Don Quichot

Although it hasn't achieved the status of Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker or Swan Lake, Ludwig Minkus' delightful 1869 ballet, very loosely based on Cervantes' epic novel, has rightly become a second-tier repertory staple, especially in Russia. Backed by colorful sets and costumes, this fine 2010 performance filmed at the Amsterdam Music Theater features spirited dancing from the Dutch National Ballet, backed by the Holland Symfonia under the baton of Kevin Rhodes. Anna Tsygankova and Matthew Golding stand out as the heroine Kitri and the barber Basilio, whom Kitri runs off with against her father's wishes; but the entire company excels in the ensembles of matadors, señoritas, ghostly apparitions, and traveling players. This distinctive mounting differs from earlier productions in some important respects. First, in devising a new performance, choreographer Alexei Ratmansky has incorporated Marius Petipa's original choreography along with Alexander Gorsky's later revisions. Second, instead of dancers in the roles of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, Ratmansky has cast two comedians, Peter de Jong and Karel Rooij, who prove quite funny, helping to make this Don Quichot both charming and exuberant. Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 (DTS-HD 5.1 on Blu-ray) and PCM stereo, extras include cast interviews, as well as a behind-the-scenes featurette. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)