Matthew Bourne's Swan Lake | Tchaikovsky's Ballet Reimagined for DVD 

Product Information

• UPC: 706301589922
• Catalog Number: 0630-15899-2
• Product Type: Ballet Performance DVD
• Genre: Classical/Contemporary Dance
• Format: DVD-10 (Double Sided Disc)
• Duration: Approximately 117 Minutes
• Picture Format: PAL 4:3
• Region Code: 2/3/4/5/6
• Language: English
• Audio: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound (Side 1); Dolby Digital 2.0 Stereo (Side 2)
• Rating: FSK 6 (Germany)
• Release Year: 1996
• Production: Adventures in Motion Pictures, BBC, NVC Arts

Overview

Matthew Bourne's groundbreaking interpretation of Tchaikovsky's "Swan Lake" revolutionized ballet by replacing the traditional female corps de ballet with a menacing male ensemble. This complete recording of the Olivier Award-winning London West End production captures the electric atmosphere of a performance that turned tradition upside down and took the dance world by storm. With Adam Cooper as the Swan, Scott Ambler as the Prince, and Fiona Chadwick as the Queen, this DVD preserves the bold reimagining that thrilled both traditional ballet enthusiasts and modern dance aficionados alike. Accompanied by The New London Orchestra conducted by David Lloyd-Jones, this production remains one of the most significant dance innovations of the 20th century.

Product Features

• Complete 117-minute recording of the original London West End production
• Featuring the original cast including Adam Cooper, Scott Ambler, and Fiona Chadwick
• Double-sided DVD with Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Sound and 2.0 Stereo options
• High-definition surround sound recording
• PAL format compatible with regions 2/3/4/5/6
• Includes full-color booklet with production details
• Multiple viewing angles
• Award-winning production design by Lez Brotherston
• Lighting design by Rick Fisher

Interesting Facts

Revolutionary Interpretation

Matthew Bourne's "Swan Lake" broke new ground in 1995 when it premiered with its all-male swan ensemble. Rather than the traditional ethereal female swans, Bourne reimagined them as powerful, feral male creatures, bringing new psychological depth to the classic tale. This bold vision earned the production multiple Olivier Awards and changed the landscape of contemporary ballet.

Critical Acclaim

The production received unprecedented acclaim from both traditional ballet critics and contemporary dance enthusiasts. Its West End run was followed by a successful Broadway transfer, where it won three Tony Awards including Best Director of a Musical and Best Choreography for Matthew Bourne, establishing him as one of the world's most innovative choreographers.

Cultural Impact

This version of "Swan Lake" has become one of the longest-running ballet productions in history. It has been referenced in popular culture, most notably in the film "Billy Elliot," and has inspired a generation of dancers and choreographers to challenge convention. The production's exploration of gender roles and psychological themes brought new audiences to ballet who might otherwise never have engaged with classical dance.

Original Cast Legacy

Adam Cooper, who originated the dual role of the Swan/Stranger, was a principal dancer with the Royal Ballet before joining Adventures in Motion Pictures. His powerful performance in this production launched him to international fame and a varied career spanning classical ballet, contemporary dance, musical theater, and film. Many dancers consider the male Swan role to be one of the most challenging and coveted in contemporary dance.

Production Credits

• Director and Choreographer: Matthew Bourne
• New Scenario by: Matthew Bourne
• Designer: Lez Brotherston
• Lighting Designer: Rick Fisher
• Musical Director: David Lloyd-Jones
• Producer: Katharine Dore
• Directed for Video by: Peter Mumford
• The Swan: Adam Cooper
• The Prince: Scott Ambler
• The Queen: Fiona Chadwick
• Orchestra: The New London Orchestra
• Conductor: David Lloyd-Jones

Publishers

A production for BBC and Adventures in Motion Pictures. © UK & USA 1996 BBC and NVC Arts. © Rest of World: BBC and NVC Arts. Released by Warner Music Vision/NVC Arts. Manufactured in Europe.

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