Cirque Du Soleil - Fire Within
Sony Pictures Home Entertainment (2002)
Documentary, Family, Fantasy
In Collection
#2760
0*
Seen ItYes
043396084032
IMDB   7.8
4 hr 46 mins USA / English
DVD  Region 1   NR
Andrew Atherton Himself
Kevin Atherton Himself
Ashley Beaver Himself
Adrian Berinde Himself
Christopher Dyson Narrator
Gareth Hopkins Himself
Raquel Karro Oliveira Herself
Oleg Ouchakov Himself
Olga Pikhienko Herself
Stella Umeh Herself
Paul James Bannerman
Director
Bachir Bensaddek
Lewis Cohen
Ezra Soiferman
Bachir Bensaddik
Producer Christian Barcellos
Martin Bolduc
Writer Lewis Cohen
Cleo Paskal

Fire Within
The 2003 winner of the Emmy for Outstanding Nonfiction Program (Alternative), this 13-episode television series offers an intimate look into the dreams, trials and aspirations of a core group of performers involved in the creation and launch of Varekai, the live production from Cirque de Soleil Fire Within begins eight months prior to opening night when it remains to be seen how the performers, who have come from around the world, will survive the enormous physical and emotional demands placed upon them. Throughout the captivating series, cameras document the human experience - the drama and comedy, the victories and setbacks - and, above all, the desire to succeed that burns within these extraordinary individuals.
Episodes
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    11/30/2003  1.  New Arrivals
A group of new artists from all over the world arrive at the international headquarters of Cirque du Soleil in Montreal. The adventure begins with the creation of the new show.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    12/7/2003  2.  Behind Closed Studio Doors
The character's stories begin to unfold as the focus turns to their personal lives. One artist is already on his way back home...does he plan on returning to Cirque du Soleil?
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    12/14/2003  3.  The Rise and Fall of the Trapeze
Within the creation process of Varekai, artists prepare the first presentation of their acts to Guy Laliberte, President and CEO, Founder of Cirque du Soleil but who is also, more importantly, the Creative Guide for the show. Today, the triple trapeze act is the unfortunate focus of Guy's attention.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    12/24/2003  4.  Shooting Stars
is officially time for the artists to join Cirque du Soleil and the initiation into the Cirque family begins. Questions are raised as certain artists review the terms of their contracts. The name of the new show is finally chosen.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    12/28/2003  5.  Christmas
The holiday season brings a more intimate look into the characters as they reflect on their lives and relationships outside Cirque du Soleil.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    1/4/2004  6.  New Blood
For the first time, the entire cast is assembled together. Rehearsals begin and the artists endure their second presentation to Guy. Can the triple trapeze shape up to Guy's expectations?
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    1/11/2004  7.  Pushing Acrobats
All the characters feel the pressure and intensity of the approaching world premiere. Insecurities are revealed as they push themselves to meet individual expectations.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    1/18/2004  8.  Moving On
Rehearsals progress and the Grand Chapiteau is mounted. Make-up is designed, costumes fitted, and the show's visual identity has evolved.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    1/25/2004  9.  The Grand Chapiteau
The first rehearsal under the new blue and yellow Grand Chapiteau takes place. An emotional upset occurs as two of the artists deal with a harsh blow. Back at Cirque du Soleil, it is time to present the new show to the press.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    2/1/2004  10.  The Lion's Den
The artists will perform Varekai for the first time in front of an audience consisting of Guy and a select audience of 500. This event is called the "Lion's Den." Tensions are high as the artists feel the pressure to perform at optimum level. Will all the artists continue onwards to the premiere?
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    2/8/2004  11.  Countdown to Premiere
As tensions mount even higher, the final details are tended to. Guy and Dominic Champagne, Director of Varekai, try to calm the artists' nerves as the world premiere approaches. The last dress rehearsal is performed.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    2/15/2004  12.  Opening Night
An episode devoted entirely to the dynamic, colorful evening of the world premiere of Varekai.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins    2/22/2004  13.  The Aftermath & Departure
Following the premiere, a series of dramatic adjustments to the show and to the artists' lives as one process ends, and another begins. The artists now prepare for three years of touring. A new world opens that holds as much discovery, difficulty, and excitement as the one they are leaving.
    Seen it: Yes   0 hr 1 mins  14.  Reunion
The dudes and dudettes get back together for some hugs and that. Yay.
Edition Details
Edition TV Series
Series Cirque du Soleil: Fire Within
Distributor Sony Pictures
Release Date 11/2/2004
Packaging Custom Case
Screen Ratio Widescreen 1.78:1 Color
Subtitles English; French; Portuguese; Spanish
Audio Tracks ENGLISH: Dolby Digital 5.1 [CC]
ENGLISH: Dolby Digital Stereo [CC]
Layers Single Side, Dual Layer
No. of Disks/Tapes 3

Features
Disc 01 Fire Within Reunion special
Q&A with selected artists and director Lewis Cohen
Cirque du Soleil Promos
Episode Selector