Cirque du Soleil Movies

The newest presentation of the fabled French-Canadian Cirque du Soleil was unveiled June 14, 2003, in this Bravo network cable special. Priding themselves on never exploiting animals to entertain the public, the members of the Cirque troupe are all astonishingly talented and dauntlessly fearless athletes, gymnasts, and magicians. Among the special's highlights is a heart-stopping display of trapeze prowess 50 feet above the ground (without a net, of course). Varekai originally aired as the capper for Bravo's all-day marathon of the theatrical documentary Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within. ~ Hal Erickson, Rovi

What began on the urban boulevards of Quebec is now under the big top of the Cirque Du Soleil. An equal part of circus acts and street performance, this video from Columbia TriStar Home Entertainment is designed to be spectacular fun for adult and child alike. With exquisite costumes and illusory lighting, this event transports the viewer into the three-ring extravaganza of acrobats, jugglers, and clowns. A progressing saga of trademark theatre, this episode maintains the inventive tradition of the Cirque Du Soliel with their ongoing pursuit of continuing the magic. Their second production, this traveling road show is caught on tape as they toured Canada in 1986. ~ C. Dwayne Smith, Rovi

The artists of the internationally acclaimed performing arts troupe Cirque du Soleil appear in this dramatic fantasy, shot in the high-definition IMAX format, which celebrates the human spirit as it follows the life of one man from childhood to old age. The Taiko Drummers perform in a sequence that represents the dawn of mankind, and a synchronized swimming team performs a water ballet that symbolizes the beginning of life. The Flounes (Josette Dechene and Paul Vachon), a pair of stylized clowns, guide the boy (Nicky Dewhurst) as he encounters the Bungees, aerial acrobats who leap from the trees in a forest. The youth (Chris VanWagenen) learns the importance of bravery and strength as he sees the Cuba Man (Mikhail Matorin) juggle with a giant metal sculpture. The performers of the Statue Act (Yves Decoste and Marie-Laure Mesnage) teach the young man (Kenny Raskin) the delicate balance of the relationship between men and women. The importance of joy and adventure are reinforced as the man witnesses the striking acrobatic performance of the Banquine. And as the journey draws to a close, the mature man (Brian Dewhurst) arrives at Berlin's Brandenburg Gate, ready to pass his wisdom along to a new generation. Cirque du Soleil: The Journey of Man was shot on location around the world using 3-D technology , giving the artists the opportunity to perform in spectacular natural settings and striking man-made backdrops. ~ Mark Deming, Rovi

This documentary presents a look at the innovative Canadian circus troupe that revolutionized the circus genre. Cirque du Soleil first came on the scene in the 1980s. Combining elements of street theater with traditional circus performance, these former street performers have dazzled millions of people with their repertoire of dance, acrobatics, and music, all presented by characters known as baroques. With imaginative costumes depicting fanciful animals, the circus of the sun has captured the hearts of many new circus goers. This program captures the magic of Cirque du Soleil on film. ~ Rose of Sharon Winter, Rovi