THE WHO "Live At Shea Stadium 1982" Comes to DVD, BD

This June, Eagle Rock Entertainment will celebrate the 50^th Anniversary of The Who with the first ever DVD and Blu-ray release of Live At Shea Stadium 1982 [SLP $19.98 Blu-ray, $14.98 DVD, street date June 30, 2015]. This is the first official release of the full show and features restored footage and newly mixed sound.

The Who (Roger Daltrey, Pete Townshend, John Entwistle, and Kenney Jones) delivered both classic tracks and rarely performed songs: “Pinball Wizard,” “Won’t Get Fooled Again,” “My Generation,” “Substitute,” “Who Are You,” “I Can’t Explain,” “See Me Feel Me,” “Baba O’Riley,” and many more. The tour promoted the 1982 album It’s Hard and the set list was comprised of several tracks from that album, some of which the band would only play live on this tour.

The Who’s 1982 North American tour was their last to feature Kenney Jones on drums and the band did not tour again until 1989. This concert film features the show from the second of their two nights at New York City’s Shea Stadium and was filmed on October 13^, 1982.

Enter the Frog Kingdom on June 30th

Take the journey of a lifetime when Frog Kingdom arrives on DVD  June 30 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. The DOVE Family Approved film is “funny and filled with action” (DOVE Foundation) and features the voice talents of teen-favorites including Bella Thorne, Cameron Dallas, Drake Bell and Gregg Sulkin. Frog Kingdom, containing a behind-the-scenes look at how the characters are brought to life in the recording studio plus Minuscule award-winning shorts, arrives on DVD for the suggested retail price of $19.98. 

When The Frog King (Keith David) announces that the winner of the Froglympics will win his daughter’s hand in marriage, Princess Froglegs (Bella Thorne) runs away instead.  Disguised as a commoner, the Princess befriends street vendor, Freddie (Cameron Dallas), and begins training with him for the games—determined that she will win and thwart her father’s plans of marriage.  Meanwhile, the villainous serpent has ideas of his own to ruin the Froglympics and take over the kingdom.  With a little luck, and a little help from their trusty sidekick Captain One-Eye (Rob Schneider), Freddie and Princess Froglegs set out to save Frog Kingdom from the evil serpent.

Ryan Gosling's LOST RIVER Hits Home Entertainment on May 5

Warner Bros. Home Entertainment has announced that Ryan Gosling’s directorial debut film, “Lost River,” will release on May 5 on DVD / Blu-ray.   The film had it's North American premiere as part of the SXSW Film Festival in March in Austin TX and had a limited theatrical run in NYC and L.A.

“Ryan is one of the most exciting actors of his generation and ‘Lost River’ reveals that he is also one of its most promising young directors,” said Kroll. “His debut film is a singular vision of stranded people finding connection in a broken world. We believe in this film and in Ryan as a director, and are delighted to be working with him in this new role. This is a great opportunity to give audiences the chance to discover this compelling, original work for themselves.” said Dan Fellman, President, Domestic Distribution, Warner Bros. Pictures.

Added Fellman, “By capitalizing on the growing variety of film release opportunities, we can better target the right audience and give ‘Lost River’ a bigger and more focused voice than it would have if we put it exclusively in theaters. We are excited to see the result.”

The Tenors UNDER ONE SKY Arrives on June 2

UNDER ONE SKY is THE TENORS new recording that combines a mix of originals alongside new interpretations of familiar favorites that releases on June 2, 2015 from Decca Records. Highlighting their signature blend of classical and contemporary pop, the record includes the popular hits “Tears in Heaven” (Eric Clapton) “Lean On Me” (Bill Withers) and “Who Wants To Live Forever” (Queen) as well as the soaring original title track, “Under One Sky” and the inspirational “New Day’s Begun.”

The foursome dedicates the classic Joe Cocker track, “You Are So Beautiful” to their mothers and all mothers around the world, while “My Father’s Son” pays universal homage to dads. The group pays extra tribute to their moms in the forthcoming hardcover book, “A Letter To My Mom” by Lisa Erspamer to be released April 7. Honoring their respective mothers, the book also includes letters from Melissa Rivers, Shania Twain, will.i.am, Christy Turlington, and Kristin Chenoweth among others.

Ida, Downton Abbey Seas 4, Frank and Others Win Indie Home Entertainment Awards

EMA, Entertainment Merchants Association,  today announced the winners of its 2015 Independent Home Entertainment Awards. The awards were given out during EMA’s 2015 Independent Product Market at the Marriott Marina del Rey in Marina del Rey, CA with Baker & Taylor's Scene & Heard AV management team in attendance.  The winners are:

Sell-Through Title of the Year from an Independent Studio
Downton Abbey Season 4
PBS Distribution

Rental Title of the Year from an Independent Studio
Ida
Music Box Films

Direct-to-Video/Limited Release Title of the Year from an Independent Studio
Frank
Magnolia Home Entertainment
 

Strange Magic

“Strange Magic,” a new animated film coming to DVD, on May 19 from Disney Entertainment is a fairy tale; but not your average fairy tale. This magical adventure features a host of colorful characters including a princess who has sworn off love, a dubious villain, a slightly nutty Sugar Plum Fairy, a tenacious elf, a mischievous imp, and a knight who is no Prince Charming. Bring home the enchanting tale the whole family can enjoy today! 

The film has the voice talents of Alan Cumming (CBS’ “The Good Wife,” Broadway’s “Cabaret”), Evan Rachel Wood (“The Ides of March”), Kristin Chenoweth (Broadway’s “Wicked”), Maya Rudolph (“Big Hero 6,” “Bridesmaids”), Sam Palladio (ABC’s “Nashville”), newcomer Meredith Anne Bull, Alfred Molina (“Chocolat”) and Elijah Kelley (“Hairspray,” “The Butler”) and was directed by Gary Rydstrom from a story by George Lucas .

 

McFarland USA to DVD & Blu-ray on June 2

In the tradition of Disney sports movies comes “McFarland, USA on DVD and Blu-ray on June 2, 2015 from Walt Disney Studios. The film is based on a true story of underdogs triumphing over tremendous obstacles.  This heartwarming drama follows novice runners who strive to build a cross-country team under Coach Jim White (Kevin Costner) in their predominantly Latino high school. Everyone has a lot to learn about each other, but when Coach realizes the boys’ exceptional running ability, things change. Beyond their talent, it’s the power of family, commitment to each other and work ethic that transform them into champions — helping them achieve their own American dream.

McFarland, USA stars Kevin Costner (“Dances with Wolves,” “The Untouchables”), Maria Bello (“A History of Violence,” “Prisoners”), Carlos Pratts (“Paranormal Activity: The Marked Ones,” “Out of the Fire”), Morgan Saylor (TV’s “Homeland,” “Cirque du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant”) and was directed by Niki Caro (“Whale Rider”).

Drummer Buddy Rich "Birdland" Album Out May 25

Lightyear Entertainment and Lobitos Creek Ranch, in association with Scabeba Entertainment and the Buddy Rich Estate, have announced the release of a new live album featuring Buddy Rich and his Killer Force Band at the peak of their performing years.

This rare, previously unreleased, and all original production was recorded with Buddy’s permission by bandmate Alan Gauvin, who has also now mixed and edited the project together. The album was mastered by Tom Swift, and will be released May 26 through Caroline Distribution, the independent distribution arm of Universal Music Group, on the Lightyear/Lobitos Creek label.

The Birdland album is seen in the Academy Award winning film Whiplash, in the hands of the young
star Miles Teller, who plays an extraordinary drummer who idolizes Buddy Rich.

An American in Paris Original Cast Recording Announced for Album Release

MASTERWORKS BROADWAY proudly announces the signing of the Original Broadway Cast Recording of An American in Paris. Produced by Rob Fisher and Scott Lehrer, the album will be recorded on April 20 in anticipation of a June 2 release. 

 

The score of An American In Paris includes the songs “I Got Rhythm,” “Liza,” “’S Wonderful,” “But Not For Me,” “I’ll Build a Stairway to Paradise,” and orchestral music including “Concerto in F,” “Second Prelude,” “Second Rhapsody/Cuban Overture” and “An American In Paris.”

 

An American In Paris is directed and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon. Inspired by the Academy-Award winning film and opens on Broadway on April 12, 2015.  An American In Paris brings this classic tale to Broadway for the first time with music and lyrics by George Gershwin and Ira Gershwin and a book by Tony nominee and Pulitzer Prize finalist Craig Lucas.

"The Rolling Stones, Live from the Vault: The Marquee- Live in 1971" to Arrive on DVD, BD

A sought-after, rare live club performance from The Rolling Stones in 1971 filmed at London’s iconic Marquee Club will finally see the light of day, after almost two decades of being stored away in an attic. The Rolling Stones From The Vault: The Marquee – Live in 1971 will be released on DVD and Blu-Ray via Eagle Rock on June 23, 2015. 

This remarkable performance was filmed for US television in 1971, shortly after The Rolling Stones had completed their 1971 Farewell Tour of the UK, and a month before the release of the album Sticky Fingers. The gig marked the first time tracks “Brown Sugar,” “Dead Flowers,” “Bitch,” and the rarely performed “I Got The Blues” were showcased live; four tracks taken from the Sticky Fingers album. The line-up at this time was Mick Jagger, Keith Richards, Charlie Watts, Mick Taylor and Bill Wyman. 

James Taylor Announces "Before This World" Release

Five-time GRAMMY Award winner James Taylor will release Before This World, the legendary singer/songwriter’s first album of new songs since 2002’s platinum-selling October Road.  Produced by Grammy Award-winner Dave O’Donnell, Before This World features ten songs, nine of which are brand new James Taylor compositions, and is due out June 16, 2015 via Concord Records.

In addition, the special 2-Disc CD/DVD Before This World Deluxe Edition includes the full-length album on CD plus "There We Were: The Recording of James Taylor’s Before This World,” a behind-the-scenes documentary about the making of the album on DVD. Through studio footage and interviews (including Taylor and album guests Sting and Yo-Yo Ma) this beautifully rendered 30-minute film provides an intimate look into Taylor’s creative process and the recording of this landmark album.

Recorded at his home studio The Barn, in Washington, MA, Taylor enlisted the longtime members of his band for the sessions including bassist Jimmy Johnson, drummer Steve Gadd, guitarist Michael Landau, keyboardist Larry Goldings, percussionist Luis Conte, fiddler and vocalist Andrea Zonn and vocalists Arnold McCuller, David Lasley and Kate Markowitz. Taylor also called on close friends Yo-Yo Ma and Sting to add their remarkable talent to the new album, (Ma’s cello is heard on "You And I Again” and "Before This World”; Sting added vocals to "Before This World.”)  Additionally, Taylor’s wife Kim and son Henry sing harmony on "Angels Of Fenway” and the classic folk tune "Wild Mountain Thyme.”

Walking Dead Fans; Save the Date!!!

Dear “Walking Dead” Fans:

For the past five years, we have followed the amazing tale of survival that is “The Walking Dead.” With the end of every season, comes the knowledge that-- for the moment-- we must part with the characters we have come to embrace. While it won’t be too long before their story resumes, Anchor Bay Entertainment proudly continues the tradition of offering fans one more chance to revisit the exciting season that was...

“The Walking Dead: The Complete Fifth Season” will be released on Blu-ray and DVD on August 25^th. Just like the award winning previous home entertainment releases, “The Walking Dead: The Complete Fifth Season” will dazzle viewers with state-of-the-art video and audio presentations.

More information, including bonus feature content, technical specs, etc will be available soon.

Until we meet again at Alexandria...

"Wild Kratts : Shark-Tastic" Swim into DVD / Blu-ray in April

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “WILD KRATTS: SHARK-TASTIC” on DVD April 14. “SHARK-TASTIC” includes four episodes of the PBS KIDS hit series WILD KRATTS, two of which are bonus episodes! From learning about the favorite prey of great white sharks, to gaining insight into how dolphins communicate, kids will be exposed to fascinating facts about sharks and other sea creatures in this fun-filled DVD. Animals highlighted in these four stories include a hawksbill turtle, dolphins, a tiger shark, a giant pacific octopus, great white sharks, a bowhead whale, a manta ray and many more.

 

 

In each episode of WILD KRATTS, creature teachers Chris and Martin Kratt take kids and their families along on extraordinary animal-powered adventures. The show transforms the Kratt Brothers, creators of the award-winning KRATTS’ CREATURES and Emmy-winning ZOBOOMAFOO, into animated versions of themselves, allowing the real-life zoologists to visit wild animals in their little-seen habitats and showcase key science concepts along the way. WILD KRATTS airs weekdays on PBS KIDS (check local listings).

“WILD KRATTS: SHARK-TASTIC”will be available on DVD April 14, 2015. The DVD run time is approximately 60 minutes and its SRP is $12.99.

 

Print the Legend, 3D Printing Doc Arrives on May 5

3D printing is changing the world – from printing guns and human organs, to dismantling the world’s industrial infrastructure by enabling home manufacturing. It’s “the next Industrial Revolution.” With unprecedented access to the visionaries building an industry, Print the Legend follows the people and companies racing to bring 3D printing to your desktop and into your life. For the winners, there are fortunes – and history – to be made. Print the Legend is both the definitive 3D Printing Documentary – capturing a technology in the midst of its “Macintosh Moment” – and a compelling tale about what it takes to live the American Dream in any field.  The doc arrives on DVD and Blu-ray for libraries on May 5, 2015.

Watch the film's trailer below;

“CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES” to Arrive on DVD & Blu-ray

PBS Distribution announced today it will release “CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES” on DVD and Blu-ray on April 28, 2015. “CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES” is a three-part, six-hour documentary series directed by award-winning filmmaker Barak Goodman and executive produced by Ken Burns. The project includes the documentary series, nearly two dozen webcast short films by Redglass Pictures, and a comprehensive national campaign with engagement partner Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) and an array of other project supporters. A collaboration of Florentine Films, Laura Ziskin Pictures and WETA Washington, DC, in association with Ark Media, the series is based on the Pulitzer Prize-winning book “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” (Simon & Schuster 2010) by Siddhartha Mukherjee, M.D. At the urging of SU2C co-founder, the late Laura Ziskin, the Entertainment Industry Foundation obtained the television and film rights for its Stand Up To Cancer initiative shortly after the book was published.

“CANCER: THE EMPEROR OF ALL MALADIES” tells the comprehensive story of cancer, from its first description in an ancient Egyptian scroll to the gleaming laboratories of modern research institutions. The film interweaves a sweeping historical narrative with intimate stories about contemporary patients, and an investigation into the latest scientific breakthroughs that may have brought us, at long last, within sight of lasting cures.