The Nutcracker

George Balanchine's version of Tchaikovsky's Christmas perennial has been a staple of the New York City Ballet since its premiere in 1954. The company's 2011 production, overseen by ballet master Peter Martins and deftly directed for the screen by Alan Skog, demonstrates why it remains such a holiday favorite. This staging is notable not only for its visual beauty—with the sets, costumes, and lighting creating an exquisite fairy-tale world—but also for the casting of children in the first act's Christmas party. Fiona Brennan makes an endearing Marie, while Colby Clark brings energy to the Nutcracker (and gravity to his later appearance as the Prince), and Maximilian Brooking Landegger is a delight as Marie's mischievous brother Fritz. The second act, in which Marie and the Prince become the guests of honor at a celebration in the Land of Sweets, features fine dancing in a succession of magical numbers from the company's more mature performers, including Megan Fairchild as the Sugar Plum Fairy and Joaquin De Luz as her Cavalier. Tchaikovsky's colorful, exuberant score—retouched slightly by Balanchine—is played with élan by the company orchestra under Clotilde Otranto. Originally filmed for a one-night theatrical presentation, then broadcast on PBS, and now reborn in the Lincoln Center at the Movies series, this version of The Nutcracker holds its own with the best available on disc, including the excellent Royal Ballet production (VL-3/11). Presented in DTS 5.0 (DTS-HD 5.0 on the Blu-ray release) and PCM stereo, extras include a behind-the-scenes featurette. Highly recommended. (F. Swietek)