Champion Acrobats Of China: Flying Lotus; Champion Acrobats Of China: Steel Silk

Astonishing acrobatic feats contend with production values that virtually scream 1950s/1960s in this pair of performance art videos highlighting women acrobat acts in China. Although some of the film print is scratchy, the narration appears to be post-1984, since references are made to a 1984 competition, but the actual date of the filming is anybody's guess. Both programs follow the same format of presenting one act after another with voiceover narration providing lame dialogue like "ooh, be careful!" Flying Lotus contains seven acts, including the impressive "Pyramid of Benches," in which a woman lying on her back balances with her feet 10 levels of acrobat-laden benches, and an incredible stunt cycling sequence in which some two dozen acrobats ride one bicycle. Steel Silk includes 10 acts, ranging from a towering chair balancing act to an amazing "human wheel" double foot juggling act, in which the acrobats juggle other acrobats. All of this virtuoso performing, however, is presented in such an outdated mode. Not a necessary purchase. (Available from: V.I.E.W. Video, 34 East 23 St., New York, NY 10010; 1-800-843-9843.)