As far as DVD content is concerned, there is much here for any Cirque fan. There are two featurettes: "A Look Behind-the-Scenes" and "A Different Perspective." Also included are short interviews of the artists themselves. The show itself is well worth the price of the DVD, but these add-ons are a very nice bonus.

It is surprising how much feeling comes through on DVD....the filming was about as well done as could have ever been expected! Any CdS fan will not tire of watching the acts of Alegria or of hearing the beautiful voice of Francesca Gagnon. If Angels sing, surely they sound like Ms. Gagnon.


Alegria (Live in Sidney) - Very well done!   March 21, 2004
Maryville (Fairfax, VA United States)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

We recently watched La Nouba at Orlando, FL. It was our first live - Cirque du Soleil. We watched a documentary on PBS and it wasn't that impressive. However, from many people's recommendation, we watched the live show and it was just breath taking! Cirque du Soleil has very talented people doing very unique tricks, and with very artistic classy presentations and costumes. So we bought Alegria DVD, because of their extra documentary (it was good with performers). The DVD Alegria show was so much more than what we expected. The camera did a very excellent job. They did rock concerts so they were experienced and know how to present this show well on TV. It wasn't same as live, but it was still amazing at a good price. Also, I liked the different view from the camera (i.e. from the top view). Vocal and music were great, with a pair of good speakers. This DVD is worth to keep if you like these kind of stuff.


A Cirque classic   June 3, 2005
Grande Inquisitor (Mexico City, MX)
9 out of 9 found this review helpful

Incredible acrobatics, wonderful music, dazzling artistry...this description doesn't even come close to describing what you'll experience watching Alegría, one of Cirque's oldest (and best) shows. Very revamped from its first years, the show's fresher than ever, and this recording shows it.
Spanish for "happiness", Alegría's quite a moody show; don't let that turn you off though, it's not a depressing show, but rather one that can spark your innermost feelings. You'll know what I mean when you see one particular act: the clown's "Snowstorm" act. Cirque's creativity is really displayed here, since it's not your traditional "goofy" clown; this clown can draw tears from your eyes, it's the most expressive clown act I've seen, and it's woth a look by anyone. Every other act is equally wonderful, including a syncro trapeze, fire-knife dance and Russian bars. The music is a delightful mix of mellow and joyful tunes sung in Spanish, Italian, French, English, and "Cirque-ish", all beautifully performed by Francesca Gagnon and Eve Montpetit. The DVD's extras include the very interesting "Meet the Artists" feature, a making of featurette, an Australian-produced documentary recorded during the show's stay there, and a multi-angle feature for 2 of the acts.
The show's slightly sad feel may not appeal to the very young in the family, but it will be tons of fun for everyone else; buy it now if you don't have it (or if your budget doesn't allow you to watch it live).


The Most Entertainment One DVD Can Hold!   August 2, 2006
Omega Murphy (Upland, CA United States)
7 out of 7 found this review helpful

This is the most entertaining DVD I have ever watched. It is chock full of wonderful, breathtaking talent, giving non-stop delight. It moves from one spectacular, perfect performance to another--lots of variety. The music is superb, the characters are delightful. It's my first exposure to Cirque du Soleil. I loved all the acts, but my favorite was Elena Lev with the hoops. She is beautiful, graceful, very flexible, and she gives a flawless performance. I never tire of replaying her. I can't wait to get more CdS DVDs! I highly recommend this one.


The must-own for Cirque fans!!   January 11, 2004
Thomas B Crosby (Indianapolis, IN)
9 out of 10 found this review helpful

My expertise, limited, but here it is. I've seen "Mystere" and "O" in person. I own "Saltimbanco" and I own "Alegria", soon to own "Quidam". Ratings I give "O" an 10, "Mystere" a 9.5, "Saltimbanco" a negative three ( -3)it really sucked, and "Alegria" a 9.
Alegria was fantastic. The music was superb and singers get the highest of marks. Their voices and presentation were as dramatic as the athletic performers. The costumes were astounding, at times taking the viewer to another world/dimension. As always, the performers were at the top of their game. I find it nearly impossible to say what the best acts were as they all brought a significant contribution to the show. No bad ones. The clowns were extremley amusing showing both great mime like ablities and deep humor. The camera work was five stars. I hope that if and when "O" or "mystere" are put on tape/dvd, that it is handled by the same group. If you are ready to go to another world and be put in a perpetual state of awe, then this is the dvd for you. Five stars.