Tales Of Hoffmann - Special Edition * Digitally Restored [DVD] [1951]

This Powell and Pressburger masterpiece shot in ‘4 by 3’ (prior to ’CinemaScope’) by Hein Heckroth, first released in 1951, is a stunningly beautiful, mesmerising, and faithful realisation of Jacques Offenbach’s ‘Tales of Hoffmann’ ‘ballet-opera’ (sung in English) – which presents the prologue and three amazing allegorical fables from ETA Hoffmann’s ‘Tales of Hoffmann’– followed by the denouement – to form a biographical fantasy of ‘Hoffmann’ – all statements ‘hidden in plain sight’ as true today as when Hoffmann first penned them back in 1815.As for this amazing film – the film is a joy and wonder to behold and features Moira Shearer; Ludmilla Tcherena; Robert Helpmann; Leonide Massine; and a young Frederick Ashton (who also choreographed the amazing ballet sequences) as the principle characters - wonderfully supported by stunning singing from some of the best British talent of the decade, supported by The Saddlers Wells chorus AND The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra - who all deliver an exceptional unparalleled tour-de-force – top THAT dear reader.The prologue ‘sets the scene’ with some spectacular dancing from Moira Shearer playing a dragonfly as she skips across lily pads (lilies denote innocence and purity; unfulfilled love; and procreation) and ‘walks’ on water. Then begins the first story – ‘The adventure of the dancing doll’ - an adaptation of ‘The sand man’; the second episode - where Hoffman ‘sells his soul to the devil’ and enters the ‘underworld’ - is an adaptation of ‘A New Years Eve adventure’; and the third episode - depicting the singer ‘Antonio’ (played and sung by Ann Ayers) – who is killed by a quack ‘miracle doctor’ - is from ‘Rath Krespal’.The restoration – taken from the original ‘three-strip’ Technicolor camera masters - is BREATHTAKING. This film isn’t just ‘in colour’ – it IS colour. The vividness and colour, together with the wonderful use of the ‘colour space’ to emphasise the driving force behind each story (yellow for cowardice; red for obsession; and blue for cold callousness and remorselessness) blows one completely away as we follow the fantastic exploits of ‘Hoffmann’ seeing the world through his ‘rose coloured glasses’ as Hoffmann’s sinister opponent and life-long arch enemy ‘Councillor Lindorf’ seeks out to destroy Hoffman in his pursuit of ‘Stella’ (played by Moira Shearer) – a prima ballerina loved by Hoffman and desired by Lindorf – an evil manipulative man who shows that ‘every person has their ‘price’.Nothing out there touches this astonishing production – or comes anywhere close. It’s a spectacular technological marvel filled with beautiful ‘eye-popping’ virtuoso performances from dancers and singers alike - and there has been nothing like it before or since. Your eyes will not believe what they are witnessing. See and experience the magical splendour and majesty of the costumes and sets; marvel at the stunning performances of Moira Shearer as she dances with exquisite precision and breathtaking virtuosity; and savour the brilliant deep darkness of Robert Helpmann as he brings to bear his powerful ‘Nosferatu’ characterisation of Hoffmann’s arch enemy to fabulous singing accompaniments from Hoffmann et al.Obvious highlights include the amazing 3 octave coloratura aria ‘The doll song‘ - beautifully and expressively sung by Dorothy Bond - as Hoffman (played and sung by Robert Rounsville) pursues ‘Olympia’ – an automaton (brilliantly portrayed by Moira Shearer) – in the belief that everything Olympia ‘says’ ‘confirms’ that Olympia is madly in love with Hoffman; and the hauntingly beautiful barcarolle ‘Moon of Love’ as a gondola carries Hoffmann into the ‘underworld’ – but there is also something VERY special just before the denouement takes place that will leave you BREATHLESS and SPELLBOUND (have a box of tissues on hand).When you first play the film, begin the amazing experience by going straight into the ‘Extras’ FIRST - and play the intro with MARTIN SCORSESE – the person responsible for the amazing restoration - and THEN watch the film to appreciate the splendour and grand magical spectacle that unfolds.Other ETA Hoffman classic ballets include Delibes ‘Coppelia’ - which depicts Doctor Coppelius and his ‘dancing doll’ from ‘The sand man’; and Tchaikovsky’s ‘The nutcracker and the mouse king’ to illustrate through the allegory of a fairy story the foolish injustice associated with the overthrow of the Russian Monarchy and the fall of the Romanov empire into communism – with Fritz representing Tsarevich Alexei and Clara representing Anastasia – the only member of the Romanov bloodline to escape being murdered in the ensuing massacre.ASIDE: Although the Romanov family handed over all of their possessions in return for their freedom - fearing that the family may seek the help of other nations and rise back to power, the family were ambushed and murdered on July 17, 1918 by forces of the Bolshevik secret police – but the Tsar’s daughter Anastasia was rescued by people who were ‘in the know’ and she was hidden before the massacre took place, and so secured her escape. The mass grave near Ekaterinburg which held the remains of the Czar, his wife, and three daughters was finally revealed in 1991 when the communists were overthrown - but the body of Anastasia was nowhere to be found – thus confirming the rumours that Anastasia HAD escaped this terrible injustice.The film is a CLASSIC that knocks modern film making into a cocked hat – don’t miss out!Happy viewing.

A rightly celebrated film adaptation of Offenbach's comic opera and one of Powell and Pressburger`s most influential and successful productions.It's one of those films that inhabits it's own place and time; it's beautifully filmed, the music and dance sequences are excellent and the 50s design still impresses; in fact, the very staginess and unreal theatricality serve to put the movie into that “timeless” category; it's interesting to compare it to the American Technicolor musicals of the period – this is European in feel and quite different aesthetically.As a version of the opera I have reservations; the omissions, clunky English version of the French libretto and the handling of the third story are all minor issues for me, but as a classic film and a visually sumptuous entertainment I have no real problem with it - Ludmilla Tchérina is still the sexiest Giulietta ever to play the role in my estimation and Robert Helpmann in the multiple roles of Lindorf/Coppélius/Dapertutto/Dr Miracle is the quintessential baddie.The standard UK DVD presents the film in the original 4:3 ratio and has no extras; English subtitles are available if required.

Having read many of the wonderful reviews here and watched the outstanding Covent Garden Production with Domingo, Baltsa et al, I approached this production with a degree of caution, even some scepticism.I am totally converted. Now, it is not, per se,"Grand Opera" but a combination of opera , ballet, a puppet show and a musical. The result is a masterpiece. It is an unforgettable film. It has been masterfully restored in blazing technicolor. I cannot think of too many adjectives to describe the film.It is magical, dazzling,astonishing,ravishing,amazing, beguiling,priceless,spectacular,astounding, surprizing, and much, much more.Like one of the reviewers suggested , it is helpful, to firstly watch the extras, particularly Martin Scorsese's points on restoration, together with Thelma Schoonmaker's remarks.I must admit, like Mr.Scorsese, I have become someway obsessed with this film.I suspect many of you will be likewise entranced.It would be an ideal introduction for children to both ballet and opera (perhaps not some Guiletta scenes-she is a more than convincing seductress)Though as I said, I could not descibe this exactly as "Grand "Opera, sound quality/singing/music is very pleasing indeed and overall production is both charming and unforgettable. What great value to boot.You will be blown away.

The quality of this restoration is superb! Very rich colours - very sharp image quality and a delight when you need something different. It comes with a little booklet and some postcards. If you like the Archers, this is essential for your collection - I love the dragonfly sequence (the colours too) and just to watch Moira Shearer dance is amazing - not to mention the fantastic singing, acting, dancing, set/costume design and makeup designs - one to watch once a year maybe - a treasured film.