Ballet Shoes

The cinematography, such as it is, largely alternates between static and harshly lit close-ups of various actors emoting, and wide shots of dance and theater rehearsals that are annoyingly cramped and frequently cut off dancers' feet. The transitions between scenes are abrupt when they exist at all, and the adaptation of the book is particularly clumsy in the way it elaborates on certain areas (the rehearsals leading up to Pauline's and Petrova's first play, for example, and all sorts of backstage drama) while inexplicably omitting other areas that are just as crucial to establishing story and mood (such as the actual theater performances and dance numbers).

The actors on the whole are reasonable given what they have to work with, though apart from the girls, they don't have much of a chance to develop beyond stock types, and the production does them no favors. A big part of the book's charm was its combination of real-world mood (early twentieth century London locations and the dress and customs of the period) and a distinct fairy-tale like quality (three girls named Fossil with big dreams and their great-Uncle Matthew aka "Gum")...my daughters were truly taken with the book. The video establishes some old world detail, but the fairy tale quality seems mostly lost in the bare bones production, so anyone who's not familiar with the book will not only be lost (given all the weird ommissions and non-existent transitions), but wonder what the fuss is about.

The DVD *is* mildly enjoyable as a companion to the book, but by the second hour, it moves at an increasingly glacial pace, and by the end, my girls were wondering when it was going to end. I would still recommend (with qualifications) this disc if you are a big fan of the book, as there are some very enjoyable scenes which may replay your favorite parts....this is somewhat akin to acquiring a bootleg tape of your favorite band's concert, complete with bad sound and drunken interludes. Keep your expectations very low, though...and if you haven't read the book, make that a priority instead!


No dancing   December 3, 2000
Arne Garvander (Richfield, MN USA)
0 out of 2 found this review helpful

You would expect some dancing in a ballet title, but there is none in this title. This is just a silly movie about some girls that wants to learn ballet. This DVD is definitely in the wrong category. It is a childrens movie not a ballet movie.


Low budget redition of a classic   October 10, 2000
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

This low budget redition of Noel Streatfield's classic novel, Ballet Shoes,is very well adapted to the screen. It could have been a lot better with an enhanced budget, but as it is is a worthy companion to the novel. The acting is good, especially the children, which saves it from being horrid, but there might have been more dancing shown.


This is a charming adaptation of Noel Streatfield's classic.   January 1, 1999
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

Parents: this is a beautifully made version of the book. The three girls are enchanting, and real role models for all little girls everywhere. One is an actress, the other a dancer, and the third learns Morse Code and dreams of flying planes. There's something for everyone. We enjoyed watching it with our daughter.


great book!   September 5, 1998
0 out of 1 found this review helpful

This book, I found I could read it over, and over again without getting bored with it. When I first read it, I could not put it down. Also, I have trouble finding books that I enjoy reading. So this book was a plus. Wonderful!!!!! (I would advise you to read this book, because it is interesting, and it is well writen.) END