
One of the great artistic forces of the twentieth century, performer, choreographer, and teacher Martha Graham influenced dance worldwide. Criterion presents a sampling of her stunning craft, all collaborations with television arts-programming pioneer Nathan Kroll. A Dancer's World (1957), narrated by Graham herself, is a glimpse into her class work and methodology. Appalachian Spring (1958) and Night Journey (1961) are two complete Graham ballets, the first a celebration of the American pioneer spirit, scored by Aaron Copland, the second a powerfully physical rendering of the Oedipus myth. These are signature Graham works and tributes to the art of the human body.
SPECIAL EDITION DOUBLE-DISC SET FEATURES
• New, restored high-definition digital transfers of three films: A Dancer's World, Appalachian Spring, Night Journey
• Martha Graham: The Dancer Revealed, a 1994 documentaryproduced for PBS's American Masters series
• A comparison of Appalachian Spring with an archival performance, by dance critic and historian Deborah Jowitt
• Excerpts from a television pilot featuring composer Aaron Copland discussing his work on Appalachian Spring
• A visual essay on working with Graham, narrated by Nathan Kroll
• New interview with Museum of Television and Radio curator Ron Simon, discussing Kroll's work and legacy
• Interviews with the films' editors, Eleanor Hamerow and Miriam Arsham
• New interviews with six dancers from the films: Mimi Cole, Mary Hinkson, Linda Hodes, Stuart Hodes, Yuriko Kikuchi, and Ethel Winter
• Excerpts from a 1975 filmed technique demonstration by Graham's company, narrated by Graham
• Footage of Graham's company from a 1954 European tour
• PLUS: A booklet featuring a new essay by dance critic Joan Acocella
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Nathan Kroll. Coming in September.
Yeah, that's what I said.
-BJ