5/5 Two Outstanding Versions Of Le Sacre Du Printemps
  by J. M WILINSKY (teaneck, NJ United States)
This DVD includes three works: A piano version of the ballet with a solo dancer(Giovanni Di Palma)dancing to piano accompaniment and also while watching a video(which features a variety of people, mainly Kiyoko Kimura); an orchestral version of the ballet with the entire Leipzig Ballet, featuring Kiyoko Kimura; and a documentary on the life and untimely death of Uwe Scholz. The piano version is completely different from the orchestral version. There is no resemblance whatsoever. Both versions are very emotional and somewhat autobiographical(even though Scholz tries to avoid plots to his ballets). Scholz likes to rely mainly on classical ballet technique, but the inclusion of modernisms is unavoidable in many of his ballets, including the orchestral version presented here(and, to a lesser extent, with the piano version). The documentary is a very moving, in depth look at his life and work. It includes many narrations by Scholz himself, excerpts of his ballets, rehearsals, interviews with his family, and, very eerily, scenes of his funeral. It is eery because it appears to be seamless in its transitions from his life to his death and it is almost as if Scholz was explaining to us why he is going to die! He actually does explain a bit about his health problems. There are also some interviews with some of his ballerinas and danseurs after his death and they tell us some of their impressions of their work and friendship with him. This is very serious and exciting ballet and ballet history. Highly recommended for devotees of modern ballet!

3/5 Rite of Spring
  by D. F. Rodd (Denver, CO.)
The solo version of Rite of Spring is very disturbing and not for younger viewers. There should have been some kind of warning to this effect on the packaging.
The full cast production is better, and does follow Stravinsky's original theme to a great extent.
The biography of Uwe Scholz is interesting and gives a good insight into his work.