DVD Videos

Rimsky-Korsakov lavished a gorgeous score on this rustic tale of love and the supernatural. This acclaimed 2008 production by the Stanislavsky and Nemirovich-Danchenko Moscow Academic Music Theatre marks the opera’s first appearance on DVD. The company’s brilliant staging is modern in its dramatic intensity yet firmly rooted in the traditional heart of the work.

Subtitles in English, French, Italian, Russian & Spanish

In 1948 Léonide Massine mounted for the Royal Danish Ballet a version of his famous 1936 ballet, Symphonie Fantastique, based on the symphony by Hector Berlioz. A “work film” was made at that time, shot without sound and showing the dancers in practice dress. This DVD presents that work film synchronized to Liszt’s piano transcription of the Berlioz work played by William Hicks.

Ballet fans will notice the cast includes Erik Bruhn, Toni Lander, and Stanley Williams, all at the beginning of their careers.

Igor Stravinsky is arguably the most important composer of the twentieth century. In this 1967 program from the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, he is seen in rehearsal and performance segments, leading The Toronto Symphony in his Suite from the ballet Pulcinella. After the musical portion of the video, Stravinsky is presented with the Medal of the Canada Council for the Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences. With English subtitles. 57 min., Black & white, mono, 4:3, All regions.

Embedded Japanese subtitles remain on screen throughout. Optional subtitles in English, French, German, Italian, and Spanish. 127 min., Black & white, mono, 4:3, All regions

The legendary Violette Verdy, who excelled as a Balanchine ballerina, has distinguished herself as a coach to leading dancers in major international companies.

This documentary focuses on Verdy’s work with students at the Chautauqua School of Dance. The School’s Co-Directors, Jean- Pierre Bonnefoux and Patricia McBride, former colleagues of Verdy at the New York City Ballet, discuss her work with the students. They and Verdy are also seen performing in rare performance footage.

Nothing about opera remains sacred in this hilarious, knowing spoof, a mock biography of the (fictional) prima donna Vera Galupe-Borszkh. Vera - Life of a Diva traces the outsized performer's rise from obscurity in Odessa to fame, fortune, and near-tragedy in Rome.

Dominique Delouche’s documentary on Monique Loudieres, one of the Paris Opéra Ballet’s greatest luminaries.