The Sleeping Beauty

About This Movie

The Sleeping Beauty from 1972 is a fascinating blend of ballet and storytelling, choreographed by Rudolf Nureyev. It’s not just a simple retelling of Tchaikovsky's classic; it has this dreamy, ethereal quality that envelops you. Nureyev as Prince Florimund brings a physicality and grace that’s hard to forget, especially when paired with Veronica Tennant’s radiant portrayal of Princess Aurora. The atmosphere feels almost otherworldly, with flowing choreography that captures the essence of the fairy tale beautifully. There’s a unique pacing throughout the performance, allowing moments of tension and release to linger just enough to draw you in. The practical effects and staging add layers that enhance the overall experience, making it noteworthy in the realm of ballet adaptations.

This 1972 production of The Sleeping Beauty is a standout in ballet film history, especially given its roots in the National Ballet of Canada. It tends to be on the rarer side in collector circles, sometimes hard to find on physical media. Given the blend of Nureyev’s choreography and performance, it garners interest among enthusiasts of both ballet and dance cinema. The film serves as a significant document of a particular artistic moment, making it a treasure for any serious collector.