Even though the orchestral work of the National Philharmonic under Kenneth Schermerhorn doesn't have the punch or luster of more recent recordings (despite the fact that the soundtrack has been remastered to offer both Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo options), and some will bemoan the abridgment of the score, this 1977 PBS-aired perennial favorite still retains much of its magic, thanks in part to Boris Aronson's production design and Frank Thompson's lovely costumes. The Nutcracker was the first choreographic effort by the legendary Mikhail Baryshnikov, and under his supple leadership the members of the American Ballet Theatre dance with energy and grace. Baryshnikov himself takes the role of the Nutcracker Prince to magnificent effect, and he finds an equal partner in sweet-faced Gelsey Kirkland as the radiant Clara. Granted, some have objected to various aspects of Baryshnikov's interpretation--his transformation of the Act II Sugar Plum Fairy pas de deux into a pas de trois for Clara, the Prince, and Drosselmeyer has elicited particular criticism--and Tony Charmoli's direction is sometimes too busy, cutting to unnecessary close-ups rather than allowing full view of the performers. But on balance this Nutcracker has faded very little with advancing age, and deserves a warm welcome on DVD. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (F. Swietek)
The Nutcracker
(1977) 78 min. DVD: $29.95. Kultur. Color cover. ISBN: 0-7697-2925-8 (dvd). Volume 20, Issue 1
The Nutcracker
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