Der Nussknacker

This is quite a wonderful version of the Tchaikovsky ballet. Much of the pantomimed story is condensed so that most of the movie is dancing. There are some interesting adaptations made to the traditional presentation. What is so valuable here is one of the few film recordings of Edward Villella performing at his peak. Also Patricia McBride is excellent. Their duets are so memorable that I have never seen any as exciting in the many live and video performances I have seen (including Baryshnikov and Gelsey Kirkland). I used to watch this movie on a regular basis as it was available to show to school students from my local library. I would really love to see it released on video so it can be fully appreciated.