55th Tattoo Released On Video And DVD

A new video and DVD recording of highlights from this year's celebrated Edinburgh Tattoo go on the market this week just as the internationally renowned event learned it had won a prestigious tourism accolade at last Friday's Scottish Thistle Awards ceremony.

The 90-minute programme includes exclusive never-before-seen material, and a further 30-minutes of unreleased extras on the DVD, from August's world-famous military showpiece.

It features previously unseen footage of performances from The Royal Air Force, The Military Band of The People's Liberation Army of China, and The South African Navy Band from Cape Town as well as fascinating art forms exhibited by the Cheraw Cultural Dance Troupe from Mizoram in North East India and Estonia's elite gymnastics group, Club Piruett. The spine-tingling sights and sounds of the legendary Massed Pipes & Drums are also carried on the new products.

Said Tattoo Chief Executive & Producer, Brigadier Melville Jameson: "As 2004 marks the Tattoo's most successful season ever, there seems to be no doubting the continuing appeal of the event, so I am delighted that the very best moments are now available on this new film."

"I am also thrilled by last week's Scottish tourism industry endorsement with the presentation of a highly-regarded Thistle Award," he concluded.

This recording also showcases musical favourites such as 'Highland Cathedral', 'Scotland the Brave,' and the acclaimed theme tune from movie director Ridley Scott's Hollywood epic, 'Gladiator' by composer Hans Zimmer. A special arrangement of The Anthem from hit musical 'Chess', written along with lyricist Tim Rice by Abba's Benny Andersson and Bjorn Ulvaeus, is also included.

Coverage of this spectacular show was recorded by the BBC and features the voice of famous Scottish actor and narrator Tom Fleming while West Linton-based film production company, Electric Picture Machine, produced and designed the DVD.

Copies of the highlights from the record-breaking 55th Tattoo may be obtained on both Video and DVD from the Tattoo Shop, 33-34 Market Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QB. These recordings, priced at £17.95 for DVD and £14.99 (PAL) & £17.00 (NTSC) for the video (plus P&P where applicable), can also be purchased via the Internet at www.edintattoo.co.uk or from your local Video/DVD retailer.