has gotten some play recently on TMC, but in the wrong format. It is so compressed on the screen that it is hard to appreaciate the great dancing. I would recommend buying your own copy as these are all the classic dances from the movies..from Cagney to Michael Jackson, you see some really great performances! I just watched it on TV and went right to the net and ordered it. The precision of some of these dances and the abilities of not just the stars, but the chorus dancers as well, left me in awe. You could run 27 takes with me dancing and still not come close to what the worst of these dancers can do! I understand they are adding some new footage of the St. Cyril Theatre Guild's Grease dances to the original video. Even without these new additions, That's Dancing is just marvelous!

What a wonderful documentary!!!.......1999-06-29

This film is a must-see for any dancer. The clips used to showcase different types of dancing in film are creatively woven together and the commentary is very informative. Many famous scenes from the old MGM musicals to the water spray scene in Flashdance are used to illustrate how diversified dancing in films can be. For ballet dancers, there is a portion devoted solely to ballet in films which is hosted by Mikhail Baryshnikov. Scenes of Rudolph Nureyev leaping through the air compliment this section as well as scenes from various ballets. Liza Minelli hosts the Broadway inspirational portion which is shorter in length. I only saw this film once but I feel that it is a must-own selection for any dancer.

Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more

Average customer rating:

Great Pas De Deux
I expected more...
DVD version of earlier released video
Amazing Ballet
The word "great" is appropos

Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Royal Ballet , Rudolf Nureyev , and Mikhail Baryshnikov
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

The Kirov Celebrates Nijinsky / Sheherazade, La Spectre de la Rose, The Polovtsian Dances, The Firebird
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
Baryshnikov - Live at Wolf Trap
Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Baryshnikov Dances Sinatra and More/ Mikhail Baryshnikov, Twyla Tharp, American Ballet Theatre

ASIN: B00019G8F6
Release Date: 2004-02-10

Description

Stunning performances by the greatest ballet partnerships of recent times. Includes pieces from Le Corsaire, Swan Lake, Romeo and Juliet, and more, danced by such luminous pairings as Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev, Cynthia Harvey and Mikhail Baryshnikov, Darcey Bussell and Jonathan Cope, and many more.

Customer Reviews:

Great Pas De Deux.......2007-05-09

This was a beautiful gathering of some of the greatest dancers of the last century. It was wonderful.

I expected more..........2007-04-17

It is hard to explain why, but I was disappointed with this DVD. For some reason, every time I want to watch a ballet performance, I choose one of my other ballet DVDs (such as Kirov celebrated Nijinsky, or Kirov Classics).

DVD version of earlier released video.......2007-01-20

This is simply a DVD version of a video released some years ago (aprox. 5-8 years ago?) so the newer partnerships mentioned in some of the reviews above, and already released on other DVDs (and copyrighted by their producers) would not have been available for inclusion. However, what is included are several exemplary pas de deux danced by some of the best dancers of the last 30+ years. If you haven't seen them live, this is a good chance to view them at their best, and be able to compare to other (more current) interpretations and see how changing forms and style have impacted ballet.

Amazing Ballet.......2007-01-18

This DVD features some of the greatest ballet pieces you will ever find in any compilation. I can't wait to give it as a gift.

The word "great" is appropos.......2007-01-10

Rivetingly great art. Nureyev and Baryshnikov especially. I wish I had had the opportunity to see any of these dancers in person.

Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn

Average customer rating:

A sensual joy
Better than the play . . .
Sound Quality
Historically significant
The Ballet That Spoiled All Other Ballets For Me

Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Rudolf Nureyev , David Blair (VI) , Desmond Doyle , and Julia Farron
Director: Paul Czinner
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery
Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Makarova, Dowell, Royal Ballet Covent Garden

ASIN: B00003M5GE
Release Date: 1999-11-30

Amazon.com

It's not a stretch to call Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn the most sublime of all dance partners and Sergei Prokofiev the most gifted 20th-century ballet composer. And so it goes without saying that the 1966 film version of the Royal Ballet production of Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet featuring Nureyev and Fonteyn as the star-crossed lovers is an absolute must-have for anyone who cares a whit about the art. Director Paul Czinner has made all the right moves, alternating between full shots of the performers with long shots that accentuate how Kenneth MacMillan's fastidious choreography is inexorably linked to the characters, their story, the elaborate sets, and the viewer. Nicholas Georgiadis's costumes are sumptuous without being overdone, the supporting dancers and ensemble are as exquisite as the leads, and John Lanchbery conducts the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House with just the right mixture of joviality and tragedy that Prokofiev's classic score needs but doesn't always receive. --Kevin Filipski

Customer Reviews:

A sensual joy.......2007-04-11

This is an extraordinarily enjoyable spectacle, a true feast for the senses. First of all, the sets and costumes are beautifully formed and colored. Then, the music by Prokofiev is perfect, exquisiely toned to evoke love, excitement, sorrow; it's as excellent as the play or the ballet. And the protagonists are perfectly cast, with an added poignancy coming from what one knows of their tragic personal lives, doomed lovers indeed: Nureyev dying from AIDS, Fonteyn descending into poverty and loneliness (see Tony Palmer's excellent bio), David Blair (the perfect Mercutio) dying suddenly at 43.

There are many truly memorable moments: the formal stepping out of the males and then the females at the grand ball, the High Renaissance itself; the duel between Tybalt and Mercutio, and the latter's dying moments; the exuberant mass dances in the marketplace. I especially liked the three harlots for their devil-may-care elan..

Better than the play . . ........2007-01-10

This film by Paul Czinner dates from 1966 and was the first time he used his new technique of filming a live performance. Although these roles became synonymous with the two legendary principals, this ballet was actually created on Lynn Seymour and Christopher Gable, two of the Royal Ballet's rising young stars of the era. Seymour, however, took ill right before the premier and Fonteyn took over - and when she took over, Nureyev naturally became her partner. It was bitter for Seymour and Gable, but they had no choice but to become the second cast. Although Fonteyn was about 46 at this time her technique was still equal to the choreography, and although she does not look young, her ability to project the gamboling, youthful character of the young Juliet is remarkable. For this feat alone, the film is worth having. Nureyev was at the height of his powers, only 6 years past his defection from the Kirov Ballet, and his passionate response to Fonteyn is also one of the strengths of this performance. I must acknowledge here that he has never been one of my favorite dancers and his self-involvement on stage is one reason why, but here credit must be given where it is due. The blending of his passion and Fonteyn's dramatic and lyric gifts make this familiar story riveting. The supporting cast is no less extraordinary in dramatic conviction, and they could serve as a lesson in dance-theater to today's young dancers who seem to rely on mime and broad gestures when not moving on stage. Although past his technical prime, David Blair is superbly cynical as Mercutio, and Derek Rencher brings deadly purpose to Juliet's cousin Tybalt. Without exception, this is a cast that brings the characters to life and whose attention to dramatic values honors their country's literary as well as balletic heritage. I enjoyed Nicholas Georgiadis's sets, although they came in for some criticism at the time as being "heavy". This is most definitely worth seeing and keeping - it was probably one of the last performances of Fonteyn's where she was still fully in command of her technique and did not need choreography tailored to what she still could do. And as a personal note, I prefer this ballet version of "Romeo and Juliet" to all the others I have seen, and that includes the legendary one produced by the Kirov in the 1930s, for which Prokofiev wrote this score, and which starred the immortal Galina Ulanova (this is also available on film, I believe).

Sound Quality.......2006-03-13

The dancing was as expected wonderful, but, unfortunately the sound quality was not. I tried playing it over my amp,no way, so normal sound was called for, also very shakey, not what I had hoped for !!

Historically significant.......2006-01-29

Overal excellence by two of ballet's stars. Prokiev's music may be difficult for some to enjoy compared to Tchaikovsky. Choreography just so so.

The Ballet That Spoiled All Other Ballets For Me.......2005-04-30

Tonight I watched Romeo and Juliet again, this time with two of my granddaughters. I have seen it with my parents, with my wife and three children, and now with my grandchildren. I attended the movie in Washington, in Boston, and in Albany, NY many years ago. This version has become part of my life, as have its stars, Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. Why I have not reviewed it before, I do not know.

This Royal Ballet version of Romeo and Juliet is so fine, so spectacular, so moving, and so incrediblly beautiful that in my opinion there is no other ballet that can compare with it. First there is the poignantly tragic love story of Shakespeare. Add to it the hauntingly expressive, classic-yet-modern music of Prokofiev. Stir in Kenneth MacMillan's sensitive and exuberant choreography. And as the supreme touch, have it danced by the most exhilarating male dancer who every performed, in partnership with the most delicate and vulnerable ballernina of the past century. Here you have the masterpiece of all masterpieces. A ballet that puts other ballets to shame with their weak plots and lack of emotional substance.

My two favorite scenes are the balcony scene, and the scene where Romeo dances with a lifeless Juliet. The first exudes love and passion, as Nureyev and Fonteyn are transported by their new-found love to a height beyond all measure. In the second, your heart freezes and you strain to hold back tears as Romeo tries to coax the life back into Juliet by dancing with her limp but still graceful form. There are no touchingly valid moments such as these in any other ballet I have seen.

The superb costumes are worthy of a Zefferelli production, although this is not one, of course. The scenery is adequate but not impressive. But most important, all the dancers communicate a vitality that is convincing and contagious. The swordplay is amazing in its complexity and realism. Tybolt's death and his wife's grief are overdone with just the right touch of modernity.

But mainly, Nureyev and Fonteyn bring each scene they dance into brilliant flower. And when they dance together something of the mystery and tragedy of their two very different lives comes to the surface and animates their performance, giving it a realism that communicates their deep emotion for each other.

This is heartfelt and heart-wrenching art. When it finishes, one is exhausted and drained, but also inspired and delighted that this one-of-a-kind performance was recorded so that one may enjoy it over and over again.

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery

Average customer rating:

5 stars : margot/rudolf 's swan lake !!!!
One of the Best Nureyev DVDs
A Lass Unparalleled!
One Of My Very Favorite Swan Lakes.
A mixed review

Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Rudolf Nureyev , and Vienna State Opera Ballet
Director: John Lanchbery
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: DVD
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Similar Items:

Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more
Tchaikovsky - The Nutcracker / Baryshnikov, Kirkland, Charmoli
Don Quixote / Baryshnikov, Harvey, American Ballet Theatre
Adam - Giselle / Carla Fracci, Erik Bruhn, John Lanchbery, American Ballet Theatre

ASIN: B0007P0LPC
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Customer Reviews:

5 stars : margot/rudolf 's swan lake !!!!.......2007-07-04

i hv own this swan lake dvd for three yrs, but never thought about writing a review until now, why?
after i bought the dvd ( margot/rudof ), and watching it almost a dozen times either by myself or introduce it to a female friend, it ALWAYS made me cry at the end of act IV, never fail.
so,last week, i spent 40,000 of my precious united award miles, flew almost 12 hrs ( two stops, delayed 2 and 3 hrs here and there,etc)from california to new york to see ABT's ( american ballet theatre ) swan lake procuction at lincoln center.
boy, I WAS SO DISAPPOINTED!!!!!!!!
why? as usual:
act I's folk dance, i can tolerate it like everyone else,
act II ,III i wasn't very happy with it already,but, i still have hope for the final act,but then when it comes to
act IV, the production has cut it almost into half !
what a shame.
hence, i recommand margot/rudof 's "swan lake" to anyone who is interested in purchasing a good dvd,never an " ABT " swan lake :)

One of the Best Nureyev DVDs.......2007-06-01

This Swan Lake is one of the best I have ever seen. Though the Nureyev staging is very different from the "typical" staging, his performance is unrivaled. He carries the Pas de Cinq in Act I and does an amazing job in the Black Swan Pas de Deux of Act III. Fonteyn is also very good, though she is admittedly past the peak of her career. For all Nureyev fans, this is his best commercially available performance.

A Lass Unparalleled!.......2007-01-21

I first saw Fonteyn in a live performance in 1968. Of course I had seen her on television but was not prepared for the impact of a theatre experience.I was stunned. She was dancing in Giselle with Nureyev. Their performance was sublime.

Nureyev had transformed the role of the male dancer, but it was Fonteyn in my opinion who held the essence of ballet. So of course I bought this video as a record of her art.

At first viewing I found the close up Nureyev a little narcisstic but this did not detract from the quality of the first act.

I was overwhelemed with the dancing in act two and the rapport between Odette and Siegfried has never been matched. Fonteyn's dancing is simple, precise, and without affectation. There is no over extension which one sees today and which I find rather more suitable to the gymnasium then the stage. Her placement is extraordinary, the poise of her head and lovely port de bras that has even tho this day no equal. As an example see her in Les Sylphides in the Prelude solo (An Evening with the Royal Ballet) when just running her arms move as though there are no bones!

Her first entrance captures the whole essence of the ballet. A swan queen who has been tranformed into a graceful young maiden. One is not aware of technique so wll absorbed is it into the whole performance; wonderful arabesques and balances culminating in the great pas de deux which should be mandatory viewing for any aspiring Odette. Not to be copied but as an inspiration for elegiac dancing.

In the third act Fonteyn subtley portrays the role of Odile-with flashing eyes and and a different poise of her head. After all Siegfried has to be able to recognise that this must be Odette, the woman to whom he has sworn undying love in act two. So Odile cannot be the complete opposite in character. This Fontyen shows as no other. Her solo dancing has just the right amount of speed and attack coupled with wonderful turns and balances.

In the final act we see the renunion of Odette and Siegfried and the glorious dancing and emotion builds to the tragic ending of Siegfired drowning in the lake and the hopelessness of Odette as she realises that all is lost.

This version of the ballet is a complete blending of dance and dramatic interpretation of a timeless story and not to be missed by anyone who loves the magic of dance.

Francis J. Farrar

One Of My Very Favorite Swan Lakes........2006-06-15

Nureyev had a wonderfully keen practical and artistic sense of how to produce the classical ballets. Among other things, he realized the merits of enlarging the role of the male dancer, as did Balanchine, his quote to the contrary notwithstanding!(Male dancers who danced for him that I have trained with, tell me that when he said ballet is all about women, he was mostly referring to the concept of partnering, where the woman is prominently displayed; he enjoyed working with male dancers very much, as we can see in his choreography.) In this version, both principal dancers are given a great deal of choreography and, as one would expect from one of the world's most famous ballet duos, they dance magnificently! Margot Fonteyn was always the quintessential ballerina, both on stage and off. She was also a great balletic actress and did not like to be disturbed backstage during a ballet because she would stay in character. She always peformed at her best, right up to the end of her very long career.
Some people have been surprised at the closeup of Nureyev in this at the begining of the first act; it shows the starkness of his makeup. Actually, this type of makeup is often used for this role, but we usually don't see it in closeup! It looks good at a distance. It is all part of the fantasy aspect of Swan Lake.
Especially noteworthy is the adagio Nureyev dances at the end of act one. Many dancers have bought this version just to see and study this! It is one of the greatest moments in classical ballet!
Nureyev's handling of the corps de ballet is also fantastic. I loved the geometric patterns he sets for them. The corps also dances with great precision and passion.
The only subdued aspect of this version is that of the Rothbart character. He is reduced to just a character role here. Nureyev liked to have important character, non-dancing , roles in his ballets for balance, no doubt.
This recent transfer by DG is marvelous, both visually and acoustically. I highly recommend this classic performance as a traditional Swan Lake.

A mixed review.......2005-12-29

Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn. No other ballet partnership is as legendary -- the fiery Russian defector and the graceful, aging English ballerina formed a bond on and off the stage that for several years practically defined romantic ballet. Thus, for this very reason, hardcore balletomanes should get this dvd. Many of us (including me) were too young to have seen Nureyev and Fonteyn live, so these videos are the only example to dissect the legendary partnership. However, caveat emptor: this is NOT a "typical" Swan Lake by any means. You can argue that there is no "typical" Swan Lake -- the original production in 1877 was a failure. Some of the music went missing. After Tchaikovksy's death, the choreographers Marius Petipa and Lev Ivanov restaged Swan Lake, and that version more or less is the Swan Lake audiences know today. There's lots of music, so most versions of Swan Lake
use the "traditional" pieces.

Nevertheless, there are some different traditions of Swan Lake. In the Russian productions, the outcome is usually "happy" -- Rothbart is killed, and Siegfried and Odette are alive. In the productions used "everywhere else," Odette and Siegfried leap into the lake, and are reunited in the otherworld. I prefer the second ending personally, because I think it better matches both the story (the happy ending was enforced by the Tsar, and seems tacked on), and the music as well.

Rudolf Nureyev's 1966 film, however, is unlike any other Swan Lake I've ever seen. First of all, from the opening closeup (of Siegfried in blue eyeshadow and red lipstick) you realize this film is not going to follow Balanchine (and classical ballet's) creed of "ballet is woman." The first act is redesigned to incorporate a lot of solos and dance opportunities for Siegfried (Nureyev). The first act usually ends with Siegfried picking up his bow and arrow and going hunting with Benno. In this film, there is a long elegiac solo for Siegfried (using music that's usually used in act 2). Since this solo has since become rather common in Swan Lake productions, it doesn't bother me that much. Actually, in this version of Swan Lake, there is no Benno, so one of the things missing from this Swan Lake is the first act Pas de Trois.

More bothersome is Act 2. Nureyev dares to tinker with the famous Act II choreography by Lev Ivanov. In the famous Odette/Siegfried Adagio, the melody is repeated with the cello, but this repeat is rather abruptly interrupted by a solo for Siegfried. Most of the famous "Love Duet" is there but I don't like the sudden switch to a solo for Siegfried. I prefer the "traditional" ending to the pas de deux.

And one also notices that Fonteyn, as graceful and lovely as she is, is at times unable to cope with the famously demanding Odette/Odile role. For instance, Odette's solo in Act II usually ends with a series of turns and then Odette stands on pointe and holds a balance before going into the wings. Fonteyn doesn't attempt the feat, but ends the series of turns in first position -- flat on her feet. Another example is Odette's entrance -- it usually is accompanied by a large grande jete. Fonteyn's jump is much smaller. Her balances are somewhat shaky. She is in general somewhat careful and slow throughout the ballet. Fonteyn also refused to have any closeups, a choice which might have hidden her wrinkles but has a distancing effect on the viewer. Fonteyn's Odette/Odile was legendary, but I don't think this video caught Fonteyn in her finest hour.

Act III's music choreography is pretty standard, but the musical arrangements (and choreography) for the Black Swan Pas de deux are different. Nureyev uses music that Tchaikovsky later composed for the Black Swan pdd, and ballet lovers will recognize it immediately as the music to Balanchine's crowdpleasing "Tchaikovsky pas de deux." Bourmeister's version of Swan Lake also uses this music. Fonteyn actually churns out the fouettes very well, confirming something I've long suspected: that everyone looks at the fouettes, but Odette/Odile's real challenges are the balances, footwork, and leaps, and this is where you can see Fonteyn suffer.

Strangely, Act IV (the act that is usually cut to shreds) is the most intact. And it's the best-danced act: it;s the reconciliation scene between Odette and Siegfried that one can catch glimmers of the genuine bond that existed between these dancers. Elsewhere, the technical limitations of Fonteyn by this time and Nureyev's reworking of Swan Lake as a solo showpiece for Siegfried distracted me from simply enjoying their partnership. I particularly loved when Siegfried runs all over the stage, turning up the head of each swan, to find his Odette, and when he finally finds Margot's head, it's a truly beautiful moment. The ending of Nureyev's version is also unorthodox, and not the "usual" endings of the Swan Boat to heaven. It is, however, in many ways very similar to the Bourmeister ending. One wonders if Nureyev got the inspiration for his ending from the Bourmeister version (which can be seen in a new video with Svetlana Zakharova and Roberto Bolle).

On a technical level, there are problems. The ballet was filmed on a soundstage, and seems way too small to fit a whole cpmpany corps. As a result, the dancers often look haplessly cramped and as if they'll bump into each other. The close bunching also detracted from the natural geometric shapes that are so much a
part of classical ballet. The Vienna State Ballet also looks woefully underreheased. Either that or they're just bad. Their legs are terribly uneven in arabesques, their arms are a mess, and they simply look like a corps that hasnt danced Swan Lake enough. The sets are also deliberately artificial and the costuming, espeically for Nureyev and in the "color" acts, is garish. The lighting is inadequate, especially in the "White Swan" acts. Rothbart (Redbeard here) is a non-dancing role, unlike in most productions when he's a smooth pimp-type in Act III.

For a traditional Swan Lake with a more modern Odette/Odile, I'd suggest the Makarova/Dowell dvd with the Royal Ballet. Makarova was 41 at the time of filming, but her long extensions, boneless arms, exquisite balances, and still impressive technique make her Odette/Odile treasurable. This Swan Lake is of great historical value, and Fonteyn is undeniably lovely, but overall I admit I wanted a more traditional Swan Lake, and I certainly wouldnt recommend this dvd as anyone's first Swan Lake. Its just too unorthodox.

Average customer rating:

Dedication, Diligence and Devotion
Margot Fonteyn
documentary
suffered through this
MARGOT F. DE ARIAS....Panamenian at heart...

Tony Palmer's Film About Margot Fonteyn
Starring: Tony Palmer's Film About Margot Fonteyn
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Documentary | Genres | DVD | Video

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

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Ballets Russes
Balanchine
The Perfect Partnership - Fonteyn and Nureyev
Gene Kelly - Anatomy of a Dancer
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn

ASIN: B000FII2CA
Release Date: 2006-06-27

Description

Margot Fonteyn was the greatest dancer England has ever produced. In her life she transcended the world of dance and became a tabloid darling second to none, a true celebrity. And when, already in her forties, Fonteyn teamed up with Rudolf Nureyev, their astonishing union created one of the most brilliant and magical partnerships in all of ballet history. Their artistic and sexual chemistry electrified all those who were lucky enough to watch them perform.

But her remarkable talent and façade of fastidious primness masked a dark torrent within. Fonteyn's life was the stuff of unimaginable fiction: taken as an underage mistress; married to a Panamanian Ambassador; involved in an attempted coup; the lover of innumerable, often homosexual, public figures; a cultural icon of the swinging sixties; betrayed by her husband's family, and, above all, a dancer of extraordinary physical eloquence and purity - all culminating in this fragile beauty dying a penniless, lonely recluse.

This gripping film uncovers a mountain of archive footage, including memorable performances with Nureyev, and meetings with those who danced with her, knew her, and loved her.

Customer Reviews:

Dedication, Diligence and Devotion.......2007-03-30

Dedicated to her profession, diligent in her study and devoted to her beliefs in family and commitments...this movie details the life of Margot Fonteyn with the same passion and feeling that Fonteyn exhibited in her dance. Wonderful film clips, photographs and well-researched history of a beautiful and sometimes controversial dancer, whose life was as facinating as the characters she portrayed. This film documents both sides of the professional dancer...the glory of fame, the physical and mental demands of being the best and, the very personal, hidden life of a world-famous ballerina.

Margot Fonteyn.......2007-02-26

This is an excellent film on the life of Margot Fonteyn. I liked the fact that they were able to use so much footage of her dancing. This enables the many people who were never able to see her dance understand her grace, beauty, technique, and spirit. How wonderful to be able to see Margot and Rudolph together. This was a once in a life time partnership. This is a great film for ballet enthusiaist, but also very entertaining on a celebrity level.

documentary.......2007-01-05

Excellent - well edited, interesting interviews and balanced view on a famous ballet relationship. Interesting footage not always seen by the public.

suffered through this.......2006-12-30

I had high hopes for this DVD but was thoroughly disappointed. There is no narrative. It is just a conglomerate of a bunch of interviews that gave tidbits of what they think is going on. It was extremely boring and confusing. I'm wondering who Tony Palmer is who can get Time to give a positive review on it. I'm completely let down. The lone star is for the dance clips of Margot.

MARGOT F. DE ARIAS....Panamenian at heart..........2006-12-19

I haven't seen the movie yet and i don't think i ever will.... but i have to say something about this, she was NEVER BETRAYED by her family in Panama, it was her other family who took advantage of her name and her fame to the point that one of her family members changed his last name to Fonteyn because of the fame this last name had....I am one of the family member in Panama and the only thing I have to say about this is that she was here because she wanted to, because she love this country, love my uncle and loved her famlily here, we made her feel at home and loved, that's why she wanted to spent her last days here and asked to be burried where the ones she called her family are now....there is so much you guys don't know and never will....for example, her wishes over her material belongings were not respected by the "others" they took everything and instead of doing what she asked for, they auctioned everything because they wanted MONEY....people should get the information from both sides, not just one....i can't believe people can take the life of someone so important in the world and so loved and do whatever they want with it, for money....she deserves respect, not a bunch of lies and worse of all put down a family name that she adopted as her own because she wanted to and because she felt it was hers...and that she was so proud to write down next to Fonteyn....stop doing this to her please, she is not here to defend herself....look for the truth....

The Perfect Partnership - Fonteyn and Nureyev

Average customer rating:

Andromeda
A great documentary about the legendary partnership

The Perfect Partnership - Fonteyn and Nureyev
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Robert Powell , and Rudolf Nureyev
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Similar Items:

Tony Palmer's Film About Margot Fonteyn
Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
An Evening with the Royal Ballet / Nureyev, Fonteyn
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery

ASIN: B000ARXF4G
Release Date: 2005-09-27

Description

Margot Fonteyn & Rudolf Nureyev.perhaps the greatest partnership in the history of ballet. For the first time, their most acclaimed performances, which have thrilled audiences worldwide, have been captured on one DVD. The program traces their partnership from its glorious inception in 1962 (in Giselle at Covent Garden), to its grand finale some 17 years later. It is unique in that it includes rare, behind-the-scenes footage of both dancers. This special tribute program has now become even more of a treasure due to the passing of both Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev. Their legendary partnership was recently hailed by the press as when ".ballet was never more gripping, never more transporting, that when her perfect pose met his ardent theatricality." Robert Powell narrates and ballet personalities such as dame Ninette de Valois, founder of The Royal Ballet, provide their thoughts and memories on the lives of Fonteyn, Nureyev and their association. The synergy of their partnership was electrifying, and their impact on the world of ballet remains unmatched. This collectors item is an intriguing visual biography of the greatest ballet partnership of all time.

Customer Reviews:

Andromeda.......2006-02-09

Once again it is refreshing to see such videos that are important historical accounts of ballet dancers. Margot Fonteyn, the lady of the dance world, and Nureyev, a maverick, formed such a pair and complemented each other so well and this is clear from watching this footage. Both gained much from the partnership, Fonteyn becoming more bold and passionate and Nureyev absorbing all of her proper schooling. The dancing was wonderful but more importantly, the descriptions of how they worked together to become a dance couple of the highest attainable quality make this a worthwhile addition to any dance library.

A great documentary about the legendary partnership.......2005-12-29

Though I have some quibbles with some of the content chosen for this documentary, overall I highly recommend 'Fonteyn and Nureyev: The Perfect Partnership' as a wonderful souvenir for fans of this legendary partnership.
The real 'draws' of this video are, IMO:
- long stretches of Marguerite and Armand, which was THEIR ballet and until recently hadn't been performed by any other dancers.
- rehearsal footage of F&N, just to see how much these two dancers enjoyed dancing together.
- bootlegged videos of the two of them during their curtain calls. The rain of roses is something to see.
- dress rehearsal footage of 'Birthday Offering.' You get an idea of how brutally demanding the ballet profession is, when after a seemingly perfect variation, the rehearsal coaches says sternly, "Margot, you want to do that again?" And this was *the* most famous ballerina in the world!
- some newsreel footage of F&N after they were busted during a party at Haight Ashbury. First of all, the thought of Margot Fonteyn, perfectly coiffed with a fur coat, smoking up at a wild Haight Ashbury party is priceless. Then the scene of them getting into a cab, and the two of them impatiently tapping the cabbie to drive off, is pretty amusing.
- an interview with Keith Money that I thought was wonderful. He relates an anecdote about a dress rehearsal that went very poorly, and Margot declaring "Keith thinks I should retire RIGHT NOW instead of after lunch."

Some things I thought they could have left out:
- extended clips from Les Sylphides, Romeo and Juliet, and Le Corsaire. Especially R&J. All of these clips are widely available elsewhere, in their entirety. Les Sylphides and the Corsaire pdd are available in "An Evening with the Royal Ballet," and the complete Romeo and Juliet is available on video as well.
- an interview with Rudolf Nureyev in which he relates how he felt marginalized by the Royal Ballet after Fonteyn finally retired.

Stuff I wish they had added:
- the complete pas de deux from Act II of Giselle that was filmed for television following F&N's legendary Giselles in 1962. I've seen excerpts of this footage, but never the whole thing together. I wish this could have been the dvd to show the entire pdd, but oh well.

Overall, though, as I said, this was a wonderful souvenir for fans of F&N, among which I count myself. Every time I see a photo or video clip of them dancing together, I remember Nureyev saying that they danced with "one body, one soul." And they were there for each other until the very end, when Nureyev was dying of AIDS and Fonteyn of cancer. What a beautiful couple they were.

Average customer rating:

The Art of the Pas de Deux, Vol. 2
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Maya Plisetskaya , Maria Tallchief , and Galina Ulanova
Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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( A ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Art of the Pas De Deux
Ballets Russes
Balanchine - Jewels / Aurelie Dupont, Alessio Carbone, Marie-Agnes Gillot, Agnes Letestu, Jean-Guillaume Bart, Clairemarie Osta, Kader Belarbi, Paris Opera Ballet
Pas de Deux
Tony Palmer's Film About Margot Fonteyn

ASIN: B000GY723S
Release Date: 2006-08-22

Studio description

VAI 4387 Ulanova, Tallchief, Plisetskaya, Alonso, Fonteyn, others, 80 min. B&W/Color, All regions.

Prokofiev - Cinderella / Fonteyn, Somes, Ashton, MacMillan, Park, Grant, Farron, Fifield, Page, Beriosova, Sadler's Wells Ballet

Average customer rating:

A fine historical performance

Prokofiev - Cinderella / Fonteyn, Somes, Ashton, MacMillan, Park, Grant, Farron, Fifield, Page, Beriosova, Sadler's Wells Ballet
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Kenneth MacMillan , and Frederick Ashton
Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Fonteyn, Somes, Ashton, Grey, Sadler's Wells Ballet
Tony Palmer's Film About Margot Fonteyn
Prokofiev - Cinderella / Sibley, Dowell, Royal Ballet
Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
Ballets Russes

ASIN: B0002VEX1Y
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Description

VAI DVD 4296 Margot Fonteyn, Michael Somes, Frederick Ashton, Kenneth MacMillian, Sadler's Wells Ballet (Royal Ballet). Choreography by Frederick Ashton. Music by Prokofiev. Conducted by Robert Irving. Broadcast of April 29, 1957. Approx. 90 min. B&W

Customer Reviews:

A fine historical performance.......2004-11-28

I was really pleased to see that a copy of this 1957 TV version
of the Prokofiev/Ashton Cinderella has been released.

I must be honest, though. For me there were pluses as well as minuses associated with this DVD.

First, it's wonderful to see any footage of Margot Fonteyn who was the ballerina that really hooked me into ballet.
Yes, there were dancers with a showier technique than hers, but this shows off her beautiful line, extreme musicality and immense charm.

It's also nice to see her with one of her long time partners,
Michael Somes. I also enjoyed the very brief glimpses of Svetlana Beriosova, a beautiful dancer from the 50s and 60s.

Another plus for me, although others may look at this in a very different way are the cuts. The version of the ballet, as presented in this TV edition, is very heavily cut. Real fans of the piece may find this a drawback, however I find the complete version over long, and padded out with way too much of the step-sisters. Also, and again, this is a very personal view, I find Prokofiev's score a bit unimaginative, and like the choreography, somewhat padded. So I'm fine with the cuts but realize others may not be.

What's left of the stepsisters' scenes is a lot of fun and Ashton and MacMillan have wonderful comic timing .

The most serious problem is the poor quality of the picture. The original must have been in very bad shape. Although at best it is very grainy, at worst, in the Four Seasons section, the contrast is very poor. I would never have been able to recognize the young Merle Park as Spring without the credits.

There is also a slightly under-reheared air about this production.

Still, even with the drawbacks, this is highly enjoyable. I would highly recommend it even with the limitations I noted.

Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Fonteyn, Somes, Ashton, Grey, Sadler's Wells Ballet

Average customer rating:

For serious students and balletomanes only
Very truncated, but historically important Sleeping Beauty

Tchaikovsky - The Sleeping Beauty / Fonteyn, Somes, Ashton, Grey, Sadler's Wells Ballet
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Beryl Grey , and Frederick Ashton
Manufacturer: Video Artists Int'l
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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

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

( T ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Classical | Styles | Music
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Prokofiev - Cinderella / Fonteyn, Somes, Ashton, MacMillan, Park, Grant, Farron, Fifield, Page, Beriosova, Sadler's Wells Ballet
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Romeo and Juliet (Royal Ballet)- Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn
Tony Palmer's Film About Margot Fonteyn
Great Pas De Deux - Fonteyn, Nureyev, Makarova, Dowell, Baryshnikov, Bessmertova, and more

ASIN: B0002VGRAE
Release Date: 2004-09-28

Description

VAI DVD 4295 Margot Fonteyn, Michael Somes, Frederick Ashton, Beryl Grey. Sadler's Wells Ballet (Royal Ballet). Choreography by Petipa. Music by Tchaikovsky. Conducted by Robert Irving Broadcast of December 14, 1955. Approx. 90 min. B&W

Customer Reviews:

For serious students and balletomanes only.......2006-07-22

I have no disagreement with Ms. Lin's thoughtful review, but would add that not only is this important document in black-and-white, but both video and audio are seriously degraded; it can be quite painful to try to watch. You would certainly not want to have this as your only version of Sleeping Beauty.

Very truncated, but historically important Sleeping Beauty.......2004-11-21

Margot Fonteyn's "calling card" role was Aurora, where her lyrical graceful style, regal stage presence, and balletic talents seemed to fuse synergistically. She was a sensation in this role when she toured in the US in 1949, and this 1955 B&W "made for TV" production is a souvenir of the Royal Ballet's Sleeping Beauty.
A few caveats: only a B&W print remains. The ballet was filmed on a cramped tv soundstage, and many times corps are cut out of the camera lens. The closeups of the dancers are awkward -- it seems as if the camera was placed too high or too low and thus many of the scenes cut the dancers off at the knees or seem to film them at an awkward angle. Plus, the ballet was heavily truncated, presumably to fit in a televised time slot. So if youre looking for a full-length, well-filmed Sleeping Beauty video, look elsewhere.
Margot Fonteyn was of course Aurora, and Michael Somes is the Prince Florimund. Beryl Grey is the Lilac Fairy. Fonteyn's extensions in the 1950s are higher and easier, her balances steadier, and the Rose Adagio stands the test of time as a remarkable display of steely toes. More importantly, Fonteyn has a natural charm, and the most beautiful, expressive port-de-bras -- like the greatest ballerinas her arms almost become a musical instrument. However, I think Fonteyn might have been uncomfortable with the conditions, because she wears a tight smile throughout most of the film. Nevertheless this remains an important souvenir of her most famous role.
Michael Somes is her partner. He's very handsome, but the partnership does not (at least onstage -- offstage they supposedly even had an affair) exude much chemistry. It's a very classical partnership, with a handsome, somewhat stiff male danseur assisting the prima ballerina. Sleeping Beauty doesnt have much of a storyline anyway. But I can see why Fonteyn was so revitalized by her partnership with Nureyev in the 1960s: it must have been like meeting a soulmate. Somes and Fonteyn arent really on soulmate level -- Aurora and Florimund seem like cordial dancing partners rather than a romantic prince and princess.
Frederick Ashton is appealingly overthetop as Carabosse, and Beryl Grey nearly steals the show as the Lilac Fairy.

An Evening with the Royal Ballet / Nureyev, Fonteyn

Average customer rating:

Very Good performance
Enjoy!
Wonderful DVD, wonderful history, wonderful performances!
unacceptable
this is one of my favorite videos

An Evening with the Royal Ballet / Nureyev, Fonteyn
Starring: Margot Fonteyn , Rudolf Nureyev , David Blair (VI) , Antoinette Sibley , and Graham Usher
Director: Anthony Asquith , and Anthony Havelock-Allan
Manufacturer: Kultur Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

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

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

( E ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
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Tony Palmer's Film About Margot Fonteyn
Tchaikovsky - Swan Lake / Margot Fonteyn, Rudolf Nureyev, John Lanchbery

ASIN: B00005NGA9
Release Date: 2001-07-31

Amazon.com

In An Evening with the Royal Ballet (1963), Rudolf Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn, the most famous ballet partnership of the 20th century, dance together in the first two numbers, a dreamily romantic treatment of Les Sylphides, with the choreography by Michel Fokine, and a dazzling pas de deux from Le Corsaire. Les Sylphides is treated as an ensemble number, with full involvement by the Covent Garden company as well as graceful solos by the two stars. Le Corsaire, as choreographed by Nureyev, gives him opportunities to display his remarkable technique but also allows Fonteyn to shine.

Neither appears in Frederick Ashton's choreography for La Valse, which gets to the heart of Ravel's music in a visually impressive treatment. In "Aurora's Wedding" from Sleeping Beauty choreographed by Marius Petipa, Fonteyn dances beautifully with David Blair, an excellent Florimund, though not on the Nureyev level. "Aurora's Wedding" has many brilliant solos and, like La Valse, is an impressive showcase for the company. --Joe McLellan

Description

This program immortalizes a gala evening of classical ballet featuring the legendary team of Rudolf Nureyev and Dame Margot Fonteyn. Britain's Royal Ballet is one of the world's most celebrated dance companies, thrilling us for over 30 years with a legacy of stunning performances. This video has been critically acclaimed as "a chance to view the pinnacle of ballet achievement." This program features excerpts from immortal favorites including Le Corsaire, Les Sylphides, Sleeping Beauty and La Valse. Frederick Ashton's choreography is brilliantly executed throughout. This is one evening ballet lovers will enjoy over and over again. 85 minutes, color, 1963.

Customer Reviews:

Very Good performance.......2005-07-14

Margot is certainly a wonderful dancer and so is Nureyev. Les Sylphides is beautiful with the tutu's and choreography. I did not like La Valse really though. The Sleeping Beauty was lovely. Margot and David Blaire were excellent and I loved the Bluebird pas de deux. On the whole I really enjoyed it but I also recommend Essential Ballet for people wanting a beautiful dvd of excerpts. It is with the Kirov Ballet and has bits from The Nutcracker, Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Firebird, Giselle, Don Quixote, Paquita, and quite a few more.

Enjoy!.......2005-05-21

I have a 6 years old daughter and we missed our bed time because we just could not stop watching the performance. It's truly amazing, ballet at it's best.

Wonderful DVD, wonderful history, wonderful performances!.......2003-11-30

Nureyev and Fonteyn! Need I say more? This DVD is sooo valuable for so many reasons! As an historical record, it cannot be surpassed. The performance of "Les Sylphides" is pure Fokine choreography, with a grace and fluidity that is not always present in performance companies these days. The "storyless" ballet is actually about the poet (Nureyev) being inspired by the sylphs who seem to caress his mind with both dreamy visions and moments of ecstasy. This ballet alone is worth the price of admission! For those who want to see the more bravura side of Nureyev, look to the pas de deux from Le Corsaire. Balletomanes will probably recognize that the male technique has advanced remarkably overall since 1963. But still, Nureyev is electric and amazing in this pas de deux. La Valse should be seen just because it is Ravel's music at its most lush and passionate. This may also be the only filmed record of the choreography of this rarely performed ballet. And of course... if you long to see Margot Fonteyn in her true element, the last act of "Sleeping Beauty" is pure delight. All of the divertissement are danced by dancers we now recognize as principal ballerinas... who were mere soloists at the time. Puss in Boots and the Bluebird pas de deux are marvelous reproductions of the original Petipa choreography, and a joy to watch. The costuming, sets, and mannerisms of this ballet definitely take the viewer to a different time and place. Magnificent! Fonteyn is an ageless diamond in this wonderful performance! There are a hundred reasons to buy this DVD, and few detractions. I saw this movie when it was released in theaters back in the 1960s, and the DVD transfer is not without its occasional moments of fuzz, but for the most part it is fantastic. The insertion of the "Russian Dance" from "The Nutcracker" into the last act of the "Sleeping Beauty" was quite jarring, but it was well danced. It was not uncommon, even in Petipa's day, to insert specialty numbers to accommodate a particular dancer, or up-and-comer who needed exposure... or even to promote a particular composer. So, in keeping with the age-old tradition, this odd insertion is not without precident. I rate this DVD at four stars. The ballets are beautifully photographed, the feet are never "cut off" by the camera, and there are no "special effects" to interfere with one's total enjoyment of the performances. This one comes highly recommended!

unacceptable.......2002-09-23

the video quality of this dvd is bad, terriable and completely
unacceptable. i strongly against the purchase of this dvd because of it's video quality. if you do purchase it you will proably return it as i did.

this is one of my favorite videos.......2000-02-13

Les Sylphides, Le Corsaire, La Valse, and Sleeping Beauty (Act III)....

Les Sylphides is absolutely magical, the best performance of this ballet I've ever seen. Nureyev gives his usual intense, wonderful performance, and Fonteyn -- words cannot describe the beauty of her every exquisite movement. This ballet is, perfectly suited to her lyrical style. IMO, Fonteyn had the most incredibly expressive arms.... But before I start rambling (or have I already?)....

Le Corsaire is an absolutely brilliant performance from Nureyev, and Fonteyn dances beautifully as well (although her performance is perhaps a bit too subdued in comparison to Nureyev's mindblowing one).

La Valse was probably wonderful to see live, but the magic is kind of lost on film. I think it's one of those ballets you had to see in person.

Sleeping Beauty is a joy to see. Fonteyn is wonderful as usual, and David Blair makes a superb prince, very noble and suave. A young Antoinette Sibley gives an exquisite peerformance in the Blue Bird pas de deux.

A great buy!

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