AllMovie

This filmization of Shakespeare's Midsummer Night's Dream is actually the New York City Ballet version, as staged by George Balanchine. Topnotch dance artists Suzanne Farrell and Edward Villella head a distinguished troupe in keeping the classic tale of mismatched lovers and magic spells on its toes. At 93 minutes, this film will appeal most to ballet aficionados; don't try to force the kids to watch if they'd rather change over to Barney or the Mighty Morphin Power Rangers. Though George Balanchine is occasionally listed as the film's director, it was in fact Dan Eriksen who set up the cameras and chose the angles. Midsummer Night's Dream virtually defies a cinematic approach, though Eriksen tries his hardest.