Rating: 
Summary: Depressing and major ripoff
Review: This is my first review on Amazon despite being a regular customer for two years. I am moved to write because this DVD is a major ripoff. I have seen the Alegria show, loved it and now am very suspicious of any Cirque tie-in. This is a depressing movie totally unlike the show. Don't waste your money or eyesight. Shame on you Franco.
Rating: 
Summary: it is not Cirque Du Soleil
Review: to reinstate other reviewers' comments, this is NOT a Cirque Du Soleil performance... it is a movie ~inspired~ by Alegria; however, i'm disappointed that this is the inspiration they came up with.the story could have worked the magical/mythical angle of joining the circus as a child -- and the wonder this represents -- but instead the story is dreary... more like children being sold into the circus; there isn't anything etherial about the film -- it's just depressing (inspite of the clown getting the girl). there is almost none of the performances to grace the movie (there are bonus materials which basically are extended sequences of two 'performances') and -- here's the part that i felt cheated of... the music rarely appeared. the great title song, Alegria, didn't turn up until the VERY end and even then it was abridged! i LOVE Cirque Du Soleil (why i made the mistake of rushing out to buy it w/o looking at the reviews) and this film captures none of the whimsy, wit, finesse or atmosphere of the performances. rent it and judge for yourself before buying.
Rating:
Summary: Not For Children
Review: This is to depressing to show to young children...I am just glad my wife and I watched it before our 6 year old daughter saw it. I regret having spent money on it and probably would never buy another of their videos without having watched it first... It starts with an abused child in a work house forming a "relationship" with a young adult. Nothing about it is atractive or uplifting. I wish someone had told me this before I bought it.
Rating: 
Summary: WHEN A MOVIE IS NOT A MOVIE
Review: I rate "Alegria" with five stars because it IS Cirque du Soleil and that in itself deserves this rating. I also rate it high as my daughter and I enjoyed the story together, which is magic in its purist form - we are both addicted to anything associated with Cirque du Soleil. The film is probably not worthy of any academy awards (except for the incredible soundtrack composed by the gifted Benoit Jutras), but it is a feel-good movie even with the dark elements shown in the "Cauldron" and the "Flower Factory" scenes. Rene Bazinet is a talented mime and proved that the role of Frac was perfect for him. Giulietta's (played by Julie Cox) expressive eyes revealed sincerity as she showed love for the lost soul of Frac. I also recommend playing the movie with director Franco Dragone's commentary as he explains how the sets and characters evolved out surprising inspirations. Cirque du Soleil once again summons the world of children and adults and cultures together as one.
Rating:
Summary: An entrancing fable great for the whole family
Review: First, this is not the circus show. If you're looking for one of those videos, try Nouvelle Experience, Saltimbanco, or Quidam. But be forewarned, no video can hope to capture the magic of the live shows. That said, I loved this movie. The main theme is an interesting love story between a street mime and a circus performer. That part was good, but what I really liked was the peek inside the world of circus performers. The red carpet scene was fantastic. I've watched the video three times (once with Franco's commentary) and will probably watch it several more times. If you're a fan of Cirque and what they stand for, this is a must buy. If you just want to watch a circus, look elsewhere.
Rating: 
Summary: It's a movie, not a performance
Review: If you buy this disc to see a performance, you will be disappointed. If you want a love story, look elsewhere. It's a decent story, but not a great one. It does NOT contain any cirque-specific storyline, it is not a "behind-the-scenes" look at Cirque (unless the Cirque Troupe were originally child slaves), it is simply a movie with some cirque performances in it (not very many, and I've seen much better). There is a large emphasis on the clown performances, which in my opinion is the best part of the movie, and often overlooked in the video releases, so that was a nice touch. Bottom line, they used the Cirque Du Soleil name to promote a movie. One of the other reviewers said that as long as a Cirque performance is still going, it will never be released on video. This is not true. Quidam is still running live in Europe, and I have it on DVD. Saltimbanco is touring in Asia, and that one is available on video as well.
Rating:
Summary: Slow paced but worth it
Review: I am so glad that I bought this DVD. It is so slow paced a movie that if I had rented it I would have turned it off and returned it without finishing watching it. BUT once I got to the end I realized that it was really a great movie.
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful Film
Review: First of all, I whole-heartedly disagree with the first reviewer commenting that this film is "pretentious as hell" This movie is "an enchanting fable" and that should be kept in mind while watching it. Pure escapism. As far as the acts go, capturing them on film is OKAY...but they must be seen live to truly appreciate. My favorite part of this film is it's sense of timelessness. The added features are terrific. If you love Cirque du Soleil, don't hesitate to purchase this DVD!
Rating:
Summary: Disappointed
Review: I had been waiting a long time for Alegria to be released, hoping that I would be able to see the stunning performance again. I did not know that this was not the actual show, but a movie. I was very disappointed. Will they ever release Alegria, the performance? I sure hope so.
Rating:
Summary: Painful to sit through
Review: This is a bad movie that is a disgrace to the quality that Cirque Du Soleil normally stands for. If you are expecting to see amazing acts and hear fabulous music - don't watch this movie. You will regret the 93 long minutes that this film will take away from your life.
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