Spartacus - Bolshoi Ballet

It takes a strong steel cable for the suspension of your disbelief when you initially see a Roman Legion skipping along with high kicks but this production seemed a classic of its time. Khachaturian's music is always powerfully stirring and virile but we don't get enough of that unforgettable achingly passionate love film music.

The other reviews say it all there is nothing to add. A must for ballet fans and those who like good music.

The word ballet does not seem adequately to describe this great tragic story. Perhaps Dance Drama would be more suitable. Irek Mukhamedov as Spartacus has prodigeous talent, awesome leaps and great acting ability. Natalya Bessmertnova as Phrygia is her usual elegant and supple self and she plays her part in creating the chemistry between them, particularly in the 'love duets'. Maria Bylova as Aegina is in complete contrast: sharp, sophisticated and sexy. BUT surely the Bolshoi could have found someone better than Mikhail Gabovich as Crassus. He is like a petulant and effeminate teenager playing soldiers, and not remotely like the Roman general he is supposed to portray. His very short skirt and golden curls do not help!! And he does not seem altogether happy with the choreography allotted to the role. However, I shall not allow him to detract from the 5 stars this performace deserves. One final point: the DVD I purchased enclosed a very detailed synopsis of each scene saying what was going on and what was being portrayed. It would be of enormous help if a copy of this could be enclosed in the rental DVD.

A magnificent performance of a rather male orientated story. Surely though it is about time that this, in common with many other ballet/opera films, is reissued in at least DVD quality rather than the now defunct video low definition picture quality common in many 1980's or earlier performances shot originally on video.

This is an excellent performance! If you only ever watch one ballet this should be it.

The dancers' performance was worthy of the Balshoi name.