This is a fabulously exotic production and filming of the ballet that Nureyev was known for - although here, in his latter years, Nureyev is suffering from AIDS and so his role is choreographing and staging. La Bayadere was one of Nureyev's stellar performances when he was still dancing and in watching this production it is evident just how hard it
is to fill his ballet shoes.
The architecture and costume of the Indian court are used as a rich backdrop for this ballet and the effect is one of brilliant colour and life. The sets help define the action of the performances and add to the glamour and extravagance of this dramatic ballet.
The filming of La Bayadere provides a range of shots that make one consider whether watching this performance on DVD is actually better than being there in the theatre. We are treated to close-ups, floor shots and an array of audience perspectives. The close-ups allow us to see the expressions on the dancers faces and the detail of their technique and costumes while the wider shots give us a feel for what it
would be like to be sitting in the Palais Garnier, Paris.
This is excellent and contributes to the overall vibrance of the production. The colours and intracacy of the costumes looked fantastic on my TV.
Black levels were fine and it seemed Shadow detail was good.
