Springtime in Amsterdam is a joyful feature film created by director Christof Loy, world renowned for his work in international opera houses. Meeting accidentally in Amsterdam, a group of four people experience a series of confusions that must be resolved in 48 hours. A richly varied musical score that includes Viennese operetta, Dutch and French chansons, and songs from the American song book, is performed by a renowned cast of singers and conducted by Marko Letonja, well versed in popular music. In a magical dream world, dilemmas are resolved in this enchanting fable.

REVIEWS:

It is enjoyable enough to watch, being well directed and slickly performed… All four are excellent: Annette Dasch, Theresa Kronthaler, Thomas Oliemans and Norman Reinhardt, plus Henk Poort for good luck as a series of characters. They emote as well as they warble.

-- Opera Now

An exile from his native land following the failed revolution of 1848, the impoverished Richard Wagner is in Zürich working on his opera Tristan und Isolde. There he meets Otto and Mathilde Wesendonck, ardent admirers of his music. Wagner’s passionate and scandalous affair with Mathilde, whose poems he set to music, is explored in this feature film by director Jens Neubert. After their relationship ended, Wagner left Zurich for Italy, forever remembering Mathilde as ‘my first and only love’.

Hänsel und Gretel brought Humperdinck worldwide fame but his tragic fairy story "Königskinder" (‘The King’s Children’) offers a stark contrast to it and has only begun to be revived in recent years. The doomed love of a goose girl and a prince – as they battle prejudice and are obstructed by magic – ends in their loving deaths, and with it a rebuke to the villagers who rejected them. This acclaimed production by the renowned German director Christof Loy features the award-winning singers – tenor Daniel Behle and Ukrainian soprano Olga Kulchynska.

This box set documents Andris Nelson's work with two world-class orchestras. After Claudio Abbado's death, he led the Lucerne Festival Orchestra in 2014-15, the "greatest challenge" - as he himself called it - of his career until then. In the recording of his first concert with the orchestra, Nelsons explores the musical landscape of the German Romantic composer Johannes Brahms through his Second Symphony and Second Serenade. A year later, he impresses with a fiery and powerful interpretation of Mahler's Fifth Symphony and excerpts from "Des Knaben Wunderhorn" with Matthias Goerne. For his inaugural concert as the new Gewandhauskapellmeister, Andris Nelsons chose three pieces with great symbolic power: the "Scottish" Symphony by his probably most important predecessor in office, Felix Mendelssohn, Alban Berg's Violin Concerto, played by Baiba Skride, and a commissioned work by the Leipzig-based composer Steffen Schleiermacher. A recording of Dvorák's Ninth Symphony "From the New World" and arias with Kristine Opolais demonstrates the instantly close relationship between the Gewandhaus Orchestra and their chief conductor.

Marius Petipas and Pyotr I. Tchaikovsky's Sleeping Beauty was a global success in 1890. Christian Spuck worked with the Ballett Zürich on a new version of the classic that challenges cherished clichés.

As early as 1851, Wagner wrote, 'I propose to produce my myth in three complete dramas, preceded by a lengthy Prelude.' The Prelude was "Das Rheingold" ('The Rhine Gold') the preliminary evening of Wagner's epic tetralogy "Der Ring des Nibelungen" ('The Ring of the Nibelung'), which received it's first complete performance in 1876. The unfolding events of Das Rheingold depict the theft of the Ring forged from the Rhinemaidens' gold by the Nibelung dwarf Alberich, and his subsequent surrender of it to Wotan, ruler of the Gods, to pay his debt to the giants who constructed Valhalla. Alberich's curse foreshadows the catastrophe to come. Sir Donald Runnicles conducts an internationally acclaimed cast in this innovative new production of "Der Ring" by Norwegian director Stefan Herheim.

Nielsen's "Maskarade" is regarded as Denmark's national opera. It combines folk-song character, Mozartean elegance and virtuoso surprises to create what conductor Titus Engel describes as 'musical comedy that's both witty and of the highest calibre'. Based on an 18th-century play by Ludvig Holberg, the story revolves around Leander and Leonora who meet at a masquerade ball, swear undying love, and then have to deal with the complicated consequences of their situation, all accompanied by Nielsen's irresistibly sparkling score. This acclaimed contemporary staging from Oper Frankfurt is sung in a new German translation and directed by Tobias Kratzer.

Le nozze di Figaro is Lorenzo Da Ponte's and Mozart's first of their three jointly created operas about attempts at interpersonal relationships: a turbulent comedy with erotic entanglements, which was not a harmless comedy even in Mozart's day. Director Martin Kusej moves the drama of love and jealousy to a mafia-like urban milieu where conflicts are fought out with pistols. Young French conductor Raphael Pichon, "original sound expert" (Der Tagesspiegel) and for the first time on the podium of the Wiener Philharmoniker, leads a young ensemble of singers around clan boss Almaviva ("vocally flawlessly brilliant: Andre Schuen", Hamburger Abendblatt). "Kusej's staging is musical, Pichon's conducting theatrical; the two work together to a degree that is far more rare than it should be. Every detail has been carefully thought through, and the symbiosis is breathtaking." (Financial Times) "Martin Kusej's new Figaro is slick, dark and grimly entertaining." (Financial Times) "One will rarely, if ever, hear 'Le nozze di Figaro' so well balanced on stage, with such a homogeneous ensemble of such class, with such a precise Mozart sound." (Frankfurter Rundschau)

With his MacBeth, Giuseppe Verdi broke with the operatic conventions of the time and created one of his darkest and most abysmal works. Directed by Krzysztof Warlikowski, the timeless drama unfolds in a new interpretation that takes the audience on an intense journey into human abysses. An opera of this kind demands not only outstanding voices but also outstanding actors. "Vladislav Sulimsky is forceful and brutish in the title role, at times truly frightening, always utterly assured." (Financial Times) Asmik Grigorian is giving her debut as Lady MacBeth and performs "with an urgency of expression that needs no further explanation." (Salzburger Nachrichten) "Her singing becomes a victory over expressive resistance." (Frankfurter Allgemeine) "Philippe Jordan celebrated a triumph on the podium of the Wiener Philharmoniker" (Kurier), his "MacBeth crackles with power and electricity, propelled by it's own velocity. The orchestra attacks the score with relish." (Financial Times) "Thrills, spills and impressive vocal stunts" (Financial Times) "Her singing becomes a victory over expressive resistance." (Frankfurter Allgemeine) "A triumph for 'Lady MacBeth' Asmik Grigorian." (Kronen Zeitung)

Three legendary performances from the Stuttgart Ballet in the choreography of John Cranko: Onegin, Romeo and Juliet and The Taming of the Shrew. Including bonus conversations on each ballet and three documentaries on the Stuttgart Ballet and its outstanding dancers Marcia Haydée and Friedemann Vogel. The 3 documentaries are for the first time available on DVD and Blu-ray! (Unitel)

Marianela Nunez and Vadim Muntagirov star as Cinderella and The Prince in Frederick Ashton’s timeless reworking of Charles Perrault’s famous rags-to-riches story, showcasing the choreographer’s deft musicality and the beauty of Prokofiev’s transcendent score. A creative team steeped in the magic of theatre, film, dance and opera brings new atmosphere to Cinderella’s ethereal world of fairy godmothers and pumpkin carriages, handsome princes and finding true love

Gaetano Donizetti's tragic opera Maria Stuarda depicts the merciless rivalry between Elizabeth I and Mary, Queen of Scots, who is seen as a martyr facing up to the illegitimate Queen of England. The opera was a victim of censorship at it's premiere and was beset by problems during rehearsals but is now seen as one of Donizetti's great operatic masterpieces. From the flamboyantly lyrical royal confrontations to the poignant final execution scene, this widely acclaimed production by David McVicar features monumental sets and sumptuous Elizabethan costumes, bringing the majesty and stark brutality of Elizabeth I's reign vividly to life.

Siegfried is the third of the four operas that comprise Wagner's epic tetralogy "Der Ring des Nibelungen" ('The Ring of the Nibelung'). Siegfried, raised by the evil dwarf Mime, discovers that he is the son of Siegmund and Sieglinde. He must negotiate betrayals and dangers in a landscape of dragons and magic in order to kill Fafner, who has the Ring, as well as Mime, who has designs on it. Finally, in music of resplendent drama, Siegfried, the hero who knows no fear, can penetrate the ring of fire to awaken the sleeping Valkyrie, Brunnhilde.

Originally set in the 15th century, Tchaikovsky's "The Enchantress" is updated to the present day in this innovative production. The charismatic, emancipated Nastasya, who rejects the advances of the devious Mam�rov, duly faces the implacable forces of traditional values in a society riven by divisions between liberal freedoms and religious orthodoxies. The tragic outcome engulfs everyone. This production was a triumphant success - 'At the end, storms of enthusiasm, the likes of which are rare even at Oper Frankfurt' (Neue Musikzeitung) - both for the staging and performers, with soprano Asmik Grigorian hailed as a 'miracle' and baritone Iain MacNeil as 'world class'.

Four timeless Ernst Lubitsch musicals are included in this collection. First, in "The Love Parade" (1929), Jeanette MacDonald shines as a singing queen who gets swept up in a melodic romance with roguish count Maurice Chevalier. With Lupino Lane, Lillian Roth. Next, in "Monte Carlo" (1930), MacDonald is a countess who travels to the resort destination to get away from her fianc�, only to get mixed up with royal suitor Jack Buchanan. Co-stars Claud Allister, ZaSu Pitts. Then, "The Smiling Lieutenant" (1931) is Chevalier, as he tries to romance violinist Claudette Colbert while she teaches his dowdy bride (Miriam Hopkins) how to be charming. With Charles Ruggles. Lastly, in "One Hour with You" (1932), Chevalier and MacDonald are a married couple whose relationship is complicated by beauty Genevieve Tobin. With Charles Ruggles, Roland Young. 6 1/3 hrs. Total on two discs. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).

Recorded Live in Albert Cummings Home Town Williamstown MA

Three-disc set includes: The Young Ones (1961)Once in every lifetime comes a Cliff Richard musical like this, with the British pop idol playing Nicky Black, a lad out to stop millionaire land developer father Hamilton (Robert Morley) from destroying a local youth center. Cliff raises the cash to buy the land with a rock-and-roll show, but other complications ensue, including the kidnapping of the elder Black by one of Nicky's fans. With The Shadows, Carole Gray and Teddy Greene. Songs include "The Young Ones," "What Do You Know We've Got a Show" and "We Say Yeah." AKA: "Wonderful to Be Young." 108 min. C/Rtg: NR Summer Holiday (1963)British pop star Cliff Richard stars with his group The Shadows in this pleasing musical comedy caper in which four mechanics travel in a double-decker bus across Europe. During a trial run, they smash into a car carrying an all-girl musical trio, then decide to take them to Athens. During the tune-filled trip, the lads also encounter an American girl singer posing as a boy, talkative French mimes and more. Lauri Peters, Melvyn Hayes and Ron Moody co-star; directed by Peter Yates. Songs include "Bachelor Boy," "Dancing Shoes" and the title track. 108 min. C/Rtg: NR Wonderful Life (1964)Having been fired from their jobs on a ferry, Johnnie (Cliff Richard) and his bandmates (played by Cliff's backing group, The Shadows) find themselves on the Canary Islands where they get mixed up with an eccentric filmmaker (Walter Slezak). Johnnie is hired as a stuntman and is soon wooing a beautiful actress (Susan Hampshire) while he and the fellas try to turn the movie-a boring desert picture-into an upbeat musical. Songs include "A Girl in Every Port," "On the Beach," "Do You Remember," and more. 109 min. AKA: "Swinger's Paradise." C/Rtg: NR Widescreen; Soundtrack: English; Subtitles: English (SDH); more.

Classically trained clarinetist Jeff Lambert (Bing Crosby) spent his New Orleans youth riffing on Basin Street, and the day came when he teamed with a trumpet player (Brian Donlevy) and a singer (Mary Martin) to try and make his mark playing Dixieland. Tuneful (if not always accurate) account of the beginnings of jazz co-stars Jack Teagarden, J. Carrol Naish, Eddie Anderson, Cecil Kellaway; Songs include "St. Louis Blues," "Memphis Blues," "Melancholy Baby." 87 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).

The life story of the King of Swing-from his childhood clarinet lessons from a Chicago professor to his dominance of 1930s radio and romance with a society girl-is told in memorable fashion with a standout titular performance by Steve Allen. Donna Reed, Berta Gersten, Herbert Anderson co-star, with music from Sammy Davis Jr., Gene Krupa, Harry James, Lionel Hampton, and Goodman himself dubbing Allen's clarinet playing. Songs include "Moonglow," "Let's Dance," "Sing, Sing, Sing," and more. 117 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).

Six-disc set includes: Brigadoon (1954)While on a hunting trip in Scotland, New Yorkers Tommy Albright (Gene Kelly) and Jeff Douglas (Van Johnson) stumble upon the magical village of Brigadoon, which appears for one day every 100 years. And when Tommy falls in love with beautiful enchantress Fiona (Cyd Charisse), he must decide if he should stay or return to his humdrum life. With Elaine Stewart, Barry Jones. The classic Lerner and Loewe score includes "From This Day On," "I'll Go Home with Bonnie Jean," "The Heather on the Hill." 108 min. C/Rtg: G Guys And Dolls (1955)Damon Runyon's colorful gangsters come to life in this lavish film adaptation of Frank Loesser's beloved Broadway musical. Frank Sinatra is Nathan Detroit, proprietor of "the oldest established permanent floating crap game in New York," and Marlon Brando is high-rolling gambler Sky Masterson; with Jean Simmons, Vivian Blaine, Stubby Kaye. The score includes "Luck Be a Lady," "Adelaide's Lament," "Sit Down, You're Rockin' the Boat." 149 min. C/Rtg: NR The Pajama Game (1957)Labor relations take on a whole new meaning in George Abbott and Stanley Donen's filming of the hit Broadway musical, itself based on the 1953 novel "7 1/2 Cents," with garment worker activist "Babe" Williams (Doris Day) and factory foreman Sid Sorokin (John Raitt) playing the enemies-turned-lovers. "Steam Heat," "Hey There," and "I'm Not at All in Love" are among the memorable Adler/Ross tunes enhanced by Bob Fosse's choreography. With Carol Haney. 102 min. C/Rtg: NR Damn Yankees (1958)A lifelong and long-suffering Washington Senators fan makes a deal with the devilish Mr. Applegate (Ray Walston) and is transformed into young slugger Joe Hardy (Tab Hunter), ready to lead his club to the pennant, in this hit adaptation of the Broadway musical comedy from George Abbott (who co-directed with Stanley Donen). Gwen Verdon is Lola, Applegate's sultry sidekick; look for choreographer Bob Fosse as a mambo dancer. The score includes "Heart," "Whatever Lola Wants." 111 min. C/Rtg: NR Gypsy (1962)Smash musical about the life of stripper Gypsy Rose Lee. Natalie Wood plays the vaudeville singer-turned-burlesque star, with Rosalind Russell as her abrasive stage mother. The Stephen Sondheim-Jule Styne score includes such gems as "Everything's Coming Up Roses," "Small World," and "You Gotta Have a Gimmick." With Karl Malden, Ann Jillian. 143 min. C/Rtg: NR The Boy Friend (1971)Director Ken Russell spoofs and salutes Hollywood musicals of the '30s in this heartfelt film. When the leading lady (Glenda Jackson) of a small-time theater company injures her ankle, she's replaced by a lowly assistant stage manager named Polly (Twiggy). Their show gets really wild when a big-time movie director comes recruiting, and Polly falls for her co-star (Christopher Gable). Classic show tunes and grand dance numbers highlight this production of Sandy Wilson's play. 136 min. C/Rtg: G

Four-disc set includes: Easter Parade (1948) Judy Garland and Fred Astaire's only movie together was this spectacular Irving Berlin musical. After splitting with his longtime dance partner, Nadine (Ann Miller), Don (Astaire) recruits chorus girl Hannah (Garland) to join him. The new dancing duo starts to fall for each other, but it could all come crashing down when Hannah thinks Don harbors feelings for Nadine. Peter Lawford co-stars. Songs include the title song, "A Couple of Swells," "Steppin' Out with My Baby," and more. 103 min. C/Rtg: NR The Band Wagon (1953) Director Vincente Minnelli's charming musical comedy stars Fred Astaire as Tony Hunter, a once-popular dancer/actor who hopes to rebound with a new Broadway show. While dealing with his difficult leading lady (Cyd Charisse), Tony finds his comeback endangered when the flamboyant director (Jack Buchanan) changes the breezy comedy into a dark updating of "Faust." With Nanette Fabray, Oscar Levant; songs include "Dancing in the Dark," "Shine on Your Shoes," "That's Entertainment." 112 min. C/Rtg: NR Silk Stockings (1957) Paris is the setting for this lively musical adaptation of the 1955 Broadway hit (which is itself a version of the classic movie comedy "Ninotchka"), in which an audacious movie producer (Fred Astaire) attempts to woo Soviet operative Ninotchka (Cyd Charisse), who's been sent to the City of Lights to bring a defecting film composter back to Russia. Able support from Jules Munshin, Peter Lorre, and Janis Paige, and a Cole Porter score that includes "Too Bad," "All of You," and the title tune add to the fun. 117 min. C/Rtg: NR Finian's Rainbow (1968) When he emigrated from the Auld Sod to the American South, Finian McLonergan (Fred Astaire) brought along a stolen magical pot of gold. Unfortunately, the leprechaun (Tommy Steele) he pilfered it from has tracked him down... and starts causing magical mischief for the locals. Fun take on the Yip Harburg/Fred Saidy stage hit, an early assignment for Francis Ford Coppola, co-stars Petula Clark, Keenan Wynn, Al Freeman, Jr.; score includes "How Are Things in Glocca Morra?" "Look to the Rainbow." 145 min. C/Rtg: G Standard and Widescreen (Enhanced); Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).

After supporting roles in Flying Down to Rio sent their movie careers soaring, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers starred for the first time in this witty and delightful escapade about marriage, divorce and all the romantic complications that come in between. The Gay Divorcee set the style, tone, and behind-the-camera talents for the Astaire/Rogers classics to come and captured five Academy Award nominations including Best Picture.

Elvis Presley goes diving for sunken treasure in a breezy adventure that pairs nautical capers with nightclub cool. The songs-"Love Machine," "I'll Take Love," and the title tune-arrive like souvenirs from a vacation you wish had lasted a week longer. With Dodie Marshall and Elsa Lanchester, it's easygoing fun from the King's later period.

In this program, the DNSO let's you experience the fascinating world of John Williams' music in a concert that brings cinema to life. From the epic fanfares of Star Wars to the magical sounds of Harry Potter and E.T. to the touching melodies of Schindler's List, this program spans an impressive arc between adventure, fantasy, and deep emotion. An evening full of goosebumps, big emotions, and unforgettable film music that awakens memories and ignites new enthusiasm.

Cruise line magnate T.F. Bellows (W.C. Fields) is certain his new ship will win a transatlantic race with his rival... but to be sure, he arranges for his ne'er-do-well jinx brother S.B. (Fields, again) to board the rival boat! Of course, S.B. gets on the wrong vessel, making for a comically bumpy voyage! Variety extravaganza co-stars Bob Hope (singing "Thanks for the Memories" in his feature debut), Martha Raye, Dorothy Lamour, Ben Blue. 91 min. Standard; Soundtrack: English Dolby Digital mono; Subtitles: English (SDH).