The Best of Riverdance

Once called the "hottest event on 160 legs," Riverdance--the international super-hit built around 90 minutes of outstanding Celtic dancing and music highlighting Irish culture--is celebrating its 10th anniversary this year (to date, there have been over 8,000 performances in 30 countries across four continents). Hosted by original cast member Jean Butler (whose fancy footwork with initial lead male dancer Michael Flatley prompted a standing ovation during the original routine at the 1994 EuroVision Song Contest), The Best of Riverdance presents 18 performances, intercut primarily from three mountings: the 1995 original with Flatley and Butler, the 1997 Riverdance: Live From New York City show (see review in VL-1/04) with Butler and Colin Dunne, and a 2003 Geneva performance featuring Brendán de Gallaí and Joanne Doyle. Fans will enjoy the set pieces such as "Reel Around the Sun," "Firedance," and the title track, as well as later additions like "American Wake" and "Trading Taps." In addition to the stellar dancing, Riverdance boasts the exceptional music of composer Bill Whelan, played by a wide variety of artists, including the internationally-renowned violinist Eileen Ivers (who is prominently featured here). Presented in Dolby Digital 5.1 and stereo, the substantial DVD extras on this disc include a fine 64-minute retrospective documentary, hosted by Gabriel Byrne, which features contemporary interviews with cast and crew (though not Flatley, whose fallout with the company is briefly covered here); a 16-minute behind-the-scenes segment that is comprised of a time-lapse sequence chronicling a single show from setup to breakdown; and a nine-minute performance by the Riverdance troupe for an opening ceremony of the Special Olympics. Recommended. Aud: P. (R. Pitman)