Duncan Wong: Yogic Arts—Awakening Level

If being the personal trainer to Sting and Madonna aren't enough kudos for Duncan Wong's style of yoga instruction, you can add this four star “Editor's Choice” rating from Video Librarian to the heap o' praise. Produced and directed by fashion photographer James Wvinner, filmed in luscious black and white by Sion Michel (who shot parts of Memoirs of a Geisha), and featuring a beautiful score by Shaman's Dream, this visually-stunning program is an interesting hybrid—an art film/fitness DVD that combines elements of Ashtanga yoga, Korean Gung Fu style martial arts, and Thai massage to create a workout that is both tranquil and surprisingly forceful. Presented by Wong—a serene, tattooed, chisel-chested instructor who illustrates each posture with precision and grace—in an hour-long full workout (or in two half-hour segments at “Awareness” or “Enlightening” levels), the program begins with Parana Prep, as Wong meticulously demonstrates deep kundalini breathing, including the “breath of fire” and “fist to belly” techniques. Though many of Wong's postures include familiar moves such as downward dog, cat stance, warrior, cobra, tiger, and mountain poses, other sections feature unusual yoga target areas such as the wrists and shoulders, and feet and toes. Following up with gluteal groundwork, a hip opening series, back bends, and finishing poses, the program concludes with a savasana relaxation segment. Regardless of the DVD jacket hype, this isn't intended for beginners (who would spend hours of hitting pause and practicing to achieve a fraction of the exactitude here), but devoted yoga aficionados will find this unique workout to be an exhilarating parana of fresh air. DVD extras include a Gung Fu demonstration and proper alignment for the downward scorpion pose. Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. Aud: P. (N. Plympton)