Giselle is the quintessential Romantic ballet. Its title role, one of the most technically demanding and emotionally challenging in the classical repertory, is here danced by Alina Cojocaru, partnered by Johan Kobborg as Count Albrecht. This tale of the transcendental power of love over death is evocatively portrayed through Peter Wright's sensitive staging and John Macfarlane's designs, which beautifully contrast the human and supernatural worlds – mastered from a High Definition recording and true surround sound. Press Reviews
"Cojocaru's interpretation, everyone seems to agree, is one of the greatest of all time, and she continues to refine it with every performance...One of the things which makes Cojocaru so poignant in this role is a quality that one senses in the dancer herself. Something in the emotional charge of her performances, some fragility beneath the ballerina steel, emphasises the ephemeral nature of the art form. It reminds us that we must seize the day." (The Observer)

"The Royal Ballet's recent triumphs continue with this exquisite Giselle. Beguiling actress-dancer Alina Cojocaru embraces both Act I's sweet rural girl and the tragic ghost of Act II." (BBC Music Magazine ★★★★)
"There is nothing new or revolutionary about this Giselle from the Royal Opera House but it is a beautiful production, superbly danced by a young, fresh-faced cast that dedicate themselves with heart and soul to the performance. It is expertly filmed and edited. The picture is liquid and clear, with contrasting colours, capturing the moonlit forest of Act II perfectly, wonderfully enhancing the ghostly atmosphere." (Musicweb International)
"[Cojocaru and Kobborg] are a touching pair and the remaining roles [are] no less brilliant and as strongly characterized. The Royal Corps de Ballet is superb. A compelling performance, with fine supportive playing from the Covent Garden orchestra under Boris Gruzin and expert video direction throughout. " (The Penguin Guide) Cast
Alina Cojocaru (Giselle)
Johan Kobborg (Count Albrecht)
Marianela Nuñez (Myrtha (Queen of the Wilis))
Martin Harvey (Hilarion)
The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House; Boris Gruzin

Production
Company: The Royal Ballet
Choreographer: Marius Petipa

Disc Information
Catalogue Number: OA0993D
Date of Performance: 2006
Running Time: 112 minutes
Sound: 2.0 PCM & 5.0 DTS
Aspect Ratio: 16:9 Anamorphic
Label: Opus Arte, ISBN13: B001E08TDA ISBN10: B001E08TDA Material Type: dvd