Friday, July 31, 2015

Fantastic Four Original Motion Pictiure Soundtrack Releasing

Sony Music announces the release of THE FANTASTIC FOUR (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) featuring the music of Marco Beltrami and Philip Glass. The soundtrack will be released
on CD on August 14.

FANTASTIC FOUR, helmed by acclaimed director Josh Trank (“Chronicle”), and screenwriters Jeremy Slater and Simon Kinberg (“X-Men: First Class,” X-Men; Days of Future Past”, “Sherlock Holmes”),  is a contemporary re-imagining of Marvel's first, and longest-running superhero team. Based on the Marvel comic written by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby, the film follows four young outsiders who teleport to an alternate and dangerous universe that alters their physical form in shocking ways. Their lives irrevocably upended, the team must learn to harness their daunting new abilities and work together to save Earth from a former friend turned enemy. The film stars Miles Teller as Reed Richards, Kate Mara as Susan Storm, Michael B. Jordan as Johnny Storm, Jamie Bell as Ben Grimm, and Toby Kebbell as Victor von Doom.

Marco Beltrami is best known for finding a unique approach to scoring in each of his films. For the film “Scream”, he threw away conventional horror music clichés and instead called upon his concert music roots to explore a new sonic landscape. For “The Homesman” Beltrami constructed his own instruments that would meld the archaic and new. The creations were as tiny as a refitted lap steel guitar to giant, cross-ranch cables that could pick up wind and translate it into a haunting glow. Subsequently, his resume has expanded to include films ranging from epic drama to dark comedy. Beltrami has been nominated twice for Academy Awards for Best Score (“3:10 to Yuma” (2007) and “The Hurt Locker” (2008)).

Paul McCartney Adds Tug of War and Pipes of Peace Albums to Archive Collection!

MPL and the Concord Music Group are proud to announce two more landmark installments in the multiple GRAMMY-winning Paul McCartney Archive Collection. On October 2, 2015, Paul’s early ‘80s back-to-back classics Tug of War and Pipes of Peace will receive lavish multiple configuration reissue treatment including exclusive 2015 remixes of both the entire Tug of War album and the Pipes of Peace classic collaboration with Michael Jackson “Say Say Say,” a treasure trove of previously unreleased tracks and never before seen video, and much more.

Released in 1982, Tug of War was Paul’s first album following the break-up of Wings and his third solo LP overall. Hailed upon its release as “exquisitely crafted” by The New York Times and a “masterpiece” by Rolling Stone, Tug of War went to #1 in no less than nine countries. Tug of War yielded such classic tracks as Paul’s #1 duet with Stevie Wonder “Ebony and Ivory,” the top 10 single “Take It Away,” and of course “Here Today,” the conversation Paul never had with the late John Lennon that remains a staple of Paul’s live set to this day. Pipes of Peace, Paul’s fourth solo album, followed in 1983 and continued Paul’s early ’80s run of platinum records. Singles from Pipes of Peace included the title track and of course Paul and Michael Jackson’s timeless “Say Say Say,” a multi-format global chart-topping smash continually cited as a landmark of that or any year–as recently as 2007, Vibemagazine rated “Say Say Say” as one of the greatest duets of all time.

As with the GRAMMY-winning Band On The Run and Wings Over America Archive editions, Paul personally supervised all aspects of these releases and their various formats, which include:

photo: Linda McCartney

"Rocky Horror Picture Show" Soundtrack to Get 40th Anniverary Special Re-Release

40 years after movie audiences began singing along to such hits as “The Time Warp,” “Sweet Transvestite” and “Dammit Janet,” THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW fans can own a piece of history with the newly re-mastered ABSOLUTE TREASURES soundtrack. Due out July 31, 2015 on Ode Sounds & Visuals and distributed by The Orchard, the soundtrack will be available as a limited-edition red vinyl two-disc set, and CD.
 
The red vinyl was created to honor the film’s legacy and the devotion from fans to create something unique to celebrate this historic occasion. “THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW” has always had a mind of its own fueled by the insight and direction of its fans,” says producer, Lou Adler.






Saturday, July 25, 2015

The Curse of Downers Grove in Theaters Then Quick to DVD/BD

Anchor Bay Entertainment has announced the release of the teen angst thriller THE CURSE OF DOWNERS GROVE in theaters and Digital HD on August 21, 2015 and a brief home entertainment window, delivering it on DVD & Blu-ray on September 1, 2015.  The film stars Bella Heathcote (Dark Shadows, Pride and Prejudice and Zombies), Lucas Till (X-Men franchise, Walk The Line), Penelope Mitchell (Hemlock Grove, “The Vampire Diaries”), with Tom Arnold (True Lies, Soul Plane) and Kevin Zegers (The Mortal Instruments, “Gossip Girl”).

In suburban Downers Grove, Illinois, people call it ‘The Curse’: Before the end of every school year, one high school senior will die in a gruesome accident. And with only one week left, Chrissie Swanson can’t shake the fear that she might be next. Can Chrissie survive the curse of Downers Grove or will she, like those seniors before her, fall prey to the town's deadly secret?
 
Inspired by true events and based on the novel by Michael Hornburg, THE CURSE OF DOWNERS GROVE is directed by Derick Martini (Lymelife) and co-written by Martini and author Bret Easton Ellis (American Psycho, The Rules of Attraction, Less Than Zero) and produced by Oren Segal, Chiara Trento and Jason Dubin.
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Where Hope Grows Arrives August 25 on DVD/BD


Experience the power of faith, courage and friendship when the moving drama Where Hope Grows arrives on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) August 25 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. 

Receiving 5 out of 5 Doves from The Dove Foundation, Where Hope Grows is an uplifting tale of an ex-baseball player who finds salvation when he befriends a grocery-store clerk who has Down syndrome. Theatrically released in 2015, and written and directed by Chris Dowling (Rock Slyde), the heartwarming film features touching performances from a stellar cast including Kristoffer Polaha (TV’s “Ringer,” TV’s “Life Unexpected”), Billy Zabka (The Karate Kid), Brooke Burns (Shallow Hal, TV’s “Baywatch”), Kerr Smith (TV’s “The Fosters,” TV’s “Dawson’s Creek”), Michael Grant (TV’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”), Alan Powell (The Song) with Danica McKellar (TV’s “The Wonder Years”) and introducing David DeSanctis as “Produce.”

Calvin Campbell (Polaha), a former pro baseball player with a self-destructive streak, has his faith in God restored when he meets Produce (DeSanctis), an inspirational man with Down syndrome. As their friendship develops, Calvin is reminded that hope grows in the most unlikely places.

 The Where Hope Grows home entertainment bonus material includes deleted scenes, plus two featurettes that look at the casting of “Produce” and a discussion of the “R-word,” along with an audio commentary from writer/director Chris Dowling and actor David DeSanctis. The Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

Wednesday, July 22, 2015

Blackbird Flies Home from RJL

BLACKBIRD tells the story of seventeen-year-old Randy (Julian Walker), a devout Christian who is hiding a secret inner struggle - the denial of being gay. Since his father (Isaiah Washington) left,
Randy takes care of his emotionally disturbed mother (Mo'Nique) and is the kind of friend all of his classmates can depend on. It is not until he opens himself up to love that he discovers that becoming a man means accepting who you really are. 

Based on the same title novel by Larry Duplechan, the film, which was released in theaters on April 24, is directed by Patrik-Ian Polk (Noah's Arc, The Skinny). The film stars Academy Award winning actress and comedian Mo'Nique (Precious), Isaiah Washington (Grey's Anatomy, Blue Caprice, The 100), Terrell Tilford (Single Ladies, Guiding Light), D. Woods (MTV's Danity Kane), Gary L. Gray ( Bring It On: All Or Nothing), Torrey Laamar, Kevin Allesee, Nikki Jane and introduces breakthrough actor Julian Walker.

MR HOLMES - Original Motion Picture Soundtrack Releasing

Lakeshore Records will release the MR. HOLMES – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack
digitally on CD on  August 28, 2015. The album features the film’s original score by Carter Burwell (TWILIGHT SAGA: BREAK DAWN PART 1 & 2, THE BIG LEBOWSKI).

“I don't always do this, but in this case I started with the opening titles of the film,” Burwell stated. “It painted the picture of the aging Holmes and also set the film in motion."

 Mr. Holmes is a new twist on the world’s most famous detective. 1947, an aging Sherlock Holmes (Ian McKellen) returns from a journey to Japan, where, in search of a rare plant with powerful restorative qualities, he has witnessed the devastation of nuclear warfare. Now, in his remote seaside farmhouse, Holmes faces the end of his days tending to his bees, with only the company of his housekeeper and her young son, Roger. Grappling with the diminishing powers of his mind, Holmes comes to rely upon the boy as he revisits the circumstances of the unsolved case that forced him into retirement, and searches for answers to the mysteries of life and love – before it's too late.

Tuesday, July 21, 2015

Carlos Santana, American Book Award Winner

Guitarist/Songwriter Carlos Santana, Marlon James and Naomi Klein were among the winners of the 36th annual American Book Awards, which celebrate diversity in publishing.
 
Santana's, "The Universal Tone: Bringing My Story to Light," has been selected as a 2015 National Book Award winner. It is the first book by the former Tijuana guitarist, who has previously won 10 Grammy Awards and, in 2013, was a Kennedy Center Honors recipient.
 
Santana co-wrote "The Universal Tone" with Hal Miller and 2015 Best Album Liner Notes Grammy Award-winner Ashley Khan. The book is one of more than a dozen winners announced for the 36th annual American Book Awards, which celebrate diversity in publishing.
 
Other winners this year include Marlon James, Naomi Klein and poet Anne Waldman, who was honored for lifetime achievement. The awards ceremony will be held October 20 in New York City.
 
Santana is  a 1969 Woodstock performer and 1998 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee and turned 68 on Monday. He is currently on a European concert tour with the band that bears his name, which he has led for nearly 50 years. His North American concert tour opens August 14 in Queens, NY and  wraps up on August 30 in Illinois at the Ravinia Fest in Highland Park,
 
Santana's ongoing annual residency at House of Blues in Las Vegas starts up again on September 16.

Keith Richards Gives Us "Trouble" - Listen

The perennial rocker Keith Richards, after wrapping up the Rolling Stones Zip Code tour, released his first solo tune in years, in preparation for the release of his third solo album in September. 
Give "Trouble" a listen-



Monday, July 20, 2015

Russel Crowe Directed and Starrer, "The Water Diviner" Arrives on July 28




Academy Award winner Russell Crowe (Gladiator) makes his directorial debut on The Water Diviner, an epic and inspiring tale of one man’s life-changing journey of discovery that arrives on DVD/Blu-ray from Warner Bros Home Entertainment on July 28, 2015.  Crowe also stars in the film as Australian farmer Joshua Connor, who, in 1919, goes in search of his three missing sons, last known to have fought against the Turks in the bloody Battle of Gallipoli.

Arriving in Istanbul, he is thrust into a vastly different world, where he encounters others who have suffered their own losses in the conflict: Ayshe (Olga Kurylenko), a strikingly beautiful but guarded hotelier raising a child alone; her young, spirited son, Orhan (Dylan Georgiades), who finds a friend in Connor; and Major Hasan (Yilmaz Erdoğan), a Turkish officer who fought against Connor’s boys and who may be this father’s only hope. With seemingly insurmountable obstacles in his path, Connor must travel across the battle-scarred Turkish landscape to find the truth… and his own peace.

Crowe directed The Water Diviner from a screenplay by Andrew Knight and Andrew Anastasios, who were also executive producers on the film. The film was produced by Andrew Mason, Keith Rodger and Troy Lum, with James Packer, Brett Ratner, Kerry Stokes, Tim Worner, Angus Ross and John Collee also serving as executive producers.

Friday, July 17, 2015

Pink Floyd's David Gilmour, Announces September "Rattle That Lock" CD Release

David Gilmour, Pink Floyd guitarist, has announced that his new solo album Rattle That Lock will be released worldwide on Friday, September 18, 2015 on Columbia Records. The album will be available to order and the first single, also titled "Rattle That Lock" will be released on Friday, July 17, 2016.

Additionally David Gilmour's first North American concert dates in ten years were announced. The "David Gilmour Live 2016" concert appearances will take place in March & April of 2016 with stops in Los Angeles, Toronto, Chicago and New York City.

The "Live 2016" appearances will be David Gilmour's first live concert dates since the "On An Island" tour in 2006, and will follow his UK and European tour this September/October. All tickets for the North American Tour dates go on sale Friday, July 17, 2015

March 24, 2016 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles – on sale 12p(PST)
March, 31 2016 – Air Canada Center, Toronto – on sale 10am (EST)
April 8, 2016 – United Center, Chicago – on sale 12pm (CST)
April 11, 2016 – Madison Square Garden, New York – on sale 10am (EST)

Brian Wilson Biopic, Love & Mercy, Announced for September DVD/BD Release

The critically acclaimed musical biopic about the fascinating life of the Beach Boys co-founder Brian Wilson, Love & Mercy will be available on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) on September 15th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Golden Globe nominee John Cusack (Best Actor, High Fidelity, 2001) stars in “one of the best performances of his career” (The Hollywood Reporter) alongside Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine, Looper) as troubled musical genius Brian Wilson at two pivotal stages of his life – the 1960s, at the peak of The Beach Boys’ fame and the 1980s, as Brian reclaims his life after a mental breakdown. They are joined by Elizabeth Banks (The Hunger Games franchise) as Wilson’s present-day wife Melinda, and two-time Golden Globe winner Paul Giamatti (Best Actor, Barney’s Version, 2011; Best Actor, John Adams, 2009). 

Love & Mercy is an unconventional portrait of Brian Wilson (portrayed by both John Cusack and Paul Dano), singer and songwriter for The Beach Boys. The film intimately examines the unique journey and ultimate salvation of this musical icon, whose success came at an extraordinary personal cost. 

Thursday, July 16, 2015

Spare Parts Author Visits with Librarians at ALA

 

Spare Parts author, Joshua Davis, recently joined B&T at our booth at ALA to meet with librarians and sign copies of his book and the recently released DVD (out via Lionsgate Home Entertainment).

In the film, George Lopez leads a winning cast in this inspiring movie based on an amazing true story. When four wildly different Hispanic high schoolers team up to enter a robotics competition against the nation’s top universities, no one believes they have a chance—no one but Fredi (Lopez), their new substitute teacher. As Fredi challenges his students to be the best they can be, they show him the power of never giving up, in this unforgettable tale that shines with heart, humor, and hope.

Mr Davis  is a writer, film producer and co-founder of Epic Magazine. He's currently a contributing editor at Wired magazine. In 2003, he reported from Iraq for the magazine. He's also written about genetically modified cocaine in Colombia, attempts to engineer the apocalypse in Jerusalem, and the 2007 cyberwar between Estonia and Russia.  Davis' first book, The Underdog, was published by Random House in 2005. It chronicles Davis' entry into unusual competitions around the world, including the World Armwrestling Championship in Gdynia, Poland; the US Sumo Open in Los Angeles; the World Sauna Championship in Heinol, Finland; and the Golden Shrimp, a backwards running competition in Poviglio, Italy.

Spare Parts, Four Undocumented Teenagers, One Ugly Robot, and the Battle for the American Dream was published in 2014 by MacMillian.

Wednesday, July 15, 2015

Pixels Soundtrack Releasing on July 24 on CD

PIXELS  Original Motion Picture Soundtrack  will release on CD July 24, 2015. The album features the original music composed by Henry Jackman (BIG HERO 6, CAPTAIN AMERICA: WINTER SOLDIER).  “I think everyone involved with this movie has a great love for the great summer action-comedies of the 1980s,” said Executive Producer Michael Barnathan. “We definitely wanted a movie
for today’s audiences, but our goal was also to capture something of the feel that made those movies so special – that mix of action and comedy that the movies of that era did so well.” 

“It feels like it could have been made in the 80s,” said Jackman, who chose not to score Pixels comedically because, “the comedy in the film speaks for itself.” Henry Jackman worked with a 40-voice choir, live percussion with five players, and a full orchestra of 75 members to create the Pixels score.

The film’s composer Henry Jackman grew up in the southeast of England, where he began composing his first symphony at the age of six. He studied classical music at Oxford and sang in the St. Paul’s Cathedral Choir. Henry quickly got involved in the underground rave scene and began producing popular electronica music and dance remixes, eventually working with artists such as Seal and The Art of Noise. Jackman has established himself as one of today’s top composers by fusing his classical training and his experience as successful record producer and creator of electronic music. His musical versatility ratcheted up the tension in Paul Greengrass’ Captain Phillips (earning him a BAFTA nomination). Henry super-powered comic book hits such as X-Men: First Class and Captain America: Winter Soldier and breathed life into legendary animated characters like Winnie the Pooh, Puss in Boots and new classics like Wreck-It Ralph and Oscar-winner Big Hero 6. Other Henry Jackman films include Kingsman: The Secret Service and Kick-Ass.

THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED on DVD/BD

Powered by the antics of a mischievous centenarian on the run, the charming comic adventure THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED is a triumph, internationally acclaimed and filled with irreverent charm and high-spirited adventure.  Directed by Felix Herngren, THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED is based on the international bestseller of the same name by Jonas Jonasson, which has sold more than six million copies worldwide. Theatrically released in more than 40 countries, the film, which stars beloved Swedish comedian Robert Gustafsson, quickly became the highest-grossing domestic release in Sweden and continues to charm audiences across the globe.

THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED presents the tale of centenarian Allan Karlsson (Gustafson), a man who has spent his long and colorful life working in the munitions industry while getting entangled in historic events from the Spanish Civil War to the Manhattan Project. Finding himself stuck in a nursing home and determined to escape on his 100th birthday, Allan leaps out of a window and onto the nearest bus, kicking off an unexpected escapade involving, among other surprises, a suitcase stuffed with cash, some wicked criminals, and an elephant named Sonya.

Like an unruly Nordic cousin of Forrest Gump, THE 100-YEAR-OLD MAN WHO CLIMBED OUT THE WINDOW AND DISAPPEARED offers Allan’s present-day exploits alongside flashbacks of his youthful adventures, with his passion for explosives attracting the attention of everyone from Joseph Stalin to Robert Oppenheimer to Ronald Reagan. Allan’s adventures of yesterday and today weave together into a delicious treat for anyone and everyone who’s ever felt young at heart.

Monday, July 13, 2015

Alchemy Acquires ANConnect and Anderson Digital

With the intention of increasing its output of independent content, television and film distributor Alchemy has acquired ANconnect and Anderson Digital and will form a strategic alliance with ARC Entertainment.

As part of the deal, in the works since May,  the company has acquired ANconnect's distribution assets and the entire distribution arm of Anderson Media Corporation. Formerly owned by Freyr Thor and former Sony Pictures Home Entertainment exec, Steve Lyons, ARC Entertainment is a global digital distributor of feature films and television series.  Under their new partnership, Alchemy will optimize and distribute ARC's media assets, provide financial support for the Bentonville Film Festival and allow for distribution of titles associated with the festival, both physically and digitally. In exchange, Alchemy is gaining about fifty new content partners, including Badasarian Productions, DreamWorks Animation's non-theatrical and classics divisions and Microsoft.

These multiple transactions make Alchemy the largest, non-studio aggregator for Walmart, Target, Best Buy and Sam’s Club. The deals also expand Alchemy's annual content flow to over 1,300 films and more than 3,000 television episodes.

Friday, July 10, 2015

COMPILATION ALBUM "WE LOVE DISNEY", DUE OCTOBER 2015

In a unique collaboration between Verve Records and Walt Disney Records, the two esteemed labels have teamed up to present the compilation album We Love Disney, which will be released in October 2015. The compilation features the hottest artists from accross the pop, rock, R&B, and country worlds delivering their own unique interpretations of classic Disney songs. The album was produced by multi-platinum, Grammy Award-winning producer and Verve Music Group Chairman David Foster.

"When the opportunity arose to partner with Walt Disney Records, I jumped on it,” says Foster. “The Disney franchise is something that brings out the kid in all of us. No matter how old you are, 3 or 103, when you hear the word ‘Disney’ you light up from within. And there isn’t a person on the planet who doesn’t have a favorite Disney song. We tapped into that passion with all of the artists on the album. I tried to make the songs timeless so you couldn’t tell whether they were recorded 30 years ago or 30 years from now. The Disney catalog is so amazing. You have so many songs to pick from, going back almost 80 years now. So it’s an endless treasure and one of the most rewarding projects that I’ve ever done — and I’ve done a lot of stuff.”

Stay tuned, the artists and songs that will be featured on We Love Disney will be announced in the coming weeks.

"Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon, GA" DVD/CD Set for August Release

Rounder Records has announced the release of Gregg Allman Live: Back to Macon, GA on August 7, 2015. The stellar live DVD/CD captures Allman and his eight-piece solo band in a high-energy performance that was recorded on January 14, 2014 at the venerable Grand Opera House, a 1,000 seat jewel of a theatre that was built in 1884 in Macon, GA, the Middle Georgia town where it all began for the Allman Brothers Band over 40 years ago. The album features 16 tracks, made up of a varied selection of songs from the ABB catalog, tunes from Allman's solo albums and several dynamic cover songs. The DVD, the first Allman's ever released as a solo artist, will include two bonus tracks, as well as special interview segments.

"We played, lived, laughed and cried there," says Allman about Macon in the package's liner notes. "And I wrote many, many songs in that town. It's always good to play Macon, man."

Thet ABB historian and Hittin' the Note editor John Lynskey wrote the liners. They capture the emotion and historic power of the extraordinary event.  "Gregg took to the Grand Opera House stage with a group that, as he put it, 'is a real kick-ass band.' Featuring Scott Sharrard on guitar, bassist Ron Johnson, Ben Stivers on keyboards, drummer Steve Potts, Allman Brothers veteran Marc Quinones on percussion, saxophonists Jay Collins and Art Edmaiston and Dennis Marion on trumpet, these eight players plus special guest, Allman's son Devon, formed one of the best solo units Allman had fronted in years.

Adults Are More Likely To Believe There Are Books That Should Be Banned Than Movies, Television Shows, or Video Games

In just four years, the percentage of Americans who believe there are any books that should be banned has increased by more than half: 28% believe this to be the case today, vs. 18% in 2011. One-fourth (24%) are unsure, which leaves nearly half of Americans convinced that no books should be banned completely (48%).
  • Politically speaking, Republicans are nearly twice as likely as Democrats or Independents to believe there are any books that should be banned completely (42% vs. 23% & 22%, respectively).  
  • In addition, adults who have completed high school or less are more likely than those with higher levels of education to believe there are any books that should be banned (33%, vs. 25% some college, 24% college grad, 23% post grad).
These are some of the results of The Harris Poll of 2,244 U.S. adults surveyed online and in English between March 11 and 16, 2015.

When asked to consider other types of media, adults are less likely to say there are any movies, television programs, or video games which should be banned completely. Only 16% of Americans each believe there are any movies or television programs that should be banned completely, and one fourth say the same about video games (24%). In light of this, perhaps it's not surprising that seven in ten adults believe a rating system (similar to that used for movies) should be applied to books (71%). 
Similar to books, Republicans are more likely than Democrats or Independents to believe there's ever a call for outright bans in each of these categories.
 

Now That's What I Call Music Vol 55 and Now New Wave 80s Announced

NOW That's What I Call Music!, the world's best-selling multi-artist album series, is proud to announce all the major hits chosen for NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol.55 and the simultaneous release of NOW That's What I Call New Wave 80s!, the NOW brand's first foray into the post-punk alt-rock New Wave pop music universe of the 1980s featuring the songs, artists and bands that defined the look, sound and style of that era.

NOW 55 and NOW New Wave 80s, the ultimate summer playlist collections, will be available on Friday, August 7, 2015NOW New Wave 80s is being offered in a standard 18-track edition.

NOW That's What I Call Music! Vol. 55 features 16 major current hits from today's hottest artists including Ellie Goulding, Tove Lo, Jason Derulo, Fifth Harmony (featuring Kid Ink), David Guetta (featuring Nicki Minaj, Bebe Rexha & Afrojack), OMI, Major Lazer (with MO & DJ Snake), Skrillex & Diplo (with Justin Bieber), Pitbull (featuring Chris Brown), DJ Snake & AlunaGeorge, Nick Jonas, Maroon 5, Andy Grammer, Taylor Swift, Ed Sheeran, and Little Big Town.

In addition, NOW 55 continues the "NOW What's Next" bonus track program with five free up-and-coming New Music Preview tracks from stars of tomorrow including Conrad Sewell, Clairity, Jidenna (featuring Roman GianArthur), All Time Low and Smallpools.

The NOW New Wave 80s standard CD  features 18 essential 80s New Wave tracks by artists including INXS, Billy Idol, The Romantics, The B-52's, Adam Ant, The Go-Go's, Thompson Twins, Berlin, General Public, The Cure, Psychedelic Furs, Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark, Echo & the Bunnymen, Big Country, R.E.M., Tears For Fears, Eurythmics, and Human League.

NOW That's What I Call Music! is a joint venture from Universal Music Group and Sony Music Entertainment.


JOIN THE NURSES AND DOCTORS ON THE FRONT LINES OF WWI IN “THE CRIMSON FIELD”




PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “THE CRIMSON FIELD” on DVD & Blu-ray. In a tented field hospital on the coast of France, a team of doctors, nurses, and volunteers work together to heal the bodies and souls of men wounded in the trenches of WWI. The hospital is a frontier: between the battlefield and home front but also between the old rules, hierarchies, class distinctions, and a new way of thinking. Kitty (Oona Chaplin, Game of Thrones), Rosalie, and Flora arrive as the hospital’s first volunteer nurses and struggle to be accepted by the established medical team. The girls are flung headlong into a world for which nothing and nobody could have prepared them, but this is also an opportunity to break free of the constraints and limitations of their lives back home.
Executive Produced by Emmy Award-winning Anne Pivcevic (Great Expectations, South Riding), written by Sarah Phelps (Great ExpectationsOliver Twist), and featuring Hermione Norris (MI-5) and Kevin Doyle (Downton Abbey), “THE CRIMSON FIELDtells the story of WWI’s front line medics - their hopes, fears, triumphs, and tragedies.

THE CRIMSON FIELD” will be available on DVD July 14, 2015. The run time of the DVD is approximately 360 minutes on 2 discs and its SRP is $34.99. The Blu-ray SRP is $39.99.

Care Bears:Mystery In Care-A-Lot Arrives for Halloween

Have no fear—the Care Bears are spreading Halloween cheer in the all-new Care Bears: Mystery In Care-A-Lot, arriving on DVD (plus Digital HD) September 15, 2015 from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Join the Care Bears in an exciting mystery adventure filled with tricks and treats from the adorable CGI-animated series. Also a hugely successful plush toy line, don’t miss seeing your favorite Care Bears in their most spooktacular Halloween costumes! The Care Bears: Mystery In Care-A-Lot DVD is sure to bring sweet surprises to the whole family and will be available for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

Join the Care Bears for a Halloween-themed adventure packed with friendship and fun.  The Care Bears show the power of caring and sharing as they transform bad dreams into sweet ones, solve the mystery of the legendary Scare Bear, and save Care-a-Lot from turning into Grump-a-Lot in this delightful collection that kids and families will love!

 

Oscar Winning Doc, CITIZENFOUR to DVD/BD in August

One of the most influential and timely documentary films in recent history, the critically acclaimed 2014 Academy Award winner for Best Documentary Citizenfour arrives on Blu-ray and DVD
August 25, 2015 from Anchor Bay Entertainment and RADiUS. Just as the controversial US Patriot Act was to expire on May 31, 2015 the US Senate voted to pass the US House version of the USA Freedom Act, the successor to the Patriot Act, which saw three of its major sections end, one of which was the mass surveillance of all Americans. Shortly thereafter, President Obama signed the bill into law. Edward Snowden and the events documented in Citizenfour were a powerful catalyst in calling attention to the unlawful surveillance of Americans by their government.

Citizenfour will be available on Blu-ray and DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment on August 25, 2015 at the suggested retail price of $26.99 and $22.98, respectively.

Citizenfour is a real life international thriller that unfolds by the minute. With unprecedented access, this gripping behind-the-scenes chronicle follows award winning director Laura Poitras - previously nominated for My Country, My Country and journalist Glenn Greenwald’s remarkable encounters with whistleblower Edward Snowden in a Hong Kong hotel room as he hands over classified documents that provide evidence of mass indiscriminate and illegal invasions of privacy by the National Security Agency (NSA). The film not only shows the dangers of governmental surveillance, but also makes audiences feel them. After seeing the film, viewers will never think the same way about their phone, e-mail, credit cards, web browser or digital footprint again.

Executive Produced by Steven Soderbergh, (Traffic, Erin Brockovich) Citizenfour – in addition to taking home this year’s Academy Award, also won the Independent Spirit Award, Gotham Award, BAFTA and DGA among others. It was heralded Best Non-Fiction Film from The New York Film Critics Circle, Boston Society of Film Critics and Lost Angeles Film Critics Association and Best Feature from the International Documentary Association.

THE WEEKND Announces "Beauty Behind the Madness" Release for August 28


Grammy Award-nominated multi-platinum alternative R&B trailblazer THE WEEKND has announced that he will release his anxiously awaited third full-length offering, “Beauty Behind The Madness” via XO/Republic Records on Friday, August 28, 2015.  The album has been one of the most anticipated albums of 2015.
 
2015 has already been a breakout year for THE WEEKND with three tracks currently in the Top 25 of the Billboard Hot 100. The album’s first official single “Can’t Feel My Face” currently sits at #6 while previously released tracks “Earned It (Fifty Shades of Grey)” and “The Hills” sit at #16 and #23, respectively. “Can’t Feel My Face” continues to remain a fixture in the Top 5 of iTunes Overall Top Songs Chart and it has hit #1 on the iTunes R&B/Soul chart as well as #1 on Shazam USA and Spotify USA chart. “Can’t Feel My Face” is also seeing huge global success with the track debuting Top 5 in over 33 markets including Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Sweden, Denmark and Poland. Written by THE WEEKND and co-produced by pop powerhouse Max Martin, it’s no surprise that the track is already being hailed as the best song of 2015 by outlets like USA Today and Radio.com. The official music video to the track will also debut in the coming weeks. Listen to the tune below, from Baker & Taylor.


Legendary Actor OMAR SHARIF Dead at 83



Omar Sharif, the Egyptian matinee idol who thrilled audiences around the world with his performances in the sweeping David Lean epic films Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia, has died at 83.

Sharif, who also was known for playing the smooth gambler/con man Nicky Arnstein opposite Barbra Streisand in Funny Girl  in 1968 and its 1975 sequel, died of a "heart attack this afternoon in a hospital in Cairo," his longtime agent Steve Kenis confirmed.

Read more at hollywoodreporter.com/news/omar-sharif-dead-doctor-zhivago   


Thursday, July 9, 2015

Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions Arrives on Home Entertainment

Eagle Rock Entertainment is proud to announce the release on September 18 2015 of Pat Metheny
- The Unity Sessions on DVD and Blu-ray. Featuring new performances of songs from the Grammy winning Unity Band record, the expansive Unity Group KIN(←→) recording, and touchstones from the entirety of Metheny’s illustrious career, these are essential performances that serve as a rare visual documentation of some of the best music of Metheny’s ever expanding career.

Pat Metheny - The Unity Sessions finds the 20 time Grammy-winning guitarist and the youngest member of the Downbeat Hall of Fame at the helm of one of his best bands ever. This concert was filmed as they wrapped up a 150-date world tour, with an intimate studio performance filmed in at 5 Angels Theater in New York City.

As well as the amazing full concert itself, The Unity Sessions include an insightful filmed interview backstage with Pat Metheny and the band.

 

Friday, July 3, 2015

MAX Original Soundtrack Out from Sony Classical

Sony Classical announces release of the soundtrack to Warner Bros. Pictures' and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures' film MAX. With music composed by one of Hollywood's most in-demand film composers, Trevor Rabin, the soundtrack is available now on CD.


MAX, a family action adventure from co-writer/director Boaz Yakin (Remember the Titans, Now You See Me), is a coming-of-age story about a young teen from a family dealing with loss, who finds friendship, comfort and adventure with the heroic military dog of his fallen brother, a United States Marine who served his country on the frontlines of the war in Afghanistan.

Composer Trevor Rabin (Armageddon, Deep Blue Sea, The Great Raid, National Treasure and Snakes On A Plane) created an equally adventurous and uplifting soundtrack. By combining suspenseful sequences and heroic highlights with both classical and contemporary tone colors, Rabin managed to arrange a score that is inspiring and entertaining.

Thursday, July 2, 2015

Lionsgate Announces MONOPOLY Game Movie

Lionsgate, a premier next generation global content leader, and Hasbro are partnering to bring the iconic game MONOPOLY to the big screen, the two companies announced today. Academy Award-nominated and BAFTA award-winning writer/producer/director Andrew Niccol (The Truman Show, Gattaca, The Terminal) will write the screenplay for MONOPOLY, which will be produced by Lionsgate and Hasbro's Allspark Pictures. Lionsgate will finance the movie.

"Hasbro is a partner with incredible global reach, one of the most compelling brand portfolios in the world, and a signature brand in MONOPOLY that has multigenerational appeal," said Lionsgate Motion Picture Group Co-President Erik Feig. "Andrew Niccol is the ultimate world creator responsible for such disparate and imaginative films as The Truman Show, Gattaca, and The Terminal. He is an inspired choice to develop this timeless property into a big, crowd-pleasing event film that will appeal to kids, families and anyone who has ever played the MONOPOLY game."
"As we've seen with our other movies and television series, Hasbro's brands are terrific for creating engaging stories and appealing characters that speak to audiences of all ages, and together with Lionsgate we will bring MONOPOLY to life on the big screen," said Stephen Davis, Executive Vice President and Chief Content Officer of Hasbro. "MONOPOLY is one of the most popular games of all time, and it will translate into a film with tremendous global appeal and marketability based on a script being deftly written by the remarkable Andrew Niccol."