Tchaikovsky: The Nutcracker
Famed Bolshoi duo Yekaterina Maximova and Vladimir Vasiliev star in this  production of Tchaikovsky's beloved ballet,The Nutcracker. Maximova  dances the role of Maria, the young girl whose mysterious uncle Drosselmeyer  (Victor Levashov) gives her a wooden nutcracker (Vasiliev) for Christmas.  When  he comes to life, she rescues him from marauding mice and is taken to the  Kingdom of Sweets for a series of entertaining divertissements from many  nationalities.This production dates from 1987 and the sets and costumes appear to have been in  use since well before then. Audio and video quality are rather crude, especially  compared to the stunning DVD productions byPatrice BartandMaurice Bejart. Bart, however,  takes liberties with the story line, and Bejart throws it out altogether.  Sometimes, all you need is a traditional version of a family holiday favorite,  and if you want traditional, it's hard to beat the Bolshoi.--David  Horiuchi