Mozart was barely 26 years old when he composed this opera. It was one of the happiest times of his short life, and this is reflected in the music, some of his finest and most highly expressive. With the creation of Osmin, one of the most memorable comic figures of opera, this merry song-play illustrates how profound human love, ideas and faith can overcome power and egotism. It is beautifully staged and perfectly sung in the original German by The Dresden State Opera, directed by Harry Kupfer.

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"[Pommier] projects the music with sincerity and solid technique. Sound and balance are excellent." —Billboard

Written between 1854 and 1857, while Brahms was in his early twenties, his First Piano Concerto has become a pillar of the classical repertoire. Pianist Jean-Bernard Pommier and the National Orchestra of Lille, conducted by the acclaimed Jean-Claude Casadesus, give an inspired performance of this monumental work. Hundreds of hours of meticulous editing greatly enhance the listening experience, directing our focus to each instrument as it appears within the piece.

"Christmas as seen through the eyes of children."
THE NEW YORK TIMES

American opera star, Frederica von Stade, known by her childhood nickname Flicka, celebrates the holiday season with the music of Christmas. She rediscovers the picture postcard alpine village of St. Wolfgang for a week of holiday activities with 2 charming children and the townspeople. She and her friends perform more than 18 carols, including such favorites as "O Tannenbaum" and "Deck the Halls," highlighted by an original music-video style version of "The Twelve Days of Christmas." A collection to be enjoyed year after year by the entire family.

"OUR WORLD, A USER'S GUIDE"

**Proceeds Benefit THE CHILDREN'S EARTH FUND

Did you know that making newspaper from used paper instead of from trees takes about 50% less energy while reducing related air pollution by about 95%. Millions upon millions of trees could be saved if we recycled our papers.

In one day the U.S. disposes of more than 90 million bottles and jars, 46 million cans, and 25 million TV sets. Recycling has become a must in order to preserve the delicate balance of the natural systems which are vital to life on this planet. Ed Begley, Jr. demonstrates a wealth of innovative tips that cost us nothing, but help us reduce waste through recycling, reuse and precycling.

"OUR WORLD, A USER'S GUIDE"

**Proceeds Benefit THE CHILDREN'S EARTH FUND

More and more people on Earth use more and more water, but the amount of water available for use remains the same! In order to preserve and replenish our planet's natural resources, water conservation has become a must. Ed Begley, Jr. demonstrates a wealth of innovative tips on water conservation that cost us nothing, but which can save up to 50% of the water each of us uses. Did you know that by using an aerated showerhead, a family can save 14,000 gallons of water per year?

DVD BONUS FEATURES:

DVD BONUS FEATURES:

Placido Domingo, joined by Shirley Verrett, Simon Estes, Barbara Hendricks, Wang Yan Yan and the National Orchestra of France under the direction of Lorin Maazel, performs the most memorable arias of Puccini and Verdi, including selections from Otello, Tosca and Il Trovatore. Presented by the U.N. High Commission for Refugees, this 1989 Classic Aid II Gala concert, live from UNESCO in Paris, captures their riveting performances with 8 cameras and digital Hi-Fi stereo sound.

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From the creators of the award-winning Infantastic Lullabyes on Video comes a music video greeting for every child's special day. The soundtrack of delightful original songs features sing-a-longs such as "Good Friends," "Good Health," "Curiosity," and "A Gift of Love" that will last them a lifetime. The life-size animated puppet, Happy Birdy, and his fine feathered friends lead a sing-a-long celebration that will recall fond birthday memories all year long.

Agent 07734 (upside down, that's HELLO) from ANNNND (America's Necessary Numbers and Needed Numerals Department) makes learning numbers easy and fun. With interactive games, songs and count-a-longs, Hello Numbers teaches his Video Pal to count from 1 to 10, and by 10s to 100. Recommended for ages 2-5.

"There have been countless programs made that profile the late President, but this is by far the most comprehensive and the most effective." BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

Through exclusive and previously unseen footage from family archives and the local TV station near the infamous "grassy knoll," plus the insightful recollections of Gerald Ford, Coretta King, Tip O'Neill, Ted Kennedy and many others, the remarkable JFK comes to life. Hosted by James Earl Jones, this compelling video explores the dynamic President's triumphs, failures and contribution to history.

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"***" VIDEO TIMES

A remarkable performance by the great Theo Adam is the highlight of this production of the story of Julius Caesar, Cleopatra, and her brother, Ptolomey, the King of Egypt. A particularly successful interpretation, Caesar is seen not as the ideal leader, but rather as a man with normal faults and weaknesses. Handel's development of Cleopatra's eight arias represents one of his greatest achievements into the insight of human character. Sung in German. Berlin State Opera conducted by Peter Schreier.

CAST: Theo Adam, Caesar; Celestina Casapietra, Cleopatra.

"La Favorita is beautiful: the last act... every note a masterpiece."
ARTURO TOSCANINI

Sophia Loren, in one of her first starring roles, is spectacular as La Favorita. Together with Lucia di Lammermoor, this underperformed gem ranks as Donizetti's greatest achievement in tragic opera. The sparkling new print reveals a picturesque 1955 feature film of the 4-act opera that is beautifully performed by La Scala and Rome Opera stars Paolo Silveri, Franca Tamantini and Gino Sinimberghi. Sung in Italian and punctuated with English narration.

"The program captures it all, and is probably more fun to watch than the opera itself. Highly recommended."
VIDEO LIBRARIAN

A drama within a drama.... Witness two stories: the making of an opera, and the opera itself. An exciting and revealing look into the world of opera, this film follows the day-to-day creative process of staging a grand opera during a 21-day rehearsal period, and on to the final spectacular production. Featuring Stefka Evstatieva, Allan Monk, Judith Forst and Ernesto Veronelli with the Canadian Opera Company conducted by Maurizio Arena.

"Educational, fun and perfect for the whole family." FAMILY CIRCLE

"Thorough, careful, all-purpose class in massage...presentation is direct, articulate and inviting." MEDICAL SELF-CARE MAGAZINE

NY State-licensed massage therapist Rebecca Klinger guides you through 1 1/2 hours of professional massage, appropriate for the entire family. Five step-by-step, easy-to-follow segments present both Swedish massage and Shiatsu acupressure techniques for the back, legs, feet, arms and hands, chest, abdomen, neck, face and scalp.

DVD BONUS FEATURES:

DVD BONUS FEATURES:

Considered by most opera professionals to be the world's greatest bass, Ghiaurov has been invited to perform with virtually all of Opera's superstars and in all the major opera houses of the world. This program of complete film performances of many of his celebrated roles includes Gounod's Faust, Rossini's Barber of Seville, Verdi's Requiem and Simon Boccanegra, Massenet's Don Quixote, Mussorgsky's Boris Godunov and others.

Described as the "perfect" opera, Verdi's masterpiece equals the level of Shakespeare and is one of the finest tragedies ever written. In the Zeffirelli tradition of operatic film making, Felsenstein has directed this multi-million dollar film. It is a truly unique and spectacular presentation with a cast of hundreds, telling the legendary story of Othello, the jealous Moor, his wife Desdemona and the scheming Iago. Sung in German.

CAST: Hans Nocker, Otello; Christa Noack-von Kamptz, Desdemona; Vladimir Bauer, Iago.

Filmed in the Polish city where Rubinstein was raised, Rubinstein Remembered features those who were closest to him sharing stories and memories of his life, loves, and career. Interviews, home movies, concert footage and Rubinstein's remarkable interpretations of Chopin, Poulenc, Mendelssohn and others, create a musical biography of a remarkable legend.

Choreographed by : Nataly Rizhenko & Jose Limon

"Tragically stunning"
ATTITUDES: THE DANCE MAGAZINE

Shakespeare's immortal dramas are powerfully reinterpreted as a trilogy of ballets danced by star soloists from the Kirov Ballet. Filmed on location in Europe, at a spectacular medieval castle overlooking the sea, these performances are majestic in their artistic and dramatic scope.

CAST: Rolf Wollrad, Barbara Hoene, Lidija Rushizkaja, Stephan Spiewok, Elenore Elstermann

This dramatic feature film tells the story of a great artist whose passionate love for his country comes into conflict with his love for a woman. With several arias by Tito Schipa, this tale of love, passion, rebellion and political intrigue is set to the music of one of the 19th Century's most celebrated artists and patriots. An elaborately produced film, dubbed in English, with arias in Italian.

Starring Metropolitan Opera and La Scala stars Tito Gobbi and Mario del Monaco, this colorfully filmed drama of the life and loves of the great composer, Giuseppe Verdi, is played against a backdrop of the great operas of the 19th Century. With more than 20 excerpts from Rigoletto, La Traviata, Otello, Aida, Il Trovatore, Nabucco and others, this film tells the story of the composer's struggle for success, his loves, and his musical triumph over the forces of political domination. A theatrical and critical success. Perfectly dubbed in English and sung in Italian.