This was a studio recording made in 1963 for cinema release. Of the 100 or so video's I have in my collection this one is probably my favourite. I hope you will buy it and see why I enjoyed it so much.

The performance of ‘Les Sylphides’ is undoubtedly the best there is on video. Fonteyn's lyrical, airy style is just perfect for this role. Nureyev smoulders with sensuality. The waltz pas de Deux was breathtaking in its beauty. The graceful, flowing, lyrical style of Fonteyn is perfectly complemented by Nureyev's passionate partnering. But it also benefits from perfectly chosen camera angles and excellent atmospheric lighting. The latter is extremely important for this melancholic and romantic ballet. The corps de ballet were also excellent. John Lanchberry takes a faster tempo with the music then usual (but still slower then most Chopin piano performances) which allows the dance to flow more effortlessly. Also Roy Douglas's lush orchestrations are superior to the cooler original by Glazunov.

Following Les Sylphides is the famous film of ‘Le Corsaire’ with Fonteyn and Nureyev. It has been shown in just about every film about Nureyev. This is truly a fire-eating performance from Nureyev. However I would have preferred a more spectacular ballerina than Fonteyn to be Nureyev's partner. Her variation, whilst beautifully mellifluous was rather earthbound compared with many other dancers.

‘La Valse’, unfortunately does not transfer well to the small screen. The mass ensemble dancing has to be seen live to be really appreciated. But the performance here is very good.

But it is ‘Sleeping Beauty’ Act 3 that is the real highlight of the video. It is a tonic for all those who loathe the current Royal Ballet production. Of course Margot Fonteyn is wonderful in the title role (even if she does look a bit too old) but perhaps the most interesting feature is that of a very young Antoinette Sibley in the Blue Bird Pas De Deux. She was absolutely exquisite - this is the pure English style in all its perfection. See it and see why she was, in my view, the true successor to Fonteyn. Also notable were the performances of some of the men. Graham Usher was wonderfully smooth and elegant as the Cavalier in the Jewel Variations and David Blair is every inch a Prince. When seeing these men you may believe that there is some truth in the documentary 'Nureyev Unzipped'. As is typical with studio performances, the dancers take more risk than in a live performance. The production is from the famous Oliver Messel version and is very impressive.

Overall this is a splendid video of a ballet company at its peak. It should be in the video library of all ballet lovers. This video is available at Dance Books and the HMV shop on the BHE video label at a hefty £20. It also distributed on the Kultur video label in the United States. If you cannot find in the shops in the U.S. check the Kultur web site at www.kulturvideo.com