L This is the version of the Nutcracker that I grew up watching, and fell in love with. I loved its dark undertones and its creepy aesthetic, and as an adult I can appreciate the psychology behind the production. It seems some people are put off by the darker aspects of this interpretation, but I guess it's all what you're used to; after becoming accustomed to this version, other versions made me recoil with their saccharine cuteness. If you are looking for a strict ballet performance, this might not be the film for you, as it is first and foremost a dramatic film--think of it as a fantasy movie with dance in place of dialogue. The attention to detail and the deliberate choices in the casting, costumes and props are all wonderful, as are Maurice Sendak's sets. Again, this is a somewhat off-beat interpretation of the story, and does not ever get very sugary, but its multifaceted, complex and provocative imagery is definitely pretty sweet.

deadboymgo The biggest shame of this motion picture production of the Nutcracker Sweet is that it hasn't come to DVD or Blu Ray yet. Of all the other versions commenced to film, this is the only one you'll find that stays true to the original. You see, the version that most people are familiar with has suffered from having its entire second act greatly watered down to the point of where it has become ballet for the sake of ballet, which wasn't the case at all. Bits and pieces of the original's first act subtly suggest that Uncle Drosselmeier is inappropriately sweet on young Clara. Not overtly, but it's there. The second act then becomes a battle between Drosselmeier and the Nutcracker Prince to see who can impress her the most with the dances and spectacles they put on for her entertainment, both hoping to be the winner of her affections. Of course the Nutcracker Prince wins in the end, so nothing inappropriate or incestuous happens. But given her uncle's somewhat more overt overtures, most directors play it safe and yank the entire story behind the ballet of the second act to make it more family-friendly, hence why other versions are usually what they appear to be; ballet for the sake of ballet, forsaking any continuation of the story except for the prince and Clara living happily ever after in the end.The version put on by the Pacific Ballet Company captures The Nutcracker the way it was intended to be seen in this production. And contrary to how it may seem at first blush from the description above, it does not come across as creepy or inappropriate at all. Quite the contrary; the movie's feel is as romantic as it is entertaining and even humorous in places. All the restored second act does is affirm that though the Rat King may have been the protagonist of the first act, it is Herr Drosselmeier who is the true villain of the story trying to keep our two love-smitten leads apart so he can have Clara for himself, though ultimately in the end it is Clara's choice. Drosselmeier's bid for her affections is rejected and she and the Nutcracker Prince dance in celebration of their new found union, both living happily ever after... or do they? Personally, I absolutely LOVE this version. I love it so much that every year about this time I start shopping around on the Internet to see of a DVD copy can be found... and every year I'm disappointed to see that it just isn't out there. My commitment to getting a fresh copy of Nutcracker the Motion Picture is so strong, should it be released on Blu Ray instead, I will go out and buy a Blu Ray player just so I can enjoy this film the same day. But as I said in the beginning, one of the studio's powers-that-be had decided not to have Nutcracker The Motion Picture be produced in any modern medium. And given that the old VHS tapes have aged and eroded, as it stands now (October 3, 2009), your best bet to catch this is around Christmas time on basic cable, (I give it a 15% chance that Encore will carry it), and even then you'd best keep an eye out for it because it will only air once or twice that year.

mike-547 I feel great pity for those who have only been able to see this on film, and for the fact that this film is not available on tape or even better DVD. Living only 12 miles from the Seattle Opera House where this particular production is staged each year (to sell out houses) I have seen it both ways. The film has very few effects which don't exist on the stage so when you are seeing the film you are seeing the stage show. As for the story line, this version holds the closest to the original story of any version I have ever seen, and I've seen quite a few. Truly this is a film to be treasured and shared and hopefully the owners of the film will realize this and make it available to the general public once again.

sspisak This is easily the best adaptation of The Nutcracker I've seen, on stage or film. Ballard is a great director who adapts his skills to the material. The images really flow, and the Maurice Sendak designs are at once graceful and funny and slightly malevolent (giving the material the edge it needs to avoid candyland preciousness). The critics (Ebert, Maltin, et al) really missed the boat on this one. Most of them criticized the fact that Ballard edits into the dancing. But he edits superbly, highlighting the movements that should be highlighted, at precisely the right moment. There's never a cut or a camera move that feels out of place. It's a classic--sadly neglected now (not even available on video).