"Director: Guy Caron"

• Cirque Du Soleil - Dralion | DVD | (28/01/2002) from £3.97   |  Saving you £16.02 (403.53%)   |  RRP £19.99

  The work of the Canadian circus troupe Cirque Du Soleil, Dralion is a show which has toured worldwide. It features elements of Chinese circus tradition interspersed with the troupe's own pan-cultural sense of stage spectacle. It's a combination of music, dance, clowning and acrobatics lavishly bathed in dry ice, strobe lights and a colourful array of oriental finery, elaborate costumes and props. Here you'l find Chinese women finding the strength from somewhere in their tiny bodies to balance by their hands atop 10-foot poles which are wheeled around gracefully; and young boys tumbling rapidly through revolving golden hoops; and bronzed dancers swinging through the air in balletic arcs from lengths of blue ribbon. What one could do without, though, is the She-Goddess' New Age babble throughout the proceedings, as well as the soundtrack, which is a queasy fusion of world music marinated in bass. There's also an over-indulgence of costume and choreography, presumably the work of the "avant garde" Cirque Du Soleil, though much here is distinctly apres-garde, reminding the viewer irresistibly of the musical extravaganza that was the daily centrepiece of the ill-fated Millennium Dome. All of this at times smothers and distracts from the impressive physical feats of the Chinese performers. Still, for the three million people who have witnessed this show worldwide this will certainly provide a worthy memento.On the DVD: a number of extra features include a featurette about the five-month deadline the troupe had to meet in putting together the show, splendid for those who thrill to the spectacle of tents being erected and dancers being winched carefully into the rafters of giant hangars. There's also a facility for viewing the performances from different angles. The show is presented in 1.78:1 aspect ratio, and is generally pristine in both colour and definition. --David Stubbs

• Cirque Du Soleil - 4-title pack - Dralion/Varekei/Journey Of Man/A Baroque Odyssey | DVD | (12/01/2004) from £N/A   |  Saving you £N/A (N/A%)   |  RRP £29.99

  Four thrilling Cirque Du Soleil DVDs in one spectacular box set. Titles include: Drailon Varekai Journey Of Man and A Baroque Odyssey. Cirque Du Soleil - A Baroque Odyssey: A unique and inspiring look into the heart of the Cirque du Soleil(TM) universe. This 10-year anniversary retrospective made in 1994 highlights the essence of Cirque du Soleil - the amazing energy and spirit that gave birth to the phenomenon and the breathtaking artistry that has captivated and delighted audiences around the world. Cirque Du Soleil - Dralion: A combination of ancient Chinese circus tradition and the avant-garde this is a celebration of life and the four elements: air earth water and fire propelled into a futuristic dimension. Here the costumes reflect the cinema fantastique while the music bursts into the electro-symphonic realm of a world yet to come. Cirque Du Soleil - Varekai: Deep within a forest at the summit of a volcano there is an extraordinary world - a world where something else is possible. A world called VAREKAI. From the sky falls a solitary young man and the story fo VAREKAI begins. Parachuted into the shadows of a magical forest a kaleidoscopic world populated by fantastical creatures this young man sets off on an adventure both absurd and extraordinary. Cirque Du Soleil - Journey of Man: Journey Of Man is a breathtaking odyssey that follows the stages of human development from birth to maturity with each stage presented by a Cirque du SoleilTM act. The signature Cirque du Soleil celebration of colour light music and costume combine with a backdrop of various natural and historical landmarks around the world creating a triumph of artistry beyond compare. From the opening explosion of light and sound that represents the universe's formation 'Journey of Man' leads us through the birth of the Universal Child as it travels from childhood through adolescence and manhood on to maturity. An awe-inspiring feast for the senses incomparable artistry and stylish elegance make this an adventure of a lifetime.