Ballet Shoes on DVD (2007)

A customer from UK , 23/06/2008

Ballet Shoes (based on the book of the same name) is set in 1930's London, and follows the inspirational story of three young girls raised as sisters, each with their own separate dreams to fulfil. I read Ballet Shoes, when I was younger and despite it being the complete opposite to what I normally would read, I found it to be a fantastic book. So I was eager to see this adaptation on dvd (after missing the first showing on TV.) Unfortunately I have to say that I've been left slightly (but not overly) disappointed.

The running time of Ballet Shoes is a misable 83 minutes so naturally a lot from the book has been missed, but also changed unnecessarily. For the casting, I'm not sure about Emma Watson (aka Hermione Granger) playing the part of Pauline. Don't get me wrong she is stunningly attractive and an exceptionally good actress, fantastic in the Harry Potter films, it's just...she doesn't seem entirely right for the part and makes the character of Pauline seem a bit empty and shallow. But to tell you the truth I wasn't impressed with the performance from Emilia Fox or Victoria Wood either. Maybe my expectations were too high. The characters in the book were three-dimensional and likeable and I guess that I was expecting the same from the film. As another reviewer has already rightfully mentioned, there are no special features or extras on the dvd. One of the reasons I was eager for the dvd was to see the special features. I don't know what I was expecting to see...but something.

But don't despair, as it is still a excellent film, and still represents a inspired concept that keeps you interested and entertained, Ballet Shoes has been professionally done with correct period costumes and sets, so if you're a fan of the book or never even knew there was a book called Ballet Shoes, I doubt you'll be disappointed with the film. I did enjoy it and am glad I purchased it and I'm sure you will be too.

  1 out of 1 person found this review helpful

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mcvining from BICESTER , 06/03/2008

This is a lovely story, not particularly exciting but just very nice.

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A customer from Doncaster , 25/03/2008

beautifullly acted & cast a heart-warming film to share with the family

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A customer from Glasgow , 28/07/2008

this film wasn't a good choice for me as its probably more suited to the younger audience, very predictable.

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A customer from Doncaster , 25/03/2008

beautifullly acted & cast a heart-warming film to share with the family

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mcvining from BICESTER , 06/03/2008

This is a lovely story, not particularly exciting but just very nice.

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