Rating: 
Summary: not as good as the PPV
Review: I saw this performance on pay-per-view and absolutely fell in love! I had never seen a Cirque performance before and was totaly mesmerized. Buying this for my father-in-law, I expected the same amazing show. Unfortunately, the video rendition suffers from terribly distracting camera work and the best acts are cut very short. However, for one who has never seen a Cirque performance it is still worth watching. I can only hope their future videos are more representative of their live shows.
Rating: 
Summary: A Cirque Lovers Dream
Review: FINALLY! A superior capture of a Cirque du Soleil performance. I sufferied through the last two ("Novelle Experience" and "Saltimbanco") disappointing videos. Watching one missed opportunity after another, I had to draw from my memory of being at the performance to complete the picture. Or else I had to overcome annoying camera tricks. At last there is a film that enhances the experience of "Quidam" that surpasses the visions one gets from a a seat in the audience, and ALMOST equals the experience of being there.Let me explain. Camera shots and close-ups are much improved over previous ventures (I have not seen the film of "Alegria"), and now are better integrated into the overall experience. Rather than trying to perform camera stunts of their own (there are some exceptions), the viewpoint tries to capture or comment on what is being filmed.. The sound quality (captured from a live performance) is supurb. And the acts are wonderful. Many are actually more enjoyable [to me] than in my two live viewings because of the viewpoint of this film. While some are not as impressive as some past acts have been, the way the entire production encompasses their essence improves their impact. And some of the acts, quite frankly, are simply as good as it gets. But in this instance, the whole is far greater than the parts. This has always been a Cirque trait, but is particularly evident in "Quidam". The vision that permeates every frame of this film, every motion of every performer, every brush stroke in every make-up, every note in the score, every stitch in every costume-- is as advanced as anything seen in any art-form -painting, dance, theater, music, athletic arts, light, sound, technical theatre --all fully expressed in one overwhelming artistic statement that produces no less than a state of awe. Hey, but that is what you expect from Cirque du Soleil. You get it here. For the first time (in my humble opinion) on film. And now you can sit at home in comfort and admire it again and again-- and you can show your friends what it is like to be in a very special world of enchantment.
Rating:
Summary: NOT A CIRCUS - A DREAM AWAKING
Review: I have experienced Cirque du Soleil's 'Mystere' twice; unfortunately not 'Quidam' and had always hoped 'Mystere' would be released on video so I could watch it with my daughter - who listens to all of Cirque's soundtracks with me. When the 'Quidam' video came out (her and I had already memorized the soundtrack), we watched and cried and laughed in unison. Magic. At the end, she said: 'Dad, I feel so happy...and sad.' The Cirque du Soleil spirit is captured very well in both the video and the audio productions. John Gilky's pseudo-juggling antics are priceless and the angelic voice of Audrey Brisson-Jutras sends shivers up and down my spine. I wish she and her father - Cirque soundtrack composer Benoit Jutras - would release a musical project of their own (if they haven't already). If one has never seen a Cirque du Soleil show, this video is the next best thing. Be sure to have a big-screen TV, surround-sound stereo system, and an extra large tub of popcorn (but watch out for the usher).
Rating:
Summary: My first Cirque
Review: Quidam is a very moving piece of work. I've never seen Cirque before, and I saw this show on Pay-per-view and fell in love. That very night, I ordered the soundtrack, very haunting, and put it on repeat--it's a sort of Tom Waits meets the Ringling Brothers. Having never seen the live show, I can't share the other reviewers' complaints of what is missing. I can only report what is here. Fantastic acrobatics, gymnastics, and theatre the likes of which I've never seen--and one of my college degrees is in theatre. I encourage any lover of any art or even storytelling to purchase this DVD immediately and watch it a loved one, alone, with family, or a complete stranger. Quidam is truly one of the most magnificent works of live entertainment I've ever witnessed. If you've never seen Cirque, as I hadn't, please ignore the negative feedbacks on this page, and invest the money in Quidam.
Rating:
Summary: Where's the beef?
Review: After the glowing recommendations, I purchased the tape. Slighly, more than slightly, disappointed. Certainly different but...was it entertaining? Not particularly. Acts were too long, too trite for the most part. A few good acts but you have to be very patient.
Rating:
Summary: heart thumping quidam
Review: This is a true cross between the circus and broaway. It has so much passion, laughter and life relationships, that anyone can and should relate to it. It is a MUST SEE for anyone who is a fan of the theater.
Rating:
Summary: I have attended live and watched the DVD, both are great
Review: I have attended live and seen the DVD. I was very happy with my purchase. My 17, 15 and 12 year old children loved it also.
Rating:
Summary: 5 stars for a 5 star show
Review: Finally it's here, Quidam on Video. My favourite touring show, with "O" taking the top marks in the fixed location department. After endless e-mails to Cirque's marketing department, on when it would be out, it comes just in time for Christmas. Shot in Amsterdam, The Netherlands back in April this year, the show does a great job capturing the images of the show. From the joyfully opening of Chris Lashua's German Wheel via the erotic Aerial contortion in silk by Isabelle Chasé to the heart-stopping Banquine finale by the entire cast. Many acts are shortend, espcially the playfull diabolos and hoop acts, others such as the Manipulation act, did not play in Amsterdam. However, the Manipulation act is replaced by the wonderfull Handbalancing, which used to alter with the diabolos back in the states but is back as a full act here. One thing is great though, and please Cirque take notice, One boring clown act per show is really enough, and really takes enough speed out of the show, Quidam would be even better without Les Malcoma and with another act!, John alone brings more laughs than those three idiots from France. Having seen the show 11 times, I would certainly say that Quidam on Video is something else than Quidam live, feeling the bass in the tent during the Statue just adds to the whole experience. Being in the tent Cirque is a 360o experience something that is very difficult to capture on tape, even with Yet, the video provides 90 minutes of non-stop entertainment that is not to be missed. The quality of both the sound is so good, it eliminates the need for a Quidam live CD, since the orginal version just lacks many of the wonderful show tracks. Indeed 5 stars for this video of this 5 star show. Simply because it does what it should do: it reminds you of a great night, it can't compete with it, but hey for the price you can't even buy a restricted view seat and then you certainly won't see and feel as much of the show as you do when you buy this wonderful tape. Now let's all keep our fingers crossed for a full version of Mystére on Video in 2003!, which shouldn't be that hard.....
Rating: 
Summary: A bit cheated...
Review: A brilliant performance by the entire cast (or at least what's left of it after several years of touring). Definitely can't compare with seeing it live (I've seen it 3 times hehe) but a great way to keep the memory alive. My only bite: what's up with all the cuts and editing? Why chop a 3 hr. show in half? It's on dvd. Hello? There's plenty of room for the whole thing by either double layering the disc or double siding it. The brilliant intro, the clown interludes, even the manipulation act -- completely cut out! That's why I can only give this edition 4 stars. Props to Benoit Jutras for his amazing score. Without a doubt the most musical and gorgeous soundtrack I have ever heard. Tis all for now...
Rating:
Summary: Cirque's Intense Masterpiece
Review: This is easily the finest of the Cirque du Soleil videos. The show is in incredible performance for all 90 minutes; everyone plays their parts to perfection. Prepare to be amused by Skipping Ropes, transfixed by a human Statue, and changed forever by Aerial Contortions in Silk.
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