Overview: Join renowned actor Simon Callow as he uncovers the moving origins of the song Silent Night that has been two hundred years in the making. A story that begins in humble circumstances, ends with the world's most popular carol. Simon journeys to the Austrian village of Oberndorf as well as the city of Salzburg, where the story of the world s favorite carol had its origins.

DVD Verdict: 'The First Silent Night' introduces us to two impoverished children Joseph Mohr and Franz Gruber who grew up in Austria's cobbled streets and wooded villages. The hard years that shaped them would also destine them to meet one day in a poor country church to unite Gruber's music and Mohr's text into this classic carol about the birth of a third poor boy on a quiet night in ancient Palestine.

Silent Night would speak a message of hope to their country, recovering from the harsh Napoleonic wars that had devastated their cities and villages. The guns would fall silent at last, replaced by the gentle strains of music.

As aforementioned, renowned actor Simon Callow uncovers the moving origins of the song Silent Night, that has been two hundred years in the making. A story that begins in humble circumstances, ends with the world's most popular carol. Personally, I had no idea about the origins of the song, and so to hear Callow brings it to life, origin wise, is amazing. Truly amazing. This is a Widescreen Presentation (1.85:1) enhanced for 16x9 TVs and comes with the Special Features of:

Classical Destinations Salzburg
Silent Night Music Videos
Welcome to Salsburg
Stage of the World
Salzburg Festival
Christmas Markets
And More!