(Warner Home Video)
1994
What is it?
One of the best selling Yoga videos ever. 45 minutes long.
Who is it for?
Advanced beginners to intermediate practitioners.
What to expect:
The first time you watch this video you'll probably say to yourself, "That Ali McGraw is sure flexible!" And you'd better have a good amount of flexibility yourself to easily make it through this tape. Not necessarily as much as McGraw's, but you do have to know what you're doing and your practice should have reached a certain level of proficiency to really appreciate this tape. Yoga Master Erich Schiffmann gives a minimal amount of instruction (and every word he says has substance, beginning with his explanation of Ujjayi breathing). The practice starts off with Sun Salutations (the same way many Hatha Yoga classes begin) and includes a number of backbends, balancing and standing poses that require a bit of strength. How does Ms. McGraw fit into all of this? She's seen performing the Asanas with four other Yoga practitioners and they all hold their own (including the token elderly woman). There are no modifications for beginners, so experience is definitely required. The most stunning aspect of this video is its photography -- watching this tape is like watching a music video. The white desert sands stand out dramatically against a deep blue sky, the music is hypnotic, and the editing is creative. Some may find this video's approach annoying, but most will be captivated by it. The biggest fault of this video? At 45 minutes it's just a tad short -- another 15 minutes of practice would have made it perfect.