Akram Khan's Giselle

Very unique re-orchestration of the music, though not all the score of the original is adapted. The cast is very talented. Many dances have very cool effects, such as one that mimics a heart beating and the death of Hilarion at the hands of the Wilis. Other moments of choreography do not evoke the same striking visual or dramatic moments. I would say that the whole story is not as clear as it is in the original, and reading the liner notes is necessary rather than optional.

Are you looking for a conventional, typical performance of Giselle? Must all the ballets you enjoy be all danced on pointe? Save your money and look elsewhere. This is clearly labeled as Kahn's re-interpretation of Giselle, and calling it Giselle is a bit of stretch. Also, I usually avoid re-imagined or re-interpreted works. But with that said, this is really fantastic. This was the first time I've ever watched a ballet, then immediately re-watched it. Dancing, filming, music, sound, staging, and costumes are all outstanding. I really enjoyed this, and if you're adventurous enough to watch a excellent dance/ballet performance inspired by "Giselle," give this a shot.

I was fortunate enough to be in Manchester for the opening night of this incredible ballet, now my favorite. The thrill of feeling that people >in my own generation< were right now creating work clearly able to stand alongside the great classics is something that still hasn't left me. I had some trepidation that the video couldn't communicate the staggering effect of the live performance -- and, of course, it can't--but it comes as close, I think as a video can. I have goosebumps again now watching it. In my opinion, Rojo and Khan are two talents of absolutely the first magnitude and they found a truly, truly sublime synchronicity in this production. The music, the other dancers, the striking sets: all will also haunt you.

I really wanted to like this more than I did. I’d love to tell you it’s an improvement or an exciting addition to the original choreography, but most of the time you just watch it and thank God this is really really strange...

This is a beautiful example of well-crafted art. It's amazing to see the human body carry a story and AK is a master storyteller.

Well worth the purchase to experience Akram Khan's innovative Giselle.

Beautiful Giselle.The DVD is delivery in the correct time!

A stunning visual feast for the senses. Akram Khan is unique and never disappoints.

I only saw this on a Live Screening since I couldn't get a reasonably priced ticket to see it performed on stage in London. I was greatly impressed on seeing it on screen by the dramatic tension created in this production. On two viewings of this Blu Ray, I can appreciate the powerful acting abilities shown by all the cast that has been created to give a work that has resonances for today. The performances by the principals of this drama are first rate especially that of Tamara Rojo whose dancing and acting skills are sensational. This is a ballet that I am pleased to own on disc since iy will be played several more times and I know that every one will give me great pleasure since it will give me a deeper understanding of this great work. This Blu Ray is well filmed and the sound is very good and I cannot find fault with it at all..

I saw this performed in the Liverpool empire where it was also filmed and was mesmerised by it, I then went and watched it when in was screened in the vue cinema and have now bought it on dvd and it is still as engaging after the 3rd time seeing this ballet. It’s absolutely beautiful to watch and gripping at the same time, if you only watch one ballet make sure it’s this one.

This is quite spectacular for most of the performance. On only a few occasions did it become a bit monotonous, but overall the scenery, costumes, lighting, and choreography were refreshingly different and stimulating. The music is dynamic and powerful. The dancers were brilliant, showing that their dramatic abilities matched their dancing technique. The extras were enlightening, but the section about the costume making could have been longer. A lot of hard work and dedication has produced a wonderful experience. One reviewer criticised the camerawork, but I did not notice anything untoward. If I could award 4.5 stars, then that would be an accurate review in my opinion, but I shall go for 4.

Love everything about this masterpiece. The choreography, set, costumes, lighting just 1st class. Was fortunate to see this performance live from the evening they recorded it, and to be able to relive it time and again on DVD is amazing. Sometimes you can lose the atmosphere on a recording but not this one, took me right back to that night. A triumph and a definite must see for any enthusiast of dance/performing arts. Khan and the ENB are just the perfect combination.

Absolutely inspiring and emotional reinterpretation of Giselle, Akram Khan's Giselle is based on modern life with migrant workers substituting the villagers of the original and factory owners substituting the noblemen in this truly emotional piece of contemporary dance. A superb piece of ballet especially for those put off by classical versions. I first saw it premier at Sadlers Wells and was absolutely blown away at the drama and originality.If you've been put off ballet in the past try this, it is totally different. A spellbinding fusion of dance and performing arts.