First off, if you have never had the opportunity to see a Cirque du Soleil production, then you are cheating yourself out of an amazing experience. If however, you cannot see a live performance, then seeing a Cirque show on high def is the next best thing, albeit a very different experience altogether. Corteo opens up in the midst of the funeral of a clown. What is at first a somber occasion soon transforms into something very light and ethereal as it seems the clown is caught somewhere between heaven and earth. We are then treated to what can only be his fanciful musings.

Whether it be an amazingly acrobatic pillow fight performed on trampolines designed to look like mattresses, or beautiful performers dangling dangerously from elaborate crystal chandeliers, or even a contest of strength and skill between several performers who jump onto see-saws, Corteo is a visual feast. As I watched the performance, complete with strains of classical Italian music and also robust circus-appropriate tunes playing in the background, I couldn't help but marvel at the stupendous skill of the members of this troupe. These people are one part singer, one part dancer, one part acrobat, one part gymnast, but all parts entertainer.

There are several special features included in the Blu-ray version, including an in-depth look at the production (although, you'll probably want to turn on your subtitles, because many of the performers speak in their own native languages), one on the artists themselves, one on filming the feature and one called Teatro Intimo, which seemed to be an act that probably took place prior to the main feature in the live performance, a humorous take on Romeo and Juliet. Only die-hard Cirque fans will probably stick it out through the featurettes, but what goes into these productions is quite intense so they are worth checking out.

When I saw a Cirque show, I had really good seats. Not front row, mind you, but fairly close and in the center of the venue. Even with really good seats, my viewpoint wasn't anything compared to the seat I had while watching Corteo. Your "front row seat" is guaranteed because you will always have the optimal viewpoint, whether it be a close-up shot or a shot panned out so that you see the entire scope of the production. It is clear that an incredible amount of work went into the filming and editing of this production and it shows. This is a magnificent production and one I would recommend if you are curious to see a Cirque production while in the comfort of your own home. While it can't replace the excitement you'd feel from attending a live performance, it is fun and fanciful and appropriate for all ages. If you want a whimsical take on a circus, Corteo might just be for you. While not necessarily something you'd watch over and over again, it'd make a good rental and high def is the way to view it.