I came into the new "Red Violin" disc pretty blind. I'd never seen the film and barely knew anything about it. Released in 1998, I think it just went under my radar in theaters, making the brand new "Meridian Collection" DVD my very first exposure to Francois Girard's love-letter to music.

Before getting into the film itself, I'd like to mention that the "Meridian Collection" is the new label from Lionsgate, presenting various films through a Criterion-esque banner that promises each disc the proper attention to presentation and special features. This, alongside Jean-Jacques Beineix's "Diva", are the first films to be presented in such a manner.

Getting into the film itself, "The Red Violin" tells the story of -- believe it or not -- a red violin. Largely inspired by a real instrument, this fictionalized instrument was the creation of a great master in 17th century. Built for a son who dies in childbirth along with his mother, the violin carries with it a complicated history that is explored across five international locations and over 300 years between its creation and the final story.

Each story is interwoven structurally so that we actually begin and end what would be, chronologically, the last. These bookends star Samuel L. Jackson as Charles Morritz, an appraiser working with the US Government to value rare instruments. From his story, we're taken back to the violin's creation in 1681 Italy, its passage to a child prodigy in 1793 Germany, its possession by late 19th century English master and then to Communist China in the 1960's where the government would attempt to have it destroyed before the narrative comes back to present day and ties all the ends together.

Each segment is performed in its respective language, giving a true sense of class to a story that explores the beauty, importance and raw power of art. While I'm certain that the movie would speak even stronger to someone more devoted to musical instruments, it's not hard for someone (like me) to appreciate the violin's significance through the characters' eyes. There's something very appealing about any art that is -- essentially -- teaching one how to love and that's exactly what "The Red Violin" manages for classical music.

Performances are magnificent across the board, especially Samuel L. Jackson who had me worried that he would be somewhat of distraction from a very non-Hollywood film. Delightfully, the reverse is true and the pop-persona of Jackson allows for his character to walk a line where we're not ready to judge him as a hero or villain until the very last frame.

Extra features include a commentary with director/writer Francois Girard and co-writer Don McKeller. The track can be a bit dry at times as far as the tone goes but their insights into the project are fascinating. Both come off very much as people with a story to tell who settled on cinema as a medium rather than filmmakers who came up with a great story.

There are two features of about fifteen minutes each; The first is "The Oscar Winning Chaconne", showcasing composer John Corigliano's music (which won the 2000 Academy Award for Best Score). It's interesting but probably far more so to someone more into classical music than myself. The other is called "The Auction Block" and I found it much more fascinating, examining the truth behind the film's story. The featurette talks with an auctioneer of Stradivarius violins as well as the violinist who owns the instrument that directly inspired the red violin in the film. Hearing the elements of truth to the story and learning who the characters are based off of adds a great deal and it would almost be worthwhile to check out these two featurettes before watching (or rewatching) the film.

Otherwise, the only other feature is the film's original theatrical trailer.

"The Red Violin" marks a strong start for Lionsgate's Meridian Collection. Here's hoping that future entries are as focused and enjoyable as this one.