****Excellent***Good**Fair*Poor : VIDEOCASSETTES

“A Portrait of Giselle.” Kultur. $39.95. This flawed but invaluable all-star compilation is part oral history, part film memento of great performances. As Sir Anton Dolin coaches New York City Ballet principal Patricia McBride in the greatest of Romantic ballets, interviews with Tamara Karsavina, Olga Spessivtseva, Dame Alicia Markova, Yvette Chauvire, Alicia Alonso, Galina Ulanova, Carla Fracci and Natalia Makarova illuminate the fascinating lore and rich interpretive possibilities of the title role. (Note: Natalia Bessmertnova is pictured on the cassette box but is not included.) All these dance icons except Karsavina are shown in “Giselle” excerpts culled from home movies, rehearsal footage and little-known theatrical features. Information: (800) 458-5887. *** 1/2