I have confessed in previous ballet reviews that, despite my probably above average knowledge of classical music, this really is not my favorite "high culture" art form. Despite that, La Dame aux Camelias struck me immediately with its rather innovative use of pure theatricality removed from actual dance elements. In a sort of Rashomon-esque approach, Neumeier tells his story from several points of view, framed with a bookending device which relegates all the of perspectives in flashback (something he culled from Dumas' original conception). We therefore get a non-dance prelude where the young Armand Duval (notice the initials and think of the original novel's author) comes to the auction of goods of his deceased former lover Marguerite Gautier. That sets in motion a cascading series of remembrances, which at times become more typical formal ballet scenes, but which also tend to be less like dance and almost like mime performances at times.

The really smart mirroring aspect to La Dame aux Camelias, and again one Neumeier cribbed from Dumas, is the use of the similarly themed Manon Lescaut as a sort of interior framing device. The lovers meet at a performance of Manon, and both are both drawn to and simultaneously terrified by the characters whom they resemble so closely. Gautier especially becomes haunted by visions of Manon, and several of those tableaux are staged magnificently in this production.

Neumeier quite craftily chose the filigreed, haute couture miniatures of Chopin to accompany this piece, and, as the extensive liner notes point out, there's probably no better composer to offer musical comment on salon culture. Neumeier also doesn't shy away from using on stage pianos to augment several scenes, including both the opening prelude and a later beachside scene. It's patently theatrical, of course, but it's also unusually visceral for this sort of performance to actually see the musicians at work in tandem with the dancers.

This is an elegantly, if minimally, designed performance, one which Neumeier specifically kept on the illusory side of things so that different people's memories could be staged with a minimum of fuss and bother in the background. That said, there's a real elegance to the simple set decorations, and the costumes are quite exquisite throughout. Neumeier does appealing work both in traditional forms like the many pas de deux which dot this ballet, but also in more adventurous ensemble pieces, where some of the moves approach modern dance and shy away from classicism.

If you, too, aren't an especial fan of ballet, La Dame aux Camelias might be just the ticket to at least check out this idiom. At least as much of a performance piece as it is pure dance, it offers a well-known plot told in an intriguing way, with effective accompaniment and a beautiful physical production. Whether or not it will touch you emotionally is of course a personal experience, but I found it one of the more involving ballet (or quasi-ballet) performances I've seen.

The Blu-ray

Video:
As is usual with these OpusArte BDs, we get a sterling 1.78:1 AVC transfer that is sharp, reliable and very well detailed. Contrast is very strong, and black levels are consistent. The performance runs the gamut from brightly lit to virtually completely dark, and all of these changes are rendered with precision.

Sound:
Both the PCM 2.0 and 5.0 soundtracks are excellent, though with the bulk of this score being only piano, a 5.0 mix really seems like a bit of overkill. That said, both the piano and very occasional orchestral work is reproduced with excellent fidelity and wonderful dynamic range. Pianos are one of the hardest instruments to record well, and this BD offers scintillating keyboard sounds galore. Subtitles (for the bonus feature) are available in English, French, Spanish, German and Italian.

Extras:
Again as usual in an OpusArte release, we get an in depth essay in the insert booklet, and on disc one of the two BD set we get the typical illustrated synopsis, a cast gallery, and a good 50 minute-plus featurette on the conception and making of this piece.

Final Thoughts:
Not quite ballet, but hard to define as anything else, La Dame aux Camelias is a fascinating new take on one of the most adapted works of the past several centuries. If you're familiar with any of the other versions of this oft-told tale, you'll be intrigued by this production. If you're new to the story, or even to ballet itself, you'll still probably be intrigued by this very unique presentation. Recommended.

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"G-d made stars galore" & "Hey, what kind of a crappy fortune is this?" ZMK, modern prophet