Midnight Sun

A huge, one-night-only special event—filmed July 11, 2004—commemorating Cirque du Soleil's 20th anniversary, Midnight Sun features over 250 performers entertaining an outdoor crowd of 200,000 people at the Montreal International Jazz Festival. Unfortunately, however, instead of the troupe's trademark exotic blend of music, comedy, and stunning individual and group performances, the emphasis here is overwhelmingly on the music (which, with the exception of a handful of excellent numbers—such as “Alegria,” performed here—is not Cirque's strongest suit). Although there's far more dancing than acrobatics here, the programs does feature a handful of typical Cirque acts sandwiched between the musical numbers, including fire jugglers, aerial strap and rope routines, and a man/woman balancing act that is the awe-inspiring grace note of the evening. Presented in Dolby Digital surround sound (the packaging claims that the disc features a Dolby Digital 5.1 audio track, but I couldn't find it), DVD extras include an unmemorable four-minute encore, and another 10 minutes of trailers for other Cirque offerings. Cirque du Soleil completists will want to add, but for others this decidedly non-Cirque-like offering is optional. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)