Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour

Most helpful review Strictly Come Dancing - The Live Tour

• Strictly for fans?

   

  By a customer from Kent , 17 Jan 2009

  THIS REVIEW CONTAINS SPOILERS Show review anywayHide

  [Highly rated reviewer]

  The DVD picks up where the conclusion of Strictly series five main show left off. Strictly Come Dancing: The Live Tour reunites celebrity dancers from series past, giving them the opportunity to strut their stuff in front of an audience within a stadium environment. The performance recorded on DVD marks the last of a forty show run that quickstepped its way around Britain, so all of the competitors are motivated to win the final show.
  
  The couples include (in no particular order)
  
  James Martin and Camilla Dallerup
  
  Zoe Ball and Ian Waite
  
  Darren Gough and Lilia Kopylova
  
  Letitia Dean and Darren Bennett
  
  Chris Parker and Nicole Cutler
  
  Denise Lewis and Matthew Cutler
  
  Matt Di Angelo and Flavia Cacace
  
  Louisa Lytton and Vincent Simone
  
  Plus professional performances from James Jordan and Ola Jordan
  
  The Pros (Why you should watch, as opposed to referring to the dancers)
  
  The format sees the couples pit themselves against each other in a ballroom round and a latin round. Some dances are a treat, including one dance that a couple didn't have a chance to perform in the BBC One show. Other couples mostly reprise their 'greatest hits' or best-known dances. Kate Thornton does a serviceable job as host, stepping in for both Bruce Forsythe and Tess Daly, smoothly facilitating communication between the competitors, audience and judges. Speaking of the judges, Craig, Len and Arlene are in, but Bruno is conspicuous by his absence. There are no flagellating arms or luxuriant comments from the famously reticent Italian. At least an explanation is provided. My favourite moment on the DVD involves Chris Parker. Suffice to say, the contrasting reactions from the judges amused me no end.
  
  The Cons (I'm not referring to the judges)
  
  The difficulty with watching the DVD version is that it isn't live and the viewer loses that edgy sense of jeopardy that arrives when the lights go out and the glare of the spotlight hovers menacingly over each couple. It's a bit like watching the Christmas specials - you know you're going to get more Strictly, but it doesn't feel quite the same as watching the series.
  
  Extras
  
  There is an amusing behind the scenes documentary lasting around twenty or so minutes. It begins with observations from the ironically 'unsung heroes' the singers, gradually capturing observations from the dancers, judges and Kate as the show unfolds. The feel is akin to watching the behind the scenes segments in the Strictly results shows, so if you know what I'm on about you'll love it.
  
  Alternatives
  
  Hardcore Strictly obsessives will have probably bought, stolen or worn out their own DVDs. Related titles include: Strictly Come Dancing - The Workout, Strictly Come Dancersize and Simply Ballroom. I've heard about 'Best of' compilations coming out, but have yet to see any evidence of these at the time of writing.
  
  Overall, I've given this a four out of five as I'm a fan of Strictly. More casual (and possibly sane) observers may wish to take off another mark.

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