I really do not know what to say about Dita Von Teese live at Crazy Horse. I genuinely cannot tell whether I liked it or not, so dazzled was I by the gorgeous costumes sublime beauties and amazing make-up. As a photographer I was enraptured by the spectacle - it looks amazing. Just beware, if you have a phobia of boobs this is not the show for you.

The show consists of different numbers performed on stage by Dita or by the resident Crazy Horse girls as well as some performed together. The show ran in Paris at the Crazy Horse - a legendary burlesque and cabaret venue but the DVD offers no interaction with the crowds. No cheering, no applause as the DVD was not filmed during an actual live performance. This is a shame as the sense of a crowd would have only added to the atmosphere. Indeed it can feel a little flat without the vibrancy and excitement of a live show.

The opening sets you up for what's in store. The crazy horse girls dressed (barely) as toy soldiers perform a tightly choreographed march. It looks great though it's hard to escape the "Where's Dita?" feeling at first which is a little distracting. When she does appear she is as improbably luminous and exquisite as you could hope. Her numbers are more languid and playful than the Crazy Horse girls' numbers. These girls are trained dancers and the perform feats that will leave your jaw on the floor. Dita is more about the art of the strip tease, and I stress the word art. While there is a lot of flesh on display here it never feels cheap or sleazy. The overall effect is very sexy, very glamorous and very artistic.

For those of you interested in fashion the costumes are something to behold (but don’t blink or they'll be on the floor before you notice!) Designed by Dita's high profile friends in the fashion world the attention to detail and the obvious expense really pay off here and the staging is also very well done with some genuinely wow moments (e.g. Tees`ing).

In addition to the live numbers we are treated to some behind the scenes footage (a disappointing montage of the girls dressing for the show) and some interviews with the design heavyweights involved with the show as well as a history of the Crazy Horse.

VERDICT:

This DVD gives a glimpse of what an amazing show this must have been live but unfortunately lacks the immediacy and energy of a live performance. Having said that if you love burlesque, fashion or boobs this DVD is worth a look

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