It was only recently when I heard Spartacus in its entirety, but with its unique story and beautiful music I got the feeling that hearing it or watching a production of it was time well spent. This Paris/Bolshoi performance from 2008 is generally very good, though it could have been better than it was. It is a little better than the 1977 filmed version, I actually preferred the dancing in that but the camera work and cuts really let things down, but the Irek Mukhamedov performance- which strangely as of now is not credited on IMDb- is still the best on DVD. What could have been better? For me the orchestral playing and the portrayal of Crassus. The orchestra do play with a beautiful sound but lack energy and it didn't sound entirely convincing or clean. Some of it did sound even as though they were sight-reading. Alexander Volchkov has all the steps and how he dances them is dead right, though a couple of the attacks in movement could have been more violent. But he seemed too gentle and somewhat meek to me, the menacing and arrogant qualities needed for the role and that was there in Maris Liepa's portrayal was missing. However, the costumes and sets are lovingly rendered and fitting to the atmosphere. The video directing is a major improvement over the 1977 performance, not as obtrusive and the close-ups are thankfully spare. Pavel Klinichev's conducting is musical and accommodates the dancers very well, though in need of a more disciplined touch, while the Bolshoi ballet company dance the beautiful though violent choreography impeccably. Nina Kaptsova is a very expressive dancer- comparing to the colder(not inappropriately so) interpretation of Natalia Bessmertnova- and the fragility seen in her Phrygia is endearing and quite touching. Maria Allash is a very sexy and proud Aegina, looking as though she is enjoying every second. But Carlos Acosta was the most impressive, he may not quite erase memories of Vladimir Vasiliev and Irek Mukhamedov(nor did I expect him to) but he is very sincere and commanding and his dancing is perfectly placed and powerful, the jetees and jumps are incredibly passionate. In conclusion, very good if a little lacking. 8/10 Bethany Cox
