Subgenre Sampler
Performing Arts: 239 Films to Buy & Rent
- Big Hit, The (Un Triomphe) (2021)
- Dir. Emmanuel Courcol
Feat. Kad Merad, David Ayala, Lamine Cissokho
- Inspired by remarkable true events, this French Film Festival favourite follows a dedicated out–of–work actor (indelibly played by the…
- Heart Dances, The (2018)
- Dir. Rebecca Tansley
- The director of CROSSING RACHMANINOFF returns backstage for what is this time a behind–the–scenes account of the unique artistic…
- Yuli (2018)
- Dir. Iciar Bollain
Feat. Carlos Acosta, Santiago Alfonso, Keyvin Martinez
- Rousing biopic of the Cuban ballet superstar Carlos Acosta, nicknamed Yuli by his father, who saw recognised his talent for dance and sent him to…
- Bolshoi, The (Bolshoy) (2017)
- Dir. Valery Todorovsky
Feat. Margarita Simonova, Alisa Freindlikh, Valentina Telichkina…
- Russian drama about a young and talented ballet dancer from the provinces who is determined to find success on stage at the Bolshoi Theatre in…
- Miss Saigon (2016)
- Spectacular 25th Anniversary Gala Performance of an acclaimed new stage production by Boublil & Schonberg that tells the tragic tale of a young…
- Rehearsal, The (2016)
- Dir. Alison Maclean
Feat. James Rolleston, Kerry Fox, Alice Englert…
- Finely judged adaptation of Eleanor Catton's debut novel follows a young Auckland drama student desperate to impress his tutor, who mines a scandal…
- National Theatre: 50 Years on Stage (2015)
- A celebration of the 50th Anniversary of London's National Theatre. The theatrical gala features a veritable who's–who of British stage talent…
- Songs from the Inside (2014)
- Filmed on location inside two prisons in Auckland. This ten part "reality" series offers inmates an opportunity to write, arrange and record original…
- Broadway Idiot (2013)
- Dir. Doug Hamilton
- Flashy, upbeat doco charts the journey of Green Day frontman Billie Joe Armstrong from pop–punk rocker to Broadway lead in the stage version of…
- Burton and Taylor (2013)
- Dir. Richard Laxton
Feat. Helena Bonham Carter, Dominic West
- A spot–on insight into the relationship of glamour couple Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton – played uncannily by Helena Bonham Carter…
- Last Impresario, The (2013)
- Dir. Gracie Otto
- The colourful, endlessly creative life and legacy of British theatre impresario and film producer Michael White is explored in this expansive…
- Six by Sondheim (2013)
- Dir. James Lapine, Todd Haynes
Feat. Jeremy Jordan, America Ferrera
- Very highly regarded HBO television documentary which explores the back–stories of six timeless Sondheim songs. Featuring a rare musical…
- Venus in Fur (2013)
- Dir. Roman Polanski
Feat. Emmanuelle Seigner, Mathieu Amalric
- Roman Polanski masterfully adapts David Ives' play–within–a–play about an actress who goes to great lengths to convince a director…
- Cirque Du Soleil - Worlds Away (2012)
- Dir. Andrew Adamson
- Kiwi dir. Andrew Adamson and the production muscle of James Cameron lavish this latest Cirque Du Soleil spectacle with 3D visuals and a high wire…
- Jesus Christ Superstar (2012)
- Feat. Tim Minchin, Melanie Chisholm, Ben Forster
- The latest stage version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's classic rock–opera, featuring Aussie cult comedian Tim Minchin and former Spice…
- Raising the Curtain (2012)
- Australia's thespian greats contribute to the rich history of Australian theatre in this three part retrospective. Includes interviews with Cate…
- Smash (TV Series) (2012)
- Feat. Debra Messing, Jack Davenport, Anjelica Huston…
- A superior, adult–minded alternative to GLEE, this focuses on the creative talent both on–stage and behind–the–scenes of a…
- A Life for Ballet (2011)
- Dir. Marlène Ionesco
- Elite French dancer Pierre Lacotte's passion for ballet and his fellow ballerina Ghislaine Thesmar is lovingly explored in this documentary tribute…
- Disappear in Light (2011)
- A distilled portrait of Wellington playwright and performer Jo Randerson, whose work towards the staging of her play "Good Night, The End" provides…
- Phantom Of The Opera 25th Anniversary Concert (At The Royal Albert Hall) (2011)
- Pina (2011)
- Dir. Wim Wenders
- A dazzling celebration of the late German dance pioneer Pina Bausch, whose challenging and subversive choreography is performed by those who danced…
- Arbor, The (2010)
- Dir. Clio Barnard
- A grimly compelling portrait of hard–living British playwright Andrea Dunbar, most celebrated for writing seminal kitchen sink comedy RITA,…
- Les Miserables - 25th Anniversary Concert (2010)
- Featuring more than 500 actors this spectacular tribute concert marks the 25th anniversary of “the people’s musical” and reunites the casts…
- Lope (The Outlaw) (2010)
- Dir. Andrucha Waddington
Feat. Alberto Ammann, Leonor Watling, Pilar López de Ayala
- Splendid biopic of Lope de Vega, the Spanish playwright who dominated Spain's early Golden Age of theare.
- Michael Parkinson Collection, The (2010)
- The genial Yorkshireman looks back over his career and cherry picks some of his favourite guests.
Featuring Muhammad Ali, Billy Connolly, George…
- On Tour (Tournee) (2010)
- Dir. Mathieu Amalric
Feat. Miranda Colclasure, Mathieu Amalric
- A consistently funny and inventive comedy from actor–director Mathieu Amalric, here playing a washed up TV producer who leads a troupe of…
- Angels in New York (2009)
- Two perfectly successful Asian boys abandon careers in architecture and aeronautical engineering to pursue their dream of staging an original…
- Hamlet (2009)
- Dir. Gregory Doran
Feat. David Tennant, Patrick Stewart, Oliver Ford Davies
- An outstanding, visually sumptuous Royal Shakespeare Company modernization of the Bard's much–filmed play, with David Tennant mercurial in the…
- I, Don Giovanni (2009)
- Dir. Carlos Saura
Feat. Lorenzo Balducci, Lino Guanciale, Emilia Verginelli…
- Veteran Spanish director Carlos Saura conducts this lavish, darkly–tinged story behind the making of Mozart's opera masterpiece, 'Don Giovanni'.
- In Search of Beethoven (2009)
- Dir. Phil Grabsky
- Dir. Grabsky's scrupulous follow–up to his IN SEARCH OF MOZART examines classical music's other pre–eminent composer, Beethoven, in…
- Me and Orson Welles (2009)
- Dir. Richard Linklater
Feat. Zac Efron, Claire Danes, Christian McKay…
- Dir. Richard Linklater impeccably evokes the charms of 30's New York for this traditional backstage drama that has great affection for the era and…
- Rudolf Nureyev - A Brilliant Life (2009)
- The life of trailblazing Soviet ballet dancer Rudolf Nureyev is chronicled in this short, illuminating doco.
- Snow White (2009)
- Angelin Preljocaj choreographs this racy, contemporary ballet rendition of the classic Grimm Brothers. With costumes by Jean–Paul Gaultier.
- Dance of the Instant (2008)
- Dir. Shirley Horrocks
- Documentary exploring the history of the New Dance Group, who pioneered contemporary dance in post–WWII New Zealand.
The film draws on an…
- Erotic Star (TV Series) (2008)
- Dir. Dave Kelly
- Risqué reality show that pits ten ambitious Aussie sheilas against each other to become the next Australian Erotic Star. Clearly profiting from the…
- Fabulous Flag Sisters, The (Le Sorelle Bandiera) (2008)
- Candid documentary following the career of The Fabulous Flag Sisters–three drag queens that inspired, offended and entertained the people of…
- La Boheme (2008)
- Vivid German production of Puccini's immortal tragi–romance, performed my leading operatic couple Anna Netrebko and Rolando Villazon.
- Rubbings From A Live Man (2008)
- Dir. Florian Habicht
- Film–maker Florian Habicht finds the perfect portrait subject in Warwick Broadhead, a fiercely independent, 40–year veteran of performing…
- An Evening with Whirimako Black - Live at the Holy Trinity Cathedral (2007)
- The first recording of a live performance from our most acclaimed Maori language singer – Whirimako Black at the Holy Trinity Cathedral in the…
- Ballerina (2007)
- Dir. Bertrand Normand
- Documentary following the lives of five female dancers of the Kirov Ballet in Saint–Petersburg, providing us with rare insight into the…
- Ballet Shoes (2007)
- Dir. Sandra Goldbacher
Feat. Emma Watson, Richard Griffiths, Yasmin Paige…
- Utterly enchanting contemporary adaptation of the beloved 1936 novel by Noel Streatfeild about three orphan girls (Pauline, Petrova, and Posy) who…
- Cat Dancers (2007)
- Dir. Harris Fishman
- Strangely compelling portrait of a pre–Siegfried and Roy act, who tragically added wild cats to their routine. Somewhat in the tradition of…
- Darling! The Pieter-Dirk Uys Story (2007)
- Dir. Julian Shaw
- Moving doco focused on the litigious cross–dressing South African satirist Pieter–Dirk Uys, whose life's work included stirring…
- Heritage of Maori Song (2007)
- Comprehensive collection of 15 Maori song and dance performances, including 3 poi dances, stick games, haka and a number of well–known songs…
- King Lear (2007)
- Dir. Trevor Nunn
Feat. Ian McKellen, Frances Barber, Sylvester McCoy…
- The Royal Shakespeare Company's 2007 adaptation sees McKellen as his commanding best in the titular role, with an equally terrific performance from…
- Music in Me, The (2007)
- Enriching documentary following an inspirational group of intellectually and physically disabled performers called 'The Merry Makers' as they prepare…
- Words from the City (2007)
- Dir. Natasha Gadd, Rhys Graham
- Documentary on contemporary Australian hip–hop, exploring fresh ground through its focus on the poetics of the art–form and its place in…
- As You Like It (2006)
- Dir. Kenneth Branagh
Feat. Bryce Dallas Howard, Romola Garai, Alfred Molina…
- Kenneth Branagh transplants the Bard’s comedy to old Japan in this talent–stacked tale of woman's flight from persecution and into the arms…
- In Search of Mozart (2006)
- Dir. Phil Grabsky
- Thoughtful and well–orchestrated documentary about 18th century classical composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, which aims to not only put across…
- John Osborne and the Gift of Friendship (2006)
- Dir. Tony Palmer
Feat. John Osborne, Tony Richardson, Laurence Olivier…
- Exemplary presentation traces the life and works of groundbreaking British playwright John Osborne, whose 1956 play 'Look Back in Anger' changed the…
- MTV Barrio 19 (2006)
- Excellent compilation of amazing demonstrations by street performers from around the globe – Japan, Mexico, Brazil, Europe, Britain... –…
- Tough Act (TV Series) (2006)
- Dir. Stuart McKenzie
- Compelling 'reality TV' show follows a class of aspiring actors in their first year at Toi Whakaari – New Zealand Drama School in Wellington,…
- War of the Worlds - Live on Stage (2006)
- A suitably spectacular multi–media stage version of Jeff Wayne's musical version of H.G. Wells' "War of the Worlds", filmed at Wembley Arena in…
- B-Boy Masters (2005)
- Studious documentary covers a recent Hip Hop Elements All Star Weekend, where 'B–Boys' compete in various hop–hop competitions, including…
- Cirque du Soleil - Solstrom (TV Series) (2005)
- Feat. Milla Jovovich, Christopher Lambert
- A 13–part series featuring the amazing 'Cirque de Soleil' theatre troupe, episodes taking a different national tack on the theme of the…
- Margot (2005)
- Dir. Tony Palmer
- Dir. Palmer continues his classic treatments of notable figures of modern ballet and classical music with a lengthy look at the extraordinary life of…
- Mrs Henderson Presents (2005)
- Dir. Stephen Frears
Feat. Judi Dench, Bob Hoskins, Christopher Guest…
- Set in the grey drabness of 1930s England, this charming wee feel–gooder tells the true story of an eccentric, somewhat difficult dowager…
- Broadway: The American Musical (2004)
- Dir. Michael Kantor
- A 6–part PBS documentary series on the history and development of the Broadway musical from Florenz Ziegfield and his fantastical Follies…
- Cirque du Soleil - Midnight Sun (2004)
- Dir. Victor Pilon, Mario Rouleau
- Special 20th Anniversary show for the acrobatic theatre troupe Cirque de Soleil, filmed live at the Montreal Jazz Festival in 2004.
- Dame Kiri and Friends - The Gala Concert (2004)
- A concert performed at the Aotea Centre, Auckland to celebrate the launch of the Kiri Te Kanawa Foundation. Dame Kiri sings with other luminaries…
- Giuseppe Verdi's Rigoletto Story (2004)
- Dir. Gianfranco Fozzi
- A boldly imaginative version (with costumes by Vivienne Westwood) of Verdi's famous opera, concerning a court jester in 16th century Italy who seeks…
- Hayley Westenra - Live in Concert (2004)
- The golden–voiced New Zealand singer in a spell–binding live setting at the St James Theatre, Wellington (August 2004). Singing a variety…
- Merchant of Venice, The (2004)
- Dir. Michael Radford
Feat. Al Pacino, Jeremy Irons, Joseph Fiennes…
- Al Pacino seems at home in the Bard’s world compared to his more recent contemporary forays, turning in a thorough and morally ambiguous rendition…
- Stage Beauty (2004)
- Dir. Richard Eyre
Feat. Claire Danes, Billy Crudup, Rupert Everett…
- An unusual delve into the gender politics of English theatre in the Restoration period of the 1660s, when King Charles II (Everett) decided to end…
- Touch the Sound (2004)
- Dir. Thomas Riedelsheimer
- Classical percussionist Evelyn Glennie is the subject of this inspiring, award–winning documentary.
Profoundly deaf since childhood,…
- Callas Forever (2003)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Fanny Ardant, Jeremy Irons, Joan Plowright
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli pays glorious homage to his longtime friend and colleague, the late opera legend Maria Callas, and the result is…
- Cirque du Soleil - La Nouba (2003)
- Dir. David Mallet
- Another astounding stageshow from Canadian troupe Cirque du Soleil, here performing a celebration of hedonism (the title means "to party") at Disney…
- Company, The (Das Ensemble) (2003)
- Dir. Robert Altman
Feat. Neve Campbell, Malcolm McDowell, James Franco
- Arch–auteur Robert Altman pirouettes his way through a multi–stranded drama about a Chicago–based ballet company, set mainly round…
- Haunting Douglas (2003)
- Dir. Leanne Pooley
- Mesmerising exploration of renowned New Zealand contemporary dance performer and choreographer Douglas Wright, featuring generous excerpts of his…
- She Stoops to Conquer (2003)
- Dir. Robin Lough, Max Stafford-Clark
Feat. Owen Sharpe, Stephen Beresford, Nigel Cooke
- Live production of Oliver Goldsmith's light comedy of manners from the accomplished National Theatre Company. set entirely during one night in a…
- Slings and Arrows (TV Series) (2003)
- Feat. Paul Gross, Don McKellar, Rachel McAdams
- One of the great forgotten TV gems, this critically lauded, scandalously under–watched arts comedy centres on a fictional Canadian Shakespeare…
- Cirque du Soleil - Fire Within (TV Series) (2002)
- A 13–part documentary series which showcases the creative processes of the 'Cirque du Soleil' dance–theatre troupe who specialise in a…
- Cirque du Soleil - Varekai (2002)
- Dir. Nick Morris
- A splendid fantasy stageshow from Canadian troupe Cirque du Soliel. Combining jugglers, clowns, contortionists, trapeze and aerial artists, this…
- Dracula - Pages From A Virgin's Diary (2002)
- Dir. Guy Maddin
- Deeply evocative version of Bram Stoker's oft–filmed 'Dracula' novel based around a recent stage–show by the Winnipeg National Ballet…
- Fonteyn and Nureyev (2002)
- Feat. Rudolph Nureyev, Margot Fonteyn
- Considered the great dancing–partnership of our time, Rudolph Nureyev and Margot Fonteyn are here seen at their prime, in such ballets as Swan…
- Beckett on Film (Waiting for Godot, et al.) (2001)
- Dir. Michael Lindsay-Hogg, Neil Jordan, Kieron J Walsh
Feat. Julianne Moore, David Kelly, Jeremy Irons…
- An ambitious anthology of Samuel Beckett's nineteen stageplays, filmed here creatively by a roster of prestige actors and directors.
Disc…
- Blerta - The Return Trip... (Blerta Revisited) (2001)
- Dir. Geoff Murphy
Feat. Bruno Lawrence, John Clarke, Martyn Sanderson…
- Less a nostalgia 'trip' than a brilliant compendium of manic moments from New Zealand's 1970's travelling roadshow of anarchic performance –…
- By Jeeves (2001)
- Dir. Alan Ayckbourne
Feat. John Scherer, Martin Jarvis
- Apart from the American accents, this is an well–nigh flawless performance of Alan Ayckbourne and Andrew Lloyd Webber's stage musical based on…
- Fosse (2001)
- A 1999 stage tribute to the master choreographer and director of such films (and the stage show versions) as CHICAGO, CABARET, SINGIN' IN THE RAIN…
- Great Composers - Volume 1 (Bach, Mozart) (2001)
- Dir. James Runcie, Francesca Kemp
- Excellent BBC series gives a substantial insight into its selected classical composers, combining biographical narrative with musical–analysis…
- Great Composers - Volume 2 (Beethoven, Wagner) (2001)
- Dir. Jill Marshall, Kriss Rusmanis
- Excellent BBC series gives a substantial insight into its selected classical composers, combining biographical narrative with musical–analysis…
- Great Composers - Volume 3 (Tchaikovsky, Puccini, Mahler) (2001)
- Dir. Simon Broughton, Chris Hunt, Kriss Rusmanis
- Excellent BBC series gives a substantial insight into its selected classical composers, combining biographical narrative with musical–analysis…
- Othello (2001)
- Dir. Geoffrey Sax
Feat. Christopher Eccleston, Eamonn Walker, Keeley Hawes…
- Andrew Davies' brilliantly distilled screenplay brings Othello's universal themes of love and obsession into the format of a modern crime drama set…
- Cirque du Soleil - Dralion (2000)
- Dir. David Mallet
- Splendid blend of music, dance and circus by French troupe Cirque du Soleil, giving one a close–up look at their dizzying opus.
- Cirque du Soleil - Journey of Man (2000)
- A shortish stage concoction from the modernday circus troupe who combine magic, ballet and stylish costume in rich productions. This depicts the…
- Jesus Christ Superstar (2000)
- Feat. Rik Mayall, Glenn Carter
- Filmed stage version of Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's rock–opera which dramatises the life of Jesus Christ. Glitzy, 'Las…
- Merchant of Venice, The (2000)
- Dir. Trevor Nunn
Feat. Henry Goodman
- A wonderful TV version (taken from an acclaimed production) of Shakespeare's 'problem play', recreating the classic tale of debt, honour and love in…
- Midsummer Night's Dream, A (2000)
- Dir. Adrian Noble
- A version of William Shakespeare's classic comedy by the Royal Shakespeare Company, which utilises special effects to realise the play's fantasy…
- Shaolin - Wheel of Life (2000)
- Dir. Nick Morris
- Unique stage–spectacle performed by the highly–trained Buddhist monks of China’s Shaolin Temple, performing…
- Why Sing? - Opera Explored (2000)
- Music–writer Michael Shmith answers the question with a TV series exploring opera.
4 episodes covering the varying themes of 'Opera…
- Art of Piano, The (1999)
- Dir. Donald Sturrock
- Survey of 20th century classical pianists that starts with Hofman and ends with Arrau, taking in such diverse talents of the keyboard as Rachmaninov,…
- Cirque du Soleil - Quidam (1999)
- Dir. David Mallet
- European act Cirque du Soleil create a fascinating blend of circus, costumery, theatre and dance. Captured live in Amsterdam in 1999.
- Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (1999)
- Dir. Steven Pimlott, David Mallet
Feat. Donny Osmond, Joan Collins, Richard Attenborough
- Early, Bible–story musical from the Andrew Lloyd Webber/Tim Rice team and taken from the London Palladium production.
- Life and Art - Maria Callas (1999)
- Dir. Alan Lewens, Alistair Mitchell
Feat. Maria Callas
- Sympathetic documentary concerning the life and art of famed opera singer Maria Callas. Features extracts from 'Tosca', "Norma', 'Barber of Seville',…
- Midsummer Night's Dream, A (1999)
- Dir. Michael Hoffman
Feat. Kevin Kline, Michelle Pfeiffer, Stanley Tucci…
- Played out in 19th century Tuscany, Shakespeare's most enchanted comedy places its collection of fairies, rude mechanicals and humans in…
- Cirque du Soleil - Alegria (1998)
- Filmed live in Sydney in 1999, this Cirque du Soleil production combines their acrobatics, magic tricks and dance elements with a…
- David Oistrakh - Artist of the People? (1998)
- Dir. Bruno Monsaingeon
- The life of the renowned 20th century Russian violinist, who at times locked horns with the Soviet state, is told through interviews with family and…
- No (1998)
- Dir. Robert Lepage
Feat. Anne-Marie Cadieux, Alexis Martin
- An intriguing, dense drama/essay that takes an episode from dir. Lepage’s mammoth stage–show, ‘Seven Streams of the River Ota’, and…
- Richter, The Enigma (1998)
- Dir. Bruno Monsaingeon
- Lengthy biography of the supremely expressive Russian pianist Sviatoslav Richter, who only emerged from behind the Iron Curtain in the late 1950s.…
- Turandot Project, The (1998)
- Dir. Allan Miller
Feat. Zhang Yimou, Zubin Mehta
- The glorious insanity of Italian opera defeats all obstacles in this amusing behind–the–scenes account of a gigantic international…
- Art of Conducting - Volume 2, The (1997)
- Dir. Peter R Smith
- Excellent study of six more conductors of the 20th century – Sergiu Celibidache, Wilhelm Furtwangler, Erich Kleiber, Evgeny Mravinsky, Charles…
- Hamlet (1997)
- Dir. Kenneth Branagh
Feat. Kenneth Branagh, Julie Christie, Jack Lemmon…
- A flash and vigorous reading of Shakespeare's tragedy of the melancholy Dane, hatched by Kenneth Branagh and a bevy of incongruous thesps.
An…
- Slam Nation (1997)
- Dir. Paul Devlin
- Portland, Oregon is the home of The National Poetry Slam, a performance poetry competition which attracts participants from twenty–six states…
- William Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet (Romeo + Juliet) (1997)
- Dir. Baz Luhrmann
Feat. Leonardo DiCaprio, Claire Danes, Pete Postlethwaite…
- Visionary director Baz Luhrmann takes his STRICTLY BALLROOM crew to the Americas and conjures a cinematic universe of striking originality and…
- Yo-Yo Ma - Inspired by Bach Vol. 1 (1997)
- Dir. Kevin McMahon, Francois Girard
- Cellist Yo–Yo Ma’s celebrated musical exploration of Bach’s enigmatic solo cello suites, prompted six films, attempting to complement the…
- Yo-Yo Ma - Inspired by Bach Vol. 2 (Falling Down Stairs / Sarabande) (1997)
- Dir. Barbara Willis Sweete, Atom Egoyan
Feat. Arsinee Khanjian, Don McKellar
- Cellist Yo–Yo Ma’s celebrated musical exploration of Bach’s enigmatic solo cello suites, prompted six films, attempting to complement the…
- Yo-Yo Ma - Inspired by Bach Vol. 3 (1997)
- Dir. Niv Fichman, Patricia Rozema
- Cellist Yo–Yo Ma’s celebrated musical exploration of Bach’s enigmatic solo cello suites, prompted six films, attempting to complement the…
- Looking for Richard (1996)
- Dir. Al Pacino
Feat. Alec Baldwin, Kevin Spacey, Winona Ryder…
- Al Pacino's pet project, and his directing debut, explores the American actor's paradoxical obsessions with Shakespeare, debunking some of the…
- Lord of the Dance (1996)
- Dir. David Mallet
- Super–athletic dancer Michael Flatley (Riverdance) pursues his own vision of the Irish dancing spectacular – traditional moves updated in…
- Twelfth Night (1996)
- Dir. Trevor Nunn
Feat. Helena Bonham Carter, Richard E. Grant, Nigel Hawthorne…
- William Shakespeare is rediscovered yet again, in one of his wittier flights of fancy, served up with such 90s icons as Helena Bonham Carter, Richard…
- Les Miserables (Stage version) (1995)
- Popular stage spectacular, based on the Victor Hugo novel, is seen here in a Gala 10th Anniversary performance at the Royal Albert Hall.
- Madame Butterfly (1995)
- Dir. Frederic Mitterand
Feat. Ying Huang, Richard Troxell, Ning Liang
- The pleasures of Puccini's classic opera are well–managed in this version, amid flights of swoony lyricism. Story of love and abandonment is…
- Othello (1995)
- Dir. Oliver Parker
Feat. Kenneth Branagh, Irene Jacob, Laurence Fishburne
- Shakespeare's great tragedy of love, jealousy and sheer bloody malice is spiked with a 90s erotic edge. While its stylistic choices only partly…
- Pink Video, The (1995)
- Record of 1995's 'Out–rageously Pink' variety show at London's Playhouse Theatre. Includes such gay luminaries as Scott Capurro, Steve Best,…
- Riverdance - The Show (1995)
- Dir. John McColgan
Feat. Michael Flatley
- Ambitious song and dance extravaganza is a must for stageshow fans and purveyors of Gaelic culture. Michael Flatley choreographs and toplines a host…
- 32 Short Films About Glenn Gould (1994)
- Dir. Francois Girard
- Built out of 32 disparate fragments, this quasi–doco on the Canadian pianist is fittingly tailored to its difficult and elusive subject,…
- Cirque du Soleil - Saltimbanco (1994)
- One of the earliest productions from Canadian circus–theatre troupe 'Cirque du Soleil'. This is a kaleidoscopic, non–linear celebration…
- Priscilla: Queen of the Desert (Adventures of Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, The) (1994)
- Dir. Stephan Elliot
Feat. Terence Stamp, Hugo Weaving, Guy Pearce
- Three drag queens drive to Alice Springs in a bus called Priscilla.
A perfect ensemble cast make this classic "out" in the outback roadtrip as…
- Remembering Jacqueline Du Pre (1994)
- Dir. Christopher Nupen
- Official doco on the renowned cellist suffers from a sanctimonious voice–over. Still, the best record of this talent with interviews and…
- Art of Conducting - Volume 1, The (1993)
- Dir. Sue Knussen
- Sixteen of the 20th century’s greatest conductors are studied in this top–notch, award–winning series, including: Bernstein,…
- Latcho Drom (1993)
- Dir. Tony Gatlif
- A moving testament to the plight of inter–continental gypsy culture and to the redemptive and communicative power of music, Tony Gatlif's…
- Nutcracker, The (1993)
- Dir. Emile Ardolino
Feat. Macaulay Culkin
- You'll have the best seat in the house for this splendid filmed version of Balanchine's Yuletide ballet. Stars Macauley Culkin in a refreshing change…
- Porgy and Bess (1993)
- Dir. Trevor Nunn
Feat. Willard White, Cynthia Haymon
- Acclaimed stage–director Nunn, brings the Gershwin brother’s greatest opera/musical to life. Recorded at Shepperton Studios in 1992.
- Holst - The Planets (1992)
- Dir. Ken Russell
- Ken Russell plunders newsreel archives for his kaliedoscope of vivid imagery set to the classical work of Gustav Holst. While it works in its own…
- On the Town (Stage version) (1992)
- Leonard Bernstein's classic Broadway musical, following the misadventures of three sailors is captured here in a recent stage version, accompanied by…
- Pavarotti & the Italian Tenors (1992)
- Dir. Joshua Waletzky
- Luciano Pavarotti traces his musical influences back, through early appearances and interviews with his tutors, to reveal the rich heritage of…
- Ute Lemper - Illusions (1992)
- Dir. Michael Houldey
Feat. Ute Lemper
- Live performances of songs from Ute Lemper's 1992 album.
- In the Shadow of the Stars (1991)
- This winner of the Academy Award for Best Documentary film 1991 depicts the lives of various members of the chorus in the San Francisco Opera.
- Jose Carreras - A Life Story (1991)
- Feat. Jose Carreras
- Overshadowed by some of his larger than life peers, Spanish tenor Jose Carreras is here celebrated in his own right, surveying a life of perseverance…
- Monster in a Box (1991)
- Dir. Nick Broomfield
- Spalding Gray recalls the adventures that befell him while trying to write his autobiography. Colourfully delivered monologue with Laurie Anderson…
- Best of Victor Borge: Act One & Two, The (1990)
- Feat. Victor Borge
- A collection of live performances and routines from the inimitable Victor Borge – raconteur, pianist, comedian and more.
- Discovering Hamlet (1990)
- Dir. Mark Olshaker
Feat. Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Patrick Stewart
- Invaluable documenting of Derek Jacobi's 1988 production of Hamlet with a young Kenneth Branagh in the lead. Focussing solely on the rehearsal…
- Hamlet (1990)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Mel Gibson, Glenn Close, Alan Bates…
- Mel Gibson pulls off a creditable lead performance as the melancholy Dane, certainly aided by the director's eye for detail, and top supporting…
- Hamlet (1990)
- Dir. Kevin Kline
Feat. Kevin Kline, Diane Venora
- A traditional stage version of Shakespeare's classic, essentially filming Joseph Papp's 1990 New York Shakespeare Festival production. Kline is…
- Three Tenors, The (1990)
- Feat. Luciano Pavarotti, Michael Carreras, Placido Domingo
- Three of the greatest living voices assemble for one formidable concert appearance at the Terme di Caracalla in Rome. Arias include Nessum Dorma, O…
- Henry IV (1989)
- Dir. Michael Bogdanov
Feat. Michael Cronin, Barry Stanton, Michael Pennington…
- Michael Pennington and The English Shakespeare Company’s internationally acclaimed production of Henry IV tells of the aftermath of Henry…
- Henry V (1989)
- Dir. Kenneth Branagh
Feat. Kenneth Branagh, Derek Jacobi, Brian Blessed…
- A remarkable achievement from Kenneth Branagh both as actor and first–time director, he brings a new vitality to Shakespeare's most energetic…
- Henry V (1989)
- Dir. Michael Bogdanov
Feat. Barry Stanton, Michael Pennington, Andrew Jarvis…
- Michael Pennington and The English Shakespeare Company’s internationally acclaimed production of Henry V – England's greatest warrior king…
- Henry VI (1989)
- Dir. Michael Bogdanov
Feat. Barry Stanton, Michael Pennington, June Watson…
- Michael Pennington and The English Shakespeare Company’s internationally acclaimed production of Henry VI – the tragic history of a king who…
- King Richard II (1989)
- Dir. Michael Bogdanov
Feat. Colin Farrell, Michael Pennington, Michael Cronin…
- Michael Pennington and The English Shakespeare Company’s internationally acclaimed production of King Richard II – who became England's…
- King Richard III (1989)
- Dir. Michael Bogdanov
Feat. Michael Pennington, Roger Booth, June Watson…
- Michael Pennington and The English Shakespeare Company’s internationally acclaimed production of King Richard III. The final installment of the…
- Mack the Knife (1989)
- Dir. Menahem Golan
Feat. Raul Julia, Richard Harris, Julie Walters…
- Muddled adaptation of The Threepenny Opera is notable for some pretty inept dance sequences and some rather overt mugging by some well–known…
- La Boheme (Puccini) (1988)
- Dir. Brian Large
Feat. Mirella Freni, Luciano Pavarotti
- Superlative production of one of the greatest operas, conducted by Tiziano Severini.
- Three Seats for the 26th (1988)
- Dir. Jacques Demy
Feat. Yves Montand, Mathilda May, Francoise Fabian
- Musical maestro Jacques Demy's last picture was this pseudo–documentary conceived around singer and actor Yves Montand, who returns to his home…
- Turandot (Puccini) (1988)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Placido Domingo
- One of the finest versions of Puccini's opera is this filmed version of 1988 Metropolitan Opera production featuring Placido Domingo, Eva Marton and…
- Twelfth Night (1988)
- Dir. Kenneth Branagh
Feat. Richard Briers, Caroline Langrishe
- Kenneth Branagh restages his Renaissance Theatre production of the popular comedy for Thames Television with a top cast of English thespians.
- Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd, The / The Rainbow (1988-1992)
- Dir. Katie Mitchell, Stuart Burge
Feat. Zoe Wanamaker, Stephen Dillane, Colin Firth…
- A 1992 BBC "Performance" theatre production of The Widowing of Mrs. Holroyd, D.H. Lawrence's portrayal of a woman married to a loutish miner whom she…
- Aria (1987)
- Dir. various
- This original concept film marries an impressive array of big–league (art) director's; Robert Altman, Bruce Beresford, Bill Bryden, Jean…
- Carmen (Bizet) (1987)
- Dir. Brian Large
Feat. Agnes Baltsa, Jose Carreras
- Metropolitan Opera Orchestra. Conductor: James Levine.
- Complete Talking Heads, The (TV Miniseries) (1987-1998)
- Dir. Alan Bennett
Feat. Alan Bennett, Stephanie Cole, Thora Hird…
- Much–feted 1980s TV series comprising a series of six stage monologues by renowned playwright Alan Bennett, devised to depict various suffering…
- Opera Australia - The Gilbert & Sullivan Collection (The Mikado, The Gondoliers, HMS Pinafore, Patience, Trial by Jury) (1987)
- A series of five light operas from Victorian England's most celebrated collaborators William S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, performed by the cream…
- Otello (Othello) (1986)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Placido Domingo, Katia Ricciarelli, Justino Diaz
- Exemplary operatic film with Placido Domingo perfectly attuned to the tenor of the title character.
- Balanchine (1984)
- Dir. Merrill Brockway
- Renowned TV documentary about one of the most celebrated dance choreographers of the 20th century – George Balanchine – whose career…
- Carmen (1984)
- Dir. Francesco Rosi
Feat. Placido Domingo, Julia Migenes Johnson
- The definitive Carmen on film has Placido Domingo and Julia Migenes Johnson perform against a scorching Spanish backdrop. Lorin Maazel conducts…
- King Lear (1984)
- Dir. Michael Elliot
Feat. Laurence Olivier
- Made for Granada television, this magnificent version stars Laurence Olivier who, in the twilight of his career, gives a riveting performance as the…
- Three of Us, The (Noi Tre) (1984)
- Dir. Pupi Avati
Feat. Christopher Davidson, Ida De Benedetto, Gianni Cavina…
- Charming, though slender, portrayal of Mozart’s teenage life as the 14–year old musical prodigy spends a summer in Italy and starts to…
- Alice in Wonderland (1983)
- Dir. Kirk Browning
Feat. Kate Burton, Richard Burton, Eve Arden…
- From the Broadway Theatre Archive series, this is a filmed version of the 1970s revival of a 1932 Broadway version. Distinguished by extraordinary…
- Magic Flute, The (Mozart) (1983)
- Dir. August Everding
Feat. Lucia Popp, Edita Gruberova
- Bayerischen Staatsoper. Conductor: Wolfgang Sawallisch.
- Mikado, The (1983)
- Dir. Rodney Greenberg
- Top–flight version (with William Conrad, Kate Flowers, Clive Revill and the LSO) of perhaps the best Gilbert and Sullivan operetta. The…
- Verdi - Rigoletto (1983)
- Dir. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Feat. Luciano Pavarotti
- A splendid version of Verdi's darkly tragic opera, shot on location, with Pavarotti playing the Duke of Mantua.
- BBC Shakespeare Collection: Series 5 (Richard III, King Lear, Henry VI Part 1, Henry VI Part 2, Henry VI Part 3, The Merry Wives of Windsor) (1982-1983)
- Feat. Alan Bennett, Ben Kingsley, Judy Davis…
- The fifth in a series of boxed–sets compiling the BBC's comprehensive Shakespeare adaptations for television. This set includes:
Richard III,…
- BBC Shakespeare Collection: Series 6 (Cymbeline, The Comedy of Errors, Two Gentlemen of Verona, Coriolanus, Macbeth) (1982-1984)
- Feat. Helen Mirren, Jane Lapotaire, John Hudson…
- The sixth in a series of boxed–sets compiling the BBC's comprehensive Shakespeare adaptations for television. This set includes:
Cymbeline…
- Catherine Wheel, The (1982)
- Dir. Twyla Tharp
- Complete stage performance of the modern dance extravaganza, The Catherine Wheel, as well as a behind–the–scenes peek at the production…
- Life and Adventures of Nicholas Nickleby, The (1982)
- Dir. James Goddard, Trevor Nunn
Feat. Roger Rees, David Threlfall
- The legendary, nine–hour stage adaptation of Charles Dickens' "Nicholas Nickleby", performed by members of The Royal Shakespeare…
- Merry Wives of Windsor, The (1982)
- Feat. Alan Bennett, Richard Griffiths, Judy Davis…
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Pagliacci (Leoncavallo) (1982)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Teresa Stratas, Placido Domingo
- Teatro alla Scala Orchestra/Chorus. Conductor: Georges Pretre.
- Pirates of Penzance (1982)
- Dir. Wilford Leach
Feat. Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Rondstadt…
- Kevin Kline and Angela Lansbury star in this hammy screen version of Gilbert and Sullivan's famous operetta.
- Cats (1981)
- The blockbuster Broadway musical authored by Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice, based on T S Eliot's 'cat' poems.
- Midsummer Night's Dream, A (1981)
- Dir. Elijah Moshinsky
Feat. Helen Mirren, Nigel Davenport, Brian Glover
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Othello (1981)
- Dir. Jonathan Miller
Feat. Anthony Hopkins, Bob Hoskins
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Winter's Tale, The (1981)
- Dir. Jane Howell
Feat. Jeremy Kemp, Anna Calder-Marshall
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- From Mao to Mozart (1980)
- Dir. Murray Lerner
- Deserving winner of the Best Documentary Oscar follows violinist Isaac Stern on his concert and tutorial tour of China in 1979. A film as moving as…
- Pirates of Penzance, The (1980)
- Dir. Wilford Leach, Joshua White
Feat. Kevin Kline, Angela Lansbury, Linda Ronstadt…
- A lively version of the Gilbert and Sullivan show, performed live at Delacorte Theatre in Central Park.
- Taming of the Shrew (1980)
- Dir. Jonathan Miller
Feat. John Cleese, Sarah Badel
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Tempest, The (1980)
- Dir. John Gorrie
Feat. Sir Michael Hordern, Nigel Hawthorne
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Don Giovanni (1979)
- Dir. Joseph Losey
- Possibly the most celebrated filmed version of Mozart's greatest opera, about a notorious womaniser who teeters on the edge of a hellish fate.…
- Henry IV - Part 1 and 2 (1979)
- Dir. David Giles
Feat. Jon Finch, Anthony Quayle, Tim Pigott-Smith…
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Julius Caesar (1979)
- Dir. Herbert Wise
Feat. Keith Michell, Richard Pasco, Charles Gray…
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Macbeth (1979)
- Dir. Philip Casson
Feat. Ian McKellen, Judi Dench
- Excellent version of the 'Scottish play' that translates Trevor Nunn's RSC stage version to television complete with minimalistic staging and some…
- Measure for Measure (1979)
- Dir. Desmond Davis
Feat. Kate Nelligan, Tim Pigott-Smith
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- As You Like It (1978)
- Dir. Basil Coleman
Feat. Helen Mirren, Brian Stirner, Richard Pasco
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Romeo and Juliet (1978)
- Dir. Alvin Rakoff
Feat. Patrick Ryecart, Rebecca Saire, Sir Michael Hordern…
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Twelfth Night (1978)
- Dir. John Gorrie
Feat. Alec McCowen, Robert Hardy, Felicity Kendal…
- Part of the BBC's excellent series of Shakespeare productions, filmed in a 'theatrical' TV environment utilising the best of English acting talent.
- Baryshnikov's The Nutcracker (1977)
- Dir. Tony Charmoli
Feat. Mikhail Baryshnikov
- Landmark version of Tchaikovsky’s classic ballet 'The Nutcracker', about a young girl on Christmas Eve who enters the magical kingdom of a wizard,…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Ivan the Terrible (1976)
- The Bolshoi Ballet present their version of Sergei Prokofiev's 'Ivan the Terrible', choreographed by Yuri Grigorovich. Stars Yuri Vladimirov, Natalya…
- Romeo and Juliet (1976)
- Dir. Joan Kemp-Welch
Feat. Christopher Neame, Ann Hasson, Peter Jeffrey…
- Creditable British TV version of the most famous romantic tragedy of all time, with Neame and Hassan playing the fate–crossed lovers.
- Taming of the Shrew, The (1976)
- Dir. Kirk Browning
Feat. Marc Singer
- An acclaimed production of Shakespeare's comedy by the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.
- Tosca (Puccini) (1976)
- Dir. Gianfranco De Bosio
Feat. Raina Kabaivanska, Placido Domingo
- New Philharmonia Orchestra. Conductor: Bruno Bartoletti.
- American Film Theatre - Galileo (1975)
- Dir. Joseph Losey
Feat. Topol, John Gielgud, Patrick Magee…
- A generally satisfactory version of Bertolt Brecht's stageplay concerning the ethical dilemmas of the scientist Galileo, who among other things…
- American Film Theatre - In Celebration (1975)
- Dir. Lindsay Anderson
Feat. Alan Bates, Brian Cox, Gabrielle Daye…
- A tightly framed screen adaptation of David Storey's autobiographical play set around the reunion of a Nottinghamshire mining family, in which cast…
- American Film Theatre - Jacques Brel Is Alive and Well and Living in Paris (1975)
- Dir. Denis Héroux
Feat. Elly Stone, Mort Shuman, Jacques Brel
- With no plot or dialogue, this is surely the least theatrical of the American Film Theatre productions of the 1970s, instead comprising a revue of…
- American Film Theatre - Philadelphia, Here I Come (1975)
- Dir. John Quested
Feat. Donal McCann, Des Cave, Siobhan McKenna
- A young Irishman agonises over whether to leave his stifling Irish existence and join relatives in America, in one of the more subdued American Film…
- Magic Flute, The (1975)
- Dir. Ingmar Bergman
- An immaculately delivered version of Mozart's operatic fairytale, filmed on a special replica of the original 18th century stage.
At its simplest,…
- American Film Theatre - Rhinoceros (1974)
- Dir. Tom O'Horgan
Feat. Zero Mostel, Gene Wilder, Karen Black…
- Possibly the least appreciated of the American Film Theatre adaptations, this version of Eugene Ionesco's fable of totalitarianism is in fact perhaps…
- King Lear (1974)
- Dir. Edwin Sherin
Feat. James Earl Jones, Raul Julia, Rosalind Cash…
- Filmed version of a outdoors live performance of Lear, featuring a bravura performance by Jones. Part of the Broadway Theatre Archive series.
- King Lear (1974)
- Feat. Patrick Magee
- Solid TV version of the Bard's great tragedy with Patrick Magee giving a unique interpretation of the troubled monarch, double–crossed by his…
- Madama Butterfly (Puccini) (1974)
- Dir. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
Feat. Mirella Freni, Placido Domingo
- Vienna Philharmonic. Conductor: Herbert Von Karajan.
- Parade (1974)
- Dir. Jacques Tati
- An eclectic comedy cabaret show that involves the filming of live performers on and offstage with small minuets dotted throughout. This final film…
- American Film Theatre - Luther (1973)
- Dir. Guy Green
Feat. Stacy Keach, Patrick Magee, Hugh Griffith…
- Although receiving a somewhat muted reaction when originally released, this American Film Theatre production is a worthy adaptation of John Osborne's…
- Don Quixote (1973)
- Feat. Rudolph Nureyev
- A renowned ballet version of Cervantes masterpiece, with Rudolph Nureyev both performing and choreographing. Inspired by earlier Russian dance…
- Glass Menagerie, The (1973)
- Dir. Anthony Harvey
Feat. Katharine Hepburn, Sam Waterston, Joanna Miles…
- Katharine Hepburn grows old and dominates her children in this fine stage version of the Tennessee Williams play. From the Broadway Theatre Archive…
- Much Ado About Nothing (1973)
- Dir. Nick Havinga, A. J. Antoon
Feat. Sam Waterston, Kathleen Widdoes, Barnard Hughes…
- Idiosyncratic stage version of the Shakespeare comedy, set in turn of the century American South. Part of the Boradway Theatre Archive series
- Marlene Dietrich - An Evening with (1972)
- Feat. Marlene Dietrich
- The late great Marlene Dietrich live at the New London Theatre, England in 1972.
Tracklist: I Get A Kick Out Of You, You're The Cream In My…
- Trojan Women, The (1972)
- Dir. Michael Cacoyannis
Feat. Katharine Hepburn, Vanessa Redgrave, Patrick Magee…
- Filmed on location in Greece, this star–powered version of Euripedes play is a patchy but earnest attempt to convey the power of the classical…
- Home (1971)
- Dir. Lindsay Anderson
Feat. John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson, Dandy Nichols…
- Worthy TV adaptation of the stageplay by David Storey (THIS SPORTING LIFE), set amid the twilight psychodramas of residents at an old peoples' rest…
- Macbeth (1971)
- Dir. Roman Polanski
Feat. Jon Finch, Francesca Annis
- This version of violent tragedy benefits from Polanski's fine sense of storytelling. Bloodythirsty and geniunely eerie, it comes…
- Tales of Beatrix Potter, The (1971)
- Splendid version of Beatrix Potter's timeless tales, brought to life by members of The Royal Ballet (in costume).
- King Lear (1970)
- Dir. Peter Brook
Feat. Paul Scofield, Irene Worth, Jack MacGowran…
- This could hardly miss with Shakespeare perennials Paul Schofield in the title role and director Peter Brook at the helm. A strong and rewarding…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Carmen (Poem of Dance) (1969)
- Another classic from the famous Russian ballet troupe, here choreographed by Alberto Alonso. Featuring Maya Plisetskaya. Narrated in English.
- Hamlet (1969)
- Dir. Tony Richardson
Feat. Nicol Williamson, Gordon Jackson, Anthony Hopkins…
- The predominant use of close–ups enhances Nicol Williamson's bold performance as an impulsive, roguish young Hamlet.
- Dennis Potter at London Weekend Television (1968-1979)
- Feat. Ian Holm, John Neville
- Containing three of Dennis Potter's single plays for television, including "Shaggy Dog" which was thought to be lost until recently, these diverse…
- Romeo and Juliet (1968)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Olivia Hussey, Leonard Whiting, Milo O'Shea…
- Definitive screen version has the lovelorn couple played by teenagers, the costume designer working overtime and a youthful, fashionable feel to it.…
- Twelfth Night (1968)
- Dir. John Sichel
Feat. Alec Guinness, Joan Plowright, Ralph Richardson…
- Shakespeare's farcical tale of mixed up lives and lovers at cross–purposes is brought to life by renowned actors Alec Guinness and Joan…
- Barber of Seville, The (Rossini) (1967)
- Dir. Jean-Pierre Ponnelle
- Teatro alla Scala Orchestra/Chorus. Luigi Alva, Enzo Dara, Teresa Berganza. Conductor: Claudio Abbado
- Essential Opera (1967)
- Feat. Luciano Pavarotti, Placido Domingo, Joan Sutherland…
- Twelve excerpts from the most popular operas – Turandot, Carmen, Rigoletto, Aida, Marriage of Figaro and more, performed by opera luminaries.
- Death of a Salesman (1966)
- Dir. Alex Segal
Feat. James Farentino, Mildred Dunnock, George Segal…
- A 1966 teleplay adaptation of Arthur Miller's classic Pulitzer Prize–winning play, often thought one of the definitive versions. Lee J Cobb…
- Romeo and Juliet (1966)
- Dir. Paul Czinner
Feat. Margot Fonteyn, Rudolph Nureyev
- The famed Royal Ballet production of Romeo and Juliet. This historical performance stars Margot Fonteyn and Rudolf Nureyev as the quintessential…
- Taming of the Shrew (1966)
- Dir. Franco Zeffirelli
Feat. Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor
- Famous couple Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor star as Petruchio and Katharina in this spirited parody of gender role plays. Zeffirelli succeeds…
- Brand (1959)
- Dir. Michael Elliot
Feat. Patrick McGoohan
- Spellbinding BBC version of Henrik Ibsen's great play, with Patrick McGoohan playing a young priest who idealistically adopts a doctrine that one…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Romeo and Juliet (1955)
- The Bolshoi Ballet presents Sergei Prokofiev's interpretation of Shakespeare's play. Features the daning talents of Galina Ulanova. Narrated in…
- French Can Can (French Cancan, Only the French Can) (1955)
- Dir. Jean Renoir
Feat. Jean Gabin, Michel Piccoli, Dora Doll…
- Jean Renoir returned to France after 15 years absence to make this vibrant tribute to the Parisian world of his father, the Impressionist painter…
- Richard III (1955)
- Dir. Laurence Olivier
Feat. Laurence Olivier, John Gielgud, Ralph Richardson
- Laurence Olivier's third cinematic translation of Shakespeare both as actor and director. His performance borders on high camp as the twisted 15th…
- Romeo and Juliet (1954)
- Dir. Renato Castellani
Feat. Laurence Harvey, Susan Shentall, Mervyn Jones…
- An Italian co–production, this version benefits from magical locations in Verona and Venice and the sumptuous Renaissance–influenced eye…
- Bolshoi Ballet - Stars of the Russian Ballet (1953)
- Three ballets are presented by the Bolshoi Ballet – Tchaikovsky's 'Swan Lake' and 'The Fountains of Bakechisarai' and 'The Flames of Paris'.…
- Julius Caesar (1953)
- Dir. Joseph L. Mankiewicz
Feat. Marlon Brando, James Mason, John Gielgud…
- Marlon Brando, James Mason and John Gielgud star in this beautifully staged Hollywood adaptation. Passionate drama of power, conspiracy and murder in…
- Golden Coach (Le Carrosse d'or) (1952)
- Dir. Jean Renoir
Feat. Anna Magnani, Odoardo Spadaro, Nada Fiorelli
- Dir. Renoir's classic comedy focuses on a group of commedia dell'arte actors in the eighteenth Century and the much–desired central figure of…
- Hamlet (1948)
- Dir. Laurence Olivier
Feat. Laurence Olivier, Eileen Herlie, Basil Sydney…
- The Oscar winner of Best Picture, Actor, Art direction and Costume, Laurence Olivier's version soars with vitality and atmosphere. A classic.
- Henry V (1944)
- Dir. Laurence Olivier
Feat. Laurence Olivier, Robert Newton, Leslie Banks
- Brimming with zest, this Shakespeare adaption became an instant classic when released, featuring Laurence Olivier in full sail as the youthful…
- Cox and Box
- Feat. Russell Smythe
- First comic opera from Gilbert and Sullivan, here with Russell Smythe and the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Distant Harmony
- Feat. Luciano Pavarotti
- Celebrated tenor Luciano Pavarotti is captured on his sensational tour of China. His magnificent voice combines with the cultural mystique of…
- Essential Sutherland, The
- Feat. Joan Sutherland
- Highlights from Australian opera diva Dame Joan Sutherland's greatest roles, performing with Luciano Pavarotti, conducted by Richard Bonynge.
- Herbert Von Karajan
- Highlights from the German master's conducting career with the Berlin Philharmonic. Movements from Beethoven's 5th and 6th Symphonies, Rachmaninov's…
- HMS Pinafore
- The classic Gilbert and Sullivan musical. Played by the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Leonard Bernstein
- The career of the celebrated conductor/composer is examined in this documentary narrated by Lauren Bacall.
- Maori - Culture, Traditions and History
- Historical doco presented by NZ historian Don Stafford tracing the history of Maori from their arrival on the fair shores of Aotearoa to traditional…
- Pavarotti and Friends
- Feat. Luciano Pavarotti, Brian Eno, Bono …
- In a charity performance for the children of Bosnia, the world's favourite tenor shares his stage with a line–up of rock luminaries.
- Peter and the Wolf
- Sting narrates Prokofiev's fantasy – animated by members of the Theatre de Complicite, the puppets of Spitting Image and Claudio Abbado…
- Sorceror, The
- Comic opera from Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by Clive Revill and the London Symphony Orchestra.
- Trial by Jury
- Comic opera from Gilbert and Sullivan, performed by Frankie Howard, Kate Flowers and the London Symphony Orchestra.