Product Description The long-awaited DVD release of Kabuki's 400th anniversary! This DVD features the first-ever release of "Kyo Kanoko Musume Dojoji," one of the greatest Kabuki dance pieces, performed with the brilliant artistry of Bando Tamasaburo! This complete video recording of the performance at the Kabukiza in December 1994 has been fully remastered under Tamasaburo's supervision, including editing and telecine, and incorporates original footage for a truly exquisite experience. With an "English" menu and audio commentary, and region-free playback, this international edition is enjoyable for viewers worldwide. Synopsis Based on the Noh play "Dojoji," which tells the tale of Kiyohime, who, transformed into a serpent, burned her beloved Anchin, who had hidden inside a bell, along with the bell itself, this is one of the most popular dance pieces in Kabuki. At the memorial service for the reconstruction of the bell at Dojoji Temple in Kii Province, the shirabyoshi Hanako appears, wearing a bira-boshi hat and a furisode kimono. Initially refused entry due to the prohibition of women, Hanako is eventually allowed to enter the temple grounds on the condition that she performs a dance for the memorial service. The dance begins with a Noh-inspired ranbyoshi rhythm, gradually becoming more sensual, expressing her resentment towards men... The performance continues with highlights such as the beautiful movements with flower hats, "Koi no Tenarai" using hand towels effectively, hand dances, and dances using the instruments of kakko and suzu-daiko. Finally, Hanako, who has entered the suddenly fallen hanging bell, transforms into a serpent before the astonished shoka (young priests) and wraps herself around the bell. Work Data: "Kyo Kanoko Musume Dojoji: Michiyuki kara Kaneiri made" Choreography: Fujima Kanjuuro Shirabyoshi Hanako: Bando Tamasaburo / Takemoto Renchu, Nagauta Hayashi Renchu Recorded: December Grand Kabuki (December 1994, Kabukiza) Commentary: Japanese Commentary (Audio): Seiji Kasai Japanese Commentary (Text): Kenichiro Ishibashi English Commentary (Text & Audio): Paul M. Griffith Other Details: Released January 25, 2003 Released and Sold by: Shochiku Co., Ltd. Video Products Division [Catalog Number] DA-0199 (Cell) [Running Time] 70 minutes [Genre] Kabuki [Recording Date] December 1994 [Recording Location] Kabukiza [Genre] Kabuki [Audio] (1) Japanese Original 2.0ch Dolby Stereo (2) Japanese Commentary 2.0ch Dolby Stereo (3) English Commentary 2.0ch Dolby Stereo [Subtitles] Japanese Subtitles (Dialogue & Lyrics) [Screen Size] 16:9 (Vista Size) [Color/Monochrome] Color [Layer] Single-sided, single-layer / NTSC / Region ALL / Menu Language (Japanese / English)