I looked forward to this opportunity to see Nureyev's Don Quixote on PBS 30 years after it was made.
It is marvelous-- beyond compare. Ballet has not been this good in many, many years. While Nureyev's whirling jumps are breathtaking, it is his delicate footwork that is spellbinding. I have not seen anyone to compare. It seems as though no one even tries to be this good anymore.
The most delightful surprise of this film is Lucette Aldous, who plays Kitri. I had never heard of her. But the diminutive New Zealander is as good a ballerina as I have ever seen. The partnering between her and Nureyev is magical.
Even if the legendary Nureyev were not in this movie, Ms. Aldous' performance by itself would have made this one of the best ballets I have seen. Notwithstanding sharing the stage with the Russian ex-patriot, Ms. Aldous' strength is a sight to behold. Her pointe work is spectacular and sustained.
The two stars are well supported by other members of the Australian ballet.
The camera work is excellent, with overhead shots giving a perspective unavailable in the live theatre. The set is interesting and the dancers master stairs and other landscape features.
This gem of a movie replaces the Kirov at Wolf Trap as the best dance performance I have seen on television.
