This is the same Peter Wright production of Adolphe Adam's 1841 classic from the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, featured in an earlier Opus Arte release (VL-3/09). The traditional sets and costumes, as well as the staging, are identical; the orchestra is again conducted by the reliable Boris Gruzin; and Wright follows the standard Petipa choreography. But the cast is different in this 2014 staging: Natalia Osipova stars as the titular peasant girl wooed by a count in disguise; Carlos Acosta is the duplicitous Albrecht, who induces Giselle to commit suicide; and Hikaru Kobayashi is Myrtha, the Queen of the Wili (the spirits of virgins who died before their weddings), who orders Giselle to literally dance Albrecht to death—although the maiden uses her wits to save him (despite his infidelity). Aside from inevitable differences, both performances are excellent, with fine solo work and a first-class contribution from the musicians. This release joins not only the previous Covent Garden version, but other outstanding options—from Milan (VL-11/06), Amsterdam (VL-7/10), and Moscow (VL-9/12)—as prime choices for this tuneful fantasy ballet. Presented in superb Dolby Digital 5.1 and PCM stereo on DVD, and DTS-HD 5.1 and LPCM stereo on Blu-ray, extras include behind-the-scenes featurettes and a cast gallery. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)
Giselle
(2014) 113 min. DVD: $29.99, Blu-ray: $39.99. Opus Arte (dist. by Naxos of America). Volume 30, Issue 2
Giselle
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