What is the Best Blu-ray of La Bayadère Ballet? La Bayadère considered one of the greatest classical ballets. In January, 2021, we have 5 versions in Blu-ray, all following the original choreography by Petipa. One is graded A+ and 3 get As. So you can hardly go wrong. This story suggests which title might be best for you and gives you links to more information.
Bolshoi Ballet. A+. 2013. Bel Air. This is the full modern version from choreographer Grigorovich designed to be the definitive record for all time of La Bayadère in HD TV. It’s the only recording with 4 ramps to the floor for the Kingdom of the Shades dancers (all the others titles only have 1 ramp). The white corps numbers 32 dancers. The video file from Vincent Batallion is one of the best dance videos ever made. We also admire the way Grigorovich tells the story. The only way to improve on this would be for the Bolshoi to eventually remake it in 4K with HDR.
Paris Opera Ballet. A. 1994. Kultur. This started as a movie shot on 35 mm film of a monumental production made by the POB in honor of the Rudolf Nureyev, the greatest dancer-choreographer in history. This production was directed by Nureyev, and it premiered in 1993 shortly before Nureyev died. It’s even longer than the Bolshoi version. It also has 32 women in the white corps, and has the especially impressive sets and costumes. It only gets an A (instead of A+) because of some softness in the video and its lack of surround sound.
Mikhailovsky Ballet. A. 2019. Bel Air. A smaller, upstart company in Saint Petersburg challenges the giant ballet houses in Moscow and Paris. What this version lacks in grandeur it makes up in spunk and charm inspired by a local audience cheering them with genuine enthusiasm. Fine music from an orchestra you’ve never heard of before. Beautiful sets and costumes by choreographer Duato and his designer Angelina Atlagić. Gorgeous video by Andy Sommer with 96% full-body shots. With 98 minutes of dancing, this might be called “Bayadère Lite,” but it might also be the best choice for younger viewers or newcomers to La Bayadère.
Royal Opera Ballet. 2011. A. Opus Arte. Natalia Makarova show. This is the one with Tamara Rojo as Nikiya. It’s a fine show aimed at the whole family and the tourist market with a sort of happy ending tacked on after the Kingdom of the Shades scene. José Martin is great in the Bronze Idol dance.
(Royal Opera Ballet. 2020. D. Opus Arte. Opus Arte published an updated La Bayadère in 2020 with a new cast. Alas, two Wonks had motion blur problems with their discs. In today’s market where the discs are made in foreign countries and bought from distant vendors over the Internet, there’s not much hope of getting personal service with product defects. So you should buy this only for a special reason or just get the Tamara Rojo version.)