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Reminiscent of Fame and Flashdance but unfolding in a more rarefied atmosphere, Center Stage trots out old cinematic platitudes regarding ambition, dedication, and self-realization -- but does so in a lively, engaging, thoroughly contemporary manner. Befitting its setting in the highly competitive world of ballet, Stage utilizes the talents of professional dancers who happen to be charismatic screen performers as well. San Francisco Ballet regular Amanda Schull stars as the talented but naive student who fears she won't meet the exacting standards required by the exclusive ballet school run by Peter Gallagher. The New York Ballet's Ethan Stiefel plays an up-and-coming choreographer and erstwhile ladykiller with a love-'em-and-leave-'em attitude. Also making powerful impressions are supporting players Susan May Pratt (as a snobbish, bulimic student), Debra Monk (her overbearing mother), and Donna Murphy (a demanding teacher). Director Nicholas Hytner (The Crucible) lets the clichés fall where they may while lavishing attention on the dance numbers, including a climactic extravaganza combining ballet and modern dance. He explains his choices in a commentary for the DVD, which also includes deleted scenes, extended dance sequences, a making-of featurette, a music video, an isolated music score, and theatrical trailers. Ed Hulse

All Movie Guide

In this emotional drama, a team of young dancers are competing for places in a prestigious dance troupe. The dancers have to deal with the ups and downs of trying to find their place in the world, even as their profession also places an enormous physical and psychological challenge before them. They train with the rigor of championship athletes, and like most aspiring athletes, they know that only a tiny number of them will achieve the goal they've set for themselves. Director Nicholas Hytner) cast young dancers and athletes as his aspiring terpsichoreans, including Ilia Kulik, an Olympic gold medalist in figure skating; the cast also includes Peter Gallagher as the leader of the dance troupe, Susan May Pratt, Amanda Schull, Eion Bailey, Debra Monk, and Sascha Radetsky. Mark Deming

Product Details

• UPC: 043396052901
• Source: SONY PICTURES
• Region Code: 1
• Aspect Ratio: Cinemascope (2.35:1)
• Presentation: Wide Screen
• Sound: Dolby Digital Surround, Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround
• Language: English, Français
• Subtitles: English, Français
• Time: 1:56:00
• Sales Rank: 3,175

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