American Pastoral to DVD / BD on February 7

The Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, American Pastoral, comes to Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD in Ewan McGregor’s directorial debut February 7 from Lionsgate.  American Pastoral’s all-star cast Ewan McGregor (Trainspotting), Academy Award winner Jennifer Connelly (Best Supporting Actress, A Beautiful Mind, 2001), Dakota Fanning (The Twilight Saga), Emmy winner Uzo Aduba (TV’s “Orange Is the New Black”) and David Strathairn (Good Night, and Good Luck) with screenplay by John Romano (The Lincoln Lawyer). The American Pastoral home entertainment release special features include audio commentary by Ewan McGregor, a discussion with the cast about their characters and a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. American Pastoral will be available on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.
includes

Ewan McGregor directs and stars alongside Jennifer Connelly and Dakota Fanning in this acclaimed film adapted from Philip Roth’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel. Seymour “Swede” Levov (Ewan McGregor), a once-legendary high school athlete, is a successful businessman married to a former beauty queen, Dawn (Jennifer Connelly). When Swede and Dawn’s daughter (Dakota Fanning) disappears after being accused of a violent crime, Swede’s perfect life is broken forever and he is left to make sense out of the chaos.

 BLU-RAY/ DVD/ DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES

 · Audio Commentary by Ewan McGregor
· “American Pastoral: Adapting an American Classic” Featurette
· “Making the American Dream” Featurette

PROGRAM INFORMATION

Year of Production: 2016
Type: Theatrical Release
Rating: R for some strong sexual material, language and brief violent images
Genre: Drama, Crime
Closed Captioned: NA
Subtitles: Spanish and English SDH 
Feature Run Time: 108 minutes
BD Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 Widescreen (2.40:1) 
DVD Format: 16x9 Widescreen (2.40:1)    
BD Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master AudioTM, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish 5.1 Dolby Digital 

 

2016 Top Selling AV Titles to Public Libraries

As we start off 2017, it's time to reveal our Best Selling Music CD, DVD and Blu-ray (BD) titles for 2016.  It's been a wonderful year with some great new titles and yet a sad one due to the passing of so many talented performers. 

Please review the lists and check your collection to make sure you're not low, or out of, these releases...

For the Top 100 list in each format,  contact us via 800.775-2600 X2050 or via AVInfo@Baker-taylor.com

PC	Item #	Title	UPC	Artist	Genre	Vendor #	Vendor
CD	CDCOLM  88875173862	BLACKSTAR	00888751738621	BOWIE,DAVID	POP	00004382	SONY BMG MUSIC
CD	CDLGAC  88875183312	NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 57	00888751833128	VARIOUS	POP	00004382	SONY BMG MUSIC
CD	CDUMG    B002489002	NOW THAT?S WHAT I CALL MUSIC 58	00600753688311	VARIOUS	POP	00002613	UMGD
CD	CDATLR       551093	HAMILTON (OCR)	00075678668432	VARIOUS	CAST	00024008	WEA CORP
CD	CDUMG    B002435602	2016 GRAMMY NOMINEES	00602547685445	VARIOUS	POP	00002613	UMGD

PC	Item #	Title	UPC	Artist	Genre	InaFlg	Vendor #	Vendor
DD	DDWD       13401300	STAR WARS:FORCE AWAKENS	00786936849806	FORD,HARRISON	SCI		00003201	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAIMENT
DD	DDTW        2320638	MARTIAN	00024543206385	DAMON,MATT	FFA		00002200	FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
DD	DDTW        2311870	REVENANT	00024543118701	DICAPRIO,LEONARDO	FFA		00002200	FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT
DD	DDWDM      13520300	MARVEL'S CAPTAIN AMERICA:CIVIL WAR	00786936850406	EVANS,CHRIS	FFA		00003201	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAIMENT
DD	DDWD       13805100	FINDING DORY	00786936851052	DEGENERES,ELLEN	FFM		00003201	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAIMENT

PC	Item #	Title	UPC	Artist	Genre	Vendor #	Vendor
BD	BDWD       13401000	STAR WARS:FORCE AWAKENS	00786936849769	FORD,HARRISON	SCI	00003201	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAIMENT
BD	BDWD       13669900	BEAUTY AND THE BEAST:25TH ANNIVERSARY	00786936850956	O'HARA,PAIGE	FFM	00003201	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAIMENT
BD	BDWD       13199700	SNOW WHITE AND THE SEVEN DWARFS	00786936847925	CASELOTTI,ADRIANA	FFM	00003201	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAIMENT
BD	BDWD       13195300	BRIDGE OF SPIES	00786936847864	HANKS,TOM	FFD	00003201	BUENA VISTA HOME ENTERTAIMENT
BD	BDTW        2320650	MARTIAN	00024543206507	DAMON,MATT	FFA	00002200	FOX HOME ENTERTAINMENT

Seasons Arrives on DVD/BD on Febr 21

The mesmerizing documentary SEASONS by filmmakers Jacques Perrin and Jacques Cluzaudis an awe-inspiring and thought-provoking visual tale of the long and tumultuous shared history that inextricably binds humankind with the natural world.

Music Box Films Home Entertainment is releasing this final episode in the breathtakingly filmed trilogy of Air, Sea, and now – Land. After traveling the world alongside migrating birds (2001’s Winged Migration) and diving the oceans with whales and manta rays (2009’s Oceans), Perrin and Cluzaud return to more familiar ground: the lush green forests and land animals that emerged across Europe following the last Ice Age.

After the great thaw following an 80,000-year winter, SEASONS sets its focus on the "Golden Age" of the forest, when wolves, lynx, bison, stags, bears, bear cubs, and birds and bugs of every species occupied their new kingdom. It was only later that man arrived to share this habitat, first tentatively as migratory hunter/gatherers, then making inroads in the forest as agriculturalists, and later (and more dramatically) via industry and warfare.

Ryan Adams Returns with "Prisoner" on Febr 17

In an exclusive interview with the world’s foremost feline talk show host Lil BUB, pinball, comic book, black metal and hardcore enthusiast and multiple-Grammy-nominee-and-zero-winner Ryan Adams confirmed details of his first album of all new original material since 2014’s Ryan Adams.

During the intimate and revealing interview – which can be seen below – Adams divulged that the album, titled Prisoner, will be released February 17 on Pax-Am/Blue Note, and previewed and discussed snippets (or “sniplets”) of new tracks including first single “Do You Still Love Me?”.

“I was reflecting on the different states of desire and what it means to be a prisoner of your own desire,” Adams told BUB of the new record’s title, later adding, “I felt like I had been robbed of… the most valuable thing in a person’s life… Time.”

The twelve tracks that make up Prisoner came to Adams over a prolific period stretching back as far as the week his 2014 self-titled album entered the U.S. album chart at a career high of #4. During that run, Adams toured the world, recorded and released both his Live at Carnegie Hall collection and full-album cover of Taylor Swift’s 1989, and saw the aforementioned Ryan Adams garner two Grammy nominations – Best Rock Song for “Gimme Something Good” and Best Rock Album – while “Gimme Something Good” became the first vinyl single to go #1 at the Amazon music store.

Passengers OST Available Now

Sony Classical and Madison Gate Records proudly announce the release of Passengers (Original

Motion Picture Soundtrack) featuring music by Thomas Newman. The soundtrack is available  now. The Sci-Fi film Passengers will arrive in theatres December 21.

The Sci-Fi Adventure follows the spaceship "Starship Avalon" in its 120-year voyage to a distant colony planet known as the "Homestead Colony" when malfunctions occur in two of its sleep chambers. Jennifer Lawrence (The Hunger Games, American Hustle) and Chris Pratt (Zero Dark Thirty, The Magnificent Seven) are two passengers onboard a spaceship transporting them to a new life on the new planet. The trip takes a deadly turn when their hibernation pods mysteriously wake them 90 years before they reach their destination. As their characters Jim and Aurora try to unravel the mystery behind the malfunction, they begin to fall for each other, unable to deny their intense attraction only to be threatened by the imminent collapse of the ship and the discovery of the truth behind why they woke up. Passengers is directed by the Morten Tyldum, director of The Imitation Game.

Thomas Newman is an American film score composer and a member of a family who established a film-scoring dynasty in Hollywood. He was born in Los Angeles, California, the youngest son of composer Alfred Newman (1901-1970). Newman has received a total of thirteen Academy Award nominations. He has won two BAFTAs, six Grammys and an Emmy, and has been nominated for three Golden Globes. Newman was honored with the Richard Kirk award at the 2000 BMI Film and TV Awards. The award is given annually to a composer who has made significant contributions to film and television music.

'Roll Columbia: Woody Guthrie's 26 Northwest Songs' Gets Jan. 27 Release

Woody Guthrie traveled to Portland, OR, in the spring of 1941 to write songs for the Bonneville

Power Administration (BPA). Although this phase of his career is not as familiar as others, it was a prolific one, and the 26 songs he penned over 30 days included some of his best-known work: "Pastures of Plenty," "Hard Travelin'," and "Roll On, Columbia, Roll On," which later became the state folk song of Washington.

Now, 75 years later, a group of musicians celebrate this period in the iconic songwriter's life on 'Roll Columbia: Woody Guthrie's 26 Northwest Songs.' The two-disc album, out January 27, 2017 (out via Smithsonian Folkways Recordings) features members of R.E.M., Black Prairie, and The Decemberists; folk veterans like Michael Hurley and David Grisman; and younger players from the Pacific Northwest folk scene. 'Roll Columbia' is the first album to include all of Guthrie's BPA songs, including nine that have never previously been recorded.

The Bonneville Power Administration, a New Deal-era public works agency created in 1937, commissioned Guthrie to write the series of songs to help promote the benefits of dams being constructed along the Columbia River. Renowned ethnomusicologist Alan Lomax had recommended Guthrie for the project, and Guthrie moved from California to Portland, being paid little more than $10 a song for his month's work.

YES to Join Rock n Roll Hall of Fame

Prog-rockers, YES will be inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame for the Class of 2017, it was announced this morning. The induction, following two previous nominations, will occur just one year shy of the legendary progressive rock band’s 50th anniversary.

“What an honor this is for us and all involved with the history of this band,” shares guitarist Steve Howe. “We thank all the Yes fans who have been so passionate over the decades, and helped us to keep the flag flying. It is the fans who have constantly demanded our inclusion. They have been heard.”

“We look forward to accepting this esteemed award next spring in honor of our fallen brother, Chris Squire, who would have been delighted to see his musical vision finally receive such recognition,” adds drummer Alan White. “We thank everyone who voted for Yes. We’ll see you soon, Cleveland!”

The members of YES who will officially be inducted into the Rock Hall are the “Union” tour line-up: current members White and Howe, the band’s late bassist and founding member Chris Squire, and former members Jon Anderson (vocals), Bill Bruford (drums), Tony Kaye (keyboards), Rick Wakeman (keyboards) and Trevor Rabin (guitar).

“Yes was like my first girlfriend, to whom I was hopelessly committed,” said Bruford. “Despite a couple of wrinkles, I’m glad to hear the old girl is in fine shape.”

Kaye confirms, “I am honored to be included in Yes’ induction. I am delighted for my friends in the band, and I salute Chris, without whom it would never have happened. Chris would have been so very proud.”

Solace, with Sir Anthony Hopkins on DVD/BD, March 14

Academy Award Winner Sir Anthony Hopkins (Best Actor, The Silence of the Lambs, 1991) stars as an FBI consultant with psychic abilities in the pulse-pounding thriller Solace, available on Blu-ray (plus Digital HD) and DVD  March 14 from Lionsgate. From the producers of San Andreas and The Exorcism of Emily Rose, Hopkins headlines an all-star cast including Golden Globe Winner Colin Farrell (Best Actor, In Bruges, 2008), Jeffrey Dean Morgan, and Abbie Cornish. In Solace, Dr. John Clancy (Hopkins) returns from retirement to assist the FBI in solving a series of homicides. He gets far more than he expected when he confronts the elusive murderer (Farrell). This mind-being thriller was written by Emmy Nominee Sean Bailey (Outstanding Reality Program, TV’s “Project Greenlight,” 2005) and Ted Griffin (Ocean’s Eleven, Matchstick Men), and will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

When FBI Special Agent Joe Merriwether (Jeffrey Dean Morgan) is unable to solve a series of homicides, he enlists the help of a former colleague, Dr. John Clancy (Anthony Hopkins), a retired physician with psychic powers. Soon, Clancy realizes that his exceptional intuitive powers are no match for the extraordinary powers of the vicious murderer (Colin Farrell) on a mission.


Blu-ray/DVD/Digital HD Special Features
· Commentary with Director Afonso Poyart
· “Visions and Voices: The Making of Solace” Featurette 

CAST
Sir Anthony Hopkins Thor franchise, Hannibal, TV’s “Westworld"
Jeffrey Dean Morgan “The Walking Dead,” The Possession, Watchmen
Abbie Cornish Limitless, Seven Psychopaths
and Colin Farrell Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them, Phone Booth
 
PROGRAM INFORMATION
Year of Production: 2015
Rating: R for Violence and Bloody Images Throughout, Sexuality, Nudity and Language
Genre: Thriller
Blu-ray Closed-Captioned: N/A
DVD Closed-Captioned: English
Blu-ray Subtitles: English, Spanish, English SDH
DVD Subtitles: English, Spanish, English SDH
Feature Run Time: 102 minutes
Blu-ray Format: 1080p High Definition 16x9 Widescreen 2.40:1 Presentation
DVD Format: 16x9 Widescreen 2.40:1 Presentation
Blu-ray Audio: English 5.1 DTS-HD Master AudioTM
DVD Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital Audio

Michael Bolton Announces His 27th Release - "Songs of Cinema"

Michael Bolton has announced plans to release his 27th album, Songs of Cinema a tribute to beloved songs from the world’s most iconic films on Febuarary 10, 2017 on the Frontiers Music Srl Label.

“I’ve always been a huge fan of the movies, says Bolton.” “I love all the classics from Casablanca to The Wizard of Oz.” Most are familiar with Bolton’s feature in The Lonely Island Emmy-nominated viral video Jack Sparrow, but the ballad version created for this album will be a pleasant surprise.

Bolton has a track record of stepping up to render his own versions of classics, like Grammy-winning hit “When a Man Loves a Woman,” presented here with yet a new interpretation. As a singer, he has a unique passion and gift for exploring new repertoires, from rock and pop to R&B. And as a true artist, he always keeps pushing the boundaries across genres.

Netflix recently announced Bolton’s first special with the network Michael Bolton’s Big Sexy Valentine’s Day Special (premiering February 7, 2017) directed by Akiva Schaffer (The Lonely Island) and Scott Aukerman (Comedy Bang! Bang!), follows Michael Bolton as he creates a sexy variety special that serves one very important purpose: to get people in the mood to make love. In the midst of the special’s absurdist adventures, Bolton performs an array of love songs made up of both classic hits and all-new original love-making music. Special guests joining Bolton include Andy Samberg, Casey Wilson, Chris Parnell, Eric Andre, Jorma Taccone, Fred Armisen, Maya Rudolph, Michael Sheen, Randall Park and Sarah Silverman. Michael Bolton’s Big, Sexy Valentine’s Day Special is executive-produced by Michael Bolton, Christina Kline, David Jargowsky, Scott Aukerman and Akiva Schaffer.

Reba McEntire Announces February Gospel Album Release

Reba McEntire announced via Facebook Live yesterday that she will release a gospel album with BMLG/Cumulus’ Nash Icon and Capitol Christian Music Group on February 3, 2017.

Timed with the release will be McEntire’s first full show at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, on February 15. The program is set to feature some of the new gospel music, as well as her greatest hits and concert-goers will receive a copy of the new album with ticket purchases.

Sing It Now: Songs of Faith & Hope is the title of the double album, featuring 10 hymns, 10 brand new songs and a hidden track. The announcement was made at East Nashville’s Tulip Street United Methodist Church, where McEntire was shooting the video for the project’s new single, “Back To God.”

Brantley Gilbert Back with The Devil Don't Sleep Album

For Brantley Gilbert, his back-to-back platinum success comes from writing about his life – and watching the people who live like he does respond. If Halfway To Heaven was the story of a young man in the clutches of all it means to be wild, and Just As I Am considered the consequences of the life and the good times getting there, The Devil Don’t Sleep marks the next phase of the working class country icon in the making’s life.

Sixteen songs on the regular disc. Ten more on the Deluxe Edition. It’s a whole lot of music from country music’s hardest hitting songwriter/artist. It’s also a lot of life lived.

“A lot has happened,” marvels the man nominated for CMA Song of the Year for Jason Aldean’s signature “Dirt Road Anthem.” “And anyone who knows me knows that every album is another chapter of my life. Even though it’s my life, even though some of what I write about is very specific to what happens to me, I think the challenges, the places where we figure things out are all the same – no matter what we’re facing, realizations all mean the same things.”

Though “The Weekend” explodes as one of Gilbert’s industrial strength five o’clock Friday party anthems, The Devil Don’t Sleep works a celebratory tip for other reasons. As Gilbert is quick to point out, the songs offer a cautionary undertow because, as the title suggests, temptation is a non-stop reality – and people need vigilance to avoid backsliding into the very things that defeat them.

Arcade Fire Readies "The Reflektor Tapes" DVD/BD Release

Eagle Rock Entertainment leads off 2017 with the release of Arcade Fire’s The Reflektor Tapes on 2 disc DVD and 2 disc Blu-ray on January 27 [MSRP $29.98 2Blu-ray, $24.98 2DVD].

The Reflektor Tapes is a visually stunning and hypnotic documentary about the making of Arcade Fire’s hugely successful 2013 studio album Reflektor by director Kahlil Joseph (who also directed Beyoncé’s “Lemonade” film). The Reflektor album debuted at the No.1 position in the Billboard Top 200 and established itself as a global hit. As well as the film, this release also includes the stunning full live show which includes: “Reflektor”, “No Cars Go”, “Rebellion (Lies)”, “Neighborhood # 3 (Power Out)”, “The Suburbs”, “Wake Up”, “Afterlife”, “Ready To Start”, and many more, offering over four hours of entertainment overall.

The Reflektor Tapes received its premiere at the 2015 Toronto International Film Festival. This compelling and illuminating documentary captures recording sessions, live performances and the band’s time in Haiti, a country with which they have a long-standing relationship. The second disc in the set features Arcade Fire’s full-length live concert from Earl’s Court in London on June 6th, 2014, filmed during the Reflektor tour, which perfectly complements the documentary.

Capturing not only the creative process that lay behind this hugely important and compelling album, but also the magic on stage as the band perform it live, The Reflektor Tapes is a consummate Arcade Fire experience.

LIttle Scream's New "People"- Listen

Today, Little Scream, moniker of Montreal-based singer, songwriter, multi-instrumental musician and artist Laurel Sprengelmeyer, shared “People,” a song whose lyrics “Come on, people! What’s wrong with us people?!” take on new urgency in the uncertain times we are facing. Moved by frustration with the “apathy, privilege, and cynicism” of her generation, Laurel Sprengelmeyer recorded this song during the sessions for the Cult Following album, with Richard Reed Parry on synths and Mark Wheaton on drums. Stereogum premiered the track declaring it a "battle cry." Little Scream will donate all proceeds from the sale of this track to ACLU and Planned Parenthood. Read Laurel’s full statement below, listen to the track and purchase the song from your favorite digital outlet now.

See the deer by the side of the road?
Its broken spindly legs…
Someone else was driving.
This is the burden of our age.
—from “People” by Little Scream

Smithsonian Folkways Releases "Spirituals & Shout Songs from the Georgia Coast"

Acclaimed stewards of the ring shout, the McIntosh County Shouters keep alive the faith, form,fervor of "the oldest surviving African-American performance tradition of any kind" (New York Times).  Smithsonian Folkways will release its second recording of the McIntosh County Shouters, 'Spirituals & Shout Songs from the Georgia Coast,' on January 20. This 17-track, 61-minute album is accompanied by a 40-page book chronicling the history of the group and the heritage of this transcendent ritual. The collection will be released as part of the African American Legacy series, co-produced by Smithsonian Folkways and the newly opened Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture.

The McIntosh County Shouters originally formed in the 1980s in Coastal Georgia and consisted of family members -- related by blood and marriage -- all belonging to the third generation out of slavery. They released 'Slave Shout Songs from the Coast of Georgia' through Folkways in 1983, and now, almost 35 years later, the next generation carries the ring shout tradition into a new day.

The group is led by "energized charismatic songsters" (Atlanta Journal Constitution) Freddie Palmer, Brenton Jordan, Venus McIver and Carletha Sullivan, with other members including Carla Johnson, Carolyn Palmer, Alberta Allin, and L.C. Scott (basers, clappers, and shouters) plus Brenton Jordan (stick-man and tambourine). In traditional ring shout, the "songsters" will "set" or begin a song, slowly accelerating to an appropriate tempo. Their lines are answered in a call-and-response pattern by the "basers," who deliberately step and shuffle, adding to the rhythm with hand-clapping and foot-patting. Seated next to the songster would be the "stick-man," who beats a simple rhythm with a broom or wooden stick. This marriage of singing, percussion and movement endures in the current generation of Shouters.

"Best of Raffi" on CD in February

Rounder Records has announced the forthcoming release of Best Of Raffi, a career-spanning

collection, celebrating 40 years of hits from the legendary, beloved children’s entertainer. Releasing February 10, 2017, Best Of Raffi will mark the first, curated collection of Raffi’s music to be released outside of his native Canada. Best Of Raffi will include such classics as “Down By The Bay” (1976), “Bananaphone” (1994), and, perhaps his most iconic hit, “Baby Beluga” (1980).

Having released nearly 30 children’s albums, beginning with 1976’s Singable Songs For The Very Young, pioneering troubadour Raffi Cavoukian (better known simply as “Raffi”) is one of the world's best-selling and most influential children's entertainers, having brought joy to successive generations of kids—and their parents—with his playful, exuberant personality and his irresistibly infectious songs. Along the way, he has performed countless sold-out shows at concert halls across North America and beyond, and has received a string of Platinum and Gold certifications by the RIAA.

Kate Bush Releases the live album, "Before the Dawn"

Her new three disc set, "Before the dawn" was recorded during her incredible run of 22 sold-out

shows performed at London's Hammersmith Apollo back in 2014.  The album was released on Fish People  and distributed by Concord/Uni.

In March 2014 Kate Bush announced plans to perform 15 shows in London in August and September that year, her first live shows since 1979.  The shows sold out so quickly that an additional seven were immediately added, with all shows selling out in 15 minutes.  This very website crashed with the demand.

The first night of the shows prompted a complete media frenzy with the Evening Standard declaring that the show was "an extraordinary mix of magical ideas, stunning visuals, attention to detail and remarkable music – she was so obviously, so unambiguously brilliant, it made last night something to tell the grandchildren about."

PBS Distribution Sets "Masterpiece: Victoria" DVD/BD Release

PBS Distribution announced today it will be releasing “MASTERPIECE: VICTORIA” on DVD and Blu-ray. Jenna Coleman (Doctor Who) stars as the young Queen Victoria at the outset of her epic reign, which set the stage for an entire era that would be named in her honor. Scripted by bestselling novelist Daisy Goodwin (The Fortune Hunter) the series follows Victoria from her accession to the throne at age 18, through her education in politics, courtship and marriage, “VICTORIA” paints a portrait of a monarch who was raised to be the pawn of her powerful elders but who wasted no time in showing the empire who was in charge.

“VICTORIA” will be available on DVD and Blu-ray January 31, 2017. The run time of the program is approximately 480 minutes on 3 discs. The DVD SRP is $49.99 and the Blu-ray SRP is $59.99. The program will also be available for digital download.

The stellar cast includes Rufus Sewell (The Man in the High Castle) as Lord Melbourne, the British prime minister who was Victoria’s father figure and intimate friend; Tom Hughes (Dancing on the Edge) as the handsome, brilliant and awkward Prince Albert, who stole Victoria’s heart after a rocky start; and Alex Jennings (Churchill’s Secret) as Leopold I, King of Belgium, Victoria and Albert’s matchmaking uncle who had dreams of a dynasty for his obscure royal line—which he amazingly achieved.

Neil Young Walks the "Peace Trail"

Neil Young will release a brand new studio album, entitled Peace Trail, on December 9th via  Reprise Records. Peace Trail features all new songs that Young wrote since the release of his album
EARTH, this past June. This new album is primarily acoustic and reflects an intimate, sparse approach to each of the ten songs within:

"Neil Young matches the fire in his belly to the poetry from his pen for one of the most gripping outings of his long career. This riveting collection, a spare acoustic-electric hybrid, seethes with righteous indignation over a plethora of social and political injustices, but also soothes with deeply felt empathy for those on the receiving end of iniquity." - Los Angeles Times / Randy Lewis
Peace Trail was recorded at Rick Rubin's Shangri-la Studios and features Young
on vocals and guitar, Jim Keltner on drums, and Paul Bushnell on bass. It was produced
by Young and John Hanlon, mixed by John Hanlon.

Most recently Young previewed five songs from the album during his performances
during the Desert Trip Festival, in Indio, CA. recently which both Rolling Stone
and Entertainment Weekly summed up as simply "explosive."

BRUNO MARS HAS HIGHEST-SELLING DEBUT OF HIS CAREER WITH 24K MAGIC

Global superstar Bruno Mars has achieved the highest selling debut of his career with first-week

album sales equivalents for 24K Magic exceeding 231,000. 24K Magic takes the No. 1 slot on both the Top Digital Albums chart and the R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart this week, and No. 2 on the Billboard 200. The album has also been streamed over 400 million times across audio and video partners so far. Mars’ album and the lead single “24K Magic” both simultaneously hit No. 1 on the iTunes Overall Albums and Overall Songs Charts. The album’s title track and explosive first single “24K Magic” has climbed to No. 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, a new peak, and has also officially been certified Gold by the RIAA.

The critically acclaimed album – which has already received rave reviews from media outlets ranging from BET to The New York Times to Stereogum – is also achieving international success with No. 1 rankings on charts across multiple countries including France and Japan. The album’s lead single “24K Magic” currently sits at No. 6 on the Billboard Hot 100 Chart, with the music video alone at 165 million views on YouTube and climbing.

Last week, Bruno Mars sold over 1 million tickets for his upcoming “24K Magic World Tour” in a single day, according to Live Nation. Tickets for the highly anticipated world tour went on sale last Monday morning, following Mars’ night of jaw-dropping television which included an opening performance at the American Music Awards, plus an intimate 60 Minutes profile that marked his first on-camera interview in four years.

Billboard announced that the extensive global trek has added 15 shows for a total of 100, including five nights in the Greater New York City area, four nights at Los Angeles’ iconic Forum, and four nights at the famed O2 Arena in London.
Mars – currently starring on the cover of Rolling Stone – will perform at the upcoming Victoria’s Secret Fashion show, which airs December 5th. The appearance will follow Mars’ recent show-opening performance at the American Music Awards and his fourth performance on NBC’s Saturday Night Live, highlighted by “24K Magic” and the new album track, “Chunky.”

Frank & Lola Comes to DVD, BD in March

An intoxicating thriller filled with obsession, jealousy, betrayal and love, Frank & Lola comes to  Blu-ray and DVD on March 7, 2017 (delayed to libraries due to Uni's rental policies) from UPHE Content Group. This official 2016 Sundance Selection stars Academy Award nominated Michael Shannon (Midnight Special, Elvis & Nixon), Imogen Poots (Need for Speed, That Awkward Moment), Justin Long (Funny People, He's Just Not That Into You), and Michael Nyqvist (Mission Impossible-Ghost Protocol, The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo) .


A seductive and intense noir romance for our times, Frank & Lola is the story of two people locked in a battle of passion. When talented chef Frank meets aspiring fashion designer Lola, he is instantly and violently in love. As the secrets of Lola's dark past are revealed, the lovers are drawn into a web of sex, jealousy and revenge. With outstanding performances from Michael Shannon and Imogen Poots, Frank & Lola is a haunting examination of love, obsession and domination that weaves a twisted yet irresistible spell.

Lin-Manuel Miranda Joins with Kingkiller Chronicle Author Pat Rothfuss to Develope Film, TV and Stage Productions on the Series

Lionsgate today announced that multi-award winning actor, composer, rapper and writer Lin-Manuel Miranda, the creator and star of the smash Broadway musical Hamilton, is partnering with The Kingkiller Chronicle author Pat Rothfuss to serve as creative producer and musical mastermind of feature film and television series adaptations of the best-selling franchise book trilogy with an option to be involved in future stage productions as well. Miranda will serve as producer of the franchise and is expected to compose the original music and write the songs. Rothfuss is an executive producer for both film and television.

In an unprecedented collaboration between film and television, Lionsgate will simultaneously develop and produce the feature film franchise based on The Kingkiller Chronicle trilogy and a premium quality drama series that expands on the world outside of the books. The film script, which is being penned by writer Lindsey Beer (Transformers 5, Dungeons & Dragons), will be based on the first book, The Name of the Wind.  Miranda and Rothfuss will be intimately involved in the development of the new characters and storylines explored in the TV show.  As previously announced, Robert Lawrence (Clueless, Die Hard with a Vengeance), who has been involved in The Kingkiller Chronicle series since its earliest days, will produce for film and television.

Magnolia Acquires Home Entertainment Rights for WE ARE X

Magnolia Home Entertainment announced today that they have acquired home entertainment rights to Stephen Kijak’s WE ARE X. From the production team behind the Academy Award winning Searching for Sugar Man, WE ARE X is a transcendent and beautifully shot rock ‘n’ roll story about the Japanese band  X JAPAN, one of the biggest rock bands in the world. Celebrated as “a fascinating and assured documentary” (The New York Times) that “tells the greatest rock ‘n’ roll story America has never heard” (Pitchfork), WE ARE X is directed by acclaimed documentarian Stephen Kijak (Stones In Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man). The critically acclaimed music documentary premiered theatrically starting October 21 via Drafthouse Films and is continuing to expand in theaters in over 40 markets nationwide.
 

Under the enigmatic direction of YOSHIKI, composer, classically-trained pianist, drummer/percussionist, and the creative force behind the group, X Japan has sold over 30 million singles and albums combined, captivating such a wide range of admirers such as Sir George Martin, Gene Simmons, Marilyn Manson, Stan Lee, and the Japanese Emperor, while pioneering a spectacle-driven style of visual rock called Visual Kei, a one-of-a-kind cultural phenomenon. WE ARE X is an astonishingly intimate portrait of a deeply haunted–but truly unstoppable–virtuoso and the music that has enthralled legions of the world’s most devoted fans.

Kate Bush, new "And Dream of Sheep" video- WATCH!

This is a special piece of film to accompany the release of Kate Bush's live single ‘And Dream Of Sheep’ from her forthcoming Before the Dawn album. The vocal was performed live while filming Kate lying in the huge water tank at Pinewood Studios. This was to create a sense of realism, as the character in the song is lost at sea. However it became more realistic than Kate had imagined. She spent so long in the water during the first day of filming that she contracted mild hypothermia. She recovered after a day off and carried on filming. Everyone agreed it had added to the authenticity of the performance. This film was then projected onto a large oval screen which hung above the stage during the performances of her live show.

The Weeklings back with Studio 2 Album

Strongly inspired by The Beatles, The Weeklings have released their highly anticipated second album entitled "Studio 2". The album takes the listener on a sonic journey that evokes the kind of excitement contained in early Beatles recordings.

To accomplish this feat, The Weeklings flew to England to record at Abbey Road Studios in June. They discussed ideas with former Beatles recording engineers Ken Scott and Alan Parsons, and then recorded in the very room, called Studio 2, where The Beatles had worked with the legendary producer George Martin.

"Studio 2" is the result of such painstaking efforts. The album contains eight new Weeklings songs and four ultra-rare Lennon/McCartney bonus tracks.

"Some (Lennon/McCartney compositions) are only now seeing the light of day as finished recordings," Zeek Weekling said. "The album completely embodies the magical legacy of the original British Invasion ... We recorded all tracks live, standing where The Beatles stood, with all vintage 60's equipment."

The band's debut album, "Monophonic", received heavy rotation on many radio stations since its release in March 2015. The song "You Know What To Do" earned the title of "Coolest Song in the World" on Sirius/XM's "Little Steven's Underground Garage" channel. In addition, The Weeklings recorded an hour long "Loft Session" for legendary DJ Mike Marrone on Sirius/XM Channel 30.

The Weeklings are:

Lefty (Glen Burtnik), bass guitar/vocals: platinum and gold record awarded songwriter, composed songs for John Waite, Styx, Randy Travis, Marshall Crenshaw, Patty Smyth and Don Henley. Portrayed Paul McCartney in the Broadway production of Beatlemania, and went on to perform as a member of major international acts including Styx and The Orchestra (composed of former members of ELO).

Zeek (Bob Burger) rhythm guitar/vocals: gold record awarded song writer whose credits include Styx, Donnie Iris, HBO pictures, Kasim Sulton and others. Performed with Paul McCartney, Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel and Jon Bon Jovi.

Rocky (John Merjave) lead guitar/vocals: longstanding member of The Fest for Beatles Fans house band, Liverpool, performed with Billy Preston, Donovan, Ronnie Spector, Billy J. Kramer, Denny Laine and many others.

Smokestack (Joe Bellia) drums/vocals: He has been the drummer with Southside Johnny, Dave Mason, Marshall Crenshaw, Bruce Springsteen, Nils Lofgren, Rick Derringer, Jon Bon Jovi and many others.

"Studio 2" was released on November 18 and is available on CD and vinyl formats

USS Indianapolis:Men of Courage Docks on DVD/BD on 1/24

Based on a true story of survival and bravery, USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage arrives on Blu-ray  and DVD on January 24 from Lionsgate.  Nicolas Cage stars as the captain of the USS Indianapolis, a boat tasked with a top-secret mission at the end of World War II. With remarkable production value, the film also stars Tom Sizemore and Thomas Jane. From director Mario Van Peebles (TV’s “Roots,” TV’s “Empire”), the USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.


BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES
· “The Making of USS Indianapolis: Men of Courage” Featurette

CAST
Nicolas Cage Pay the Ghost, The Trust, Dying of the Light
Matt Lanter TV’s “Star Wars: The Clone Wars,” TV’s “90210”
James Remar TV’s “Dexter,” 2 Fast 2 Furious
Adam Scott Miller TV’s “Crisis”
Max Ryan Death Race, Chain of Command
with Tom Sizemore Saving Private Ryan, Black Hawk Down
and Thomas Jane The Mist, TV’s “Hung”

Celtic Woman Return with "Voices of Angels" Album

Multi-platinum international music sensation Celtic Woman released their latest studio album

VOICES OF ANGELS recently (November 18) on Manhattan/Caroline. The album contains some of the most popular songs from the Celtic Woman repertoire, along with several previously unrecorded tracks, all with stunning new orchestral arrangements recorded with the 72-piece Orchestra of Ireland. 

Celtic Woman has a remarkable 12-year-legacy of introducing the most talented singers and musicians from Ireland onto the world stage. VOICES OF ANGELS showcases the angelic voices of Susan McFadden, Mairéad Carlin, Éabha McMahon and introduces the breathtaking new Celtic violinist Tara McNeill. The foursome will follow the album’s release with a short run of holiday-themed dates in late 2016 (at which they’ll introduce U.S. audiences to Tara McNeill), with a full tour to follow in Spring 2017.

Available on Physical CD – VOICES OF ANGELS features songs from the group’s storied career: “Isle of Hope, Isle of Tears,” “As She Moved Through The Fair” and “Mo Ghile Mear (My Gallant Star),” alongside traditional classics as “Amazing Grace,” “Ave Maria,” “Joy to the World” and “Silent Night” and well-known film scores “My Heart Will Go On” (Titanic), “For The Love of A Princess” (Theme from Braveheart) and “A Time For Us” (Theme from the 1969 film Romeo and Juliet). VOICES OF ANGELS(Digital/CD) is available now  and the full track listing is below.

Disney's Pinocchio Arrives on Blu Ray for the First Time, and Back on DVD in January

This weekend at D23's Destination D: Amazing Adventures event at Walt Disney World Resort, Tyler Slater and Nicole Nalty announced the addition of Disney's triumphant animated classic "Pinocchio" to the celebrated Walt Disney Signature Collection and gave members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club the first look at the film's all-new trailer. "Pinocchio," which inspired the world to wish upon a star, arrives for the first time on Blu-ray and again on DVD on January 31 with hours of new and classic bonus features.

The Walt Disney Signature Collection release includes hours of classic bonus material and exclusive features including a reinvented rendition of "When You Wish Upon a Star" created and performed by music influencers from Disney's Maker Studios; never-before-seen artwork from the film's Pleasure Island sequence; archival recordings of Walt himself during "Pinocchio" production; and a recently restored and scored 1927 short featuring Oswald the Lucky Rabbit.

See the new trailer here:

Sharon Jones : RIP

It is with a heavy heart that we say goodbye to the one and only Sharon Jones. Her voice and vision will continue to be a source of inspiration and joy for lovers of music all over the world. Our thoughts and prayers go out to her family and friends at Daptone Records.

Official message from Daptone Records:

We are deeply saddened to announce that Sharon Jones has passed away after a heroic battle against pancreatic cancer. She was surrounded by her loved ones, including the Dap-Kings.

Thank you for your prayers and thoughts during this difficult time.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the following organizations:

• The Lustgarten Foundation
• James Brown Family Foundation
• Little Kids Rock

Best and Most Beautilful Things to DVD in January

First Run Features has obtained the rights to Garrett Zevgetis’ documentary Best and Most Beautiful Things, a coming-of-age story that celebrates outcasts of the world. First Run is planning a December theatrical release for the film, which is produced by Zevgetis, Ariana Garfinkel, Jeff Consiglio and Jordan Salvatoriello and a January DVD release. The documentary premiered at SXSW in March and has had  a successful festival run across the country.

Best and Most Beautiful Thing follows Michelle, a precocious 20 year old blind woman who disappears into her quirky obsessions and isolation. She’s excited about getting a job, but then is fired resulting in her spending the next year in her bedroom. With humor and bold curiosity, she chases love and freedom in the most unexpected of places: namely, a provocative, sex-positive fringe community. “I want to experience all aspects of life,” Michelle says. “I want to live on my own.”

Moana OST Available Now

Available today from B&T, the Moana original motion picture soundtrack features seven original songs and a full original score, plus two reprises as well as two end-credit versions of songs from the film. Walt Disney Animation Studios' "Moana" opens in U.S. theaters on Nov. 23, 2016.

The diverse and dynamic team behind the film's inspired music includes Tony, Emmy and Grammy-winning songwriter/composer Lin-Manuel Miranda, who counts among his credits Broadway's Pulitzer Prize-winning and multiple Tony-winning "Hamilton" and the Tony-winning "In the Heights," three-time Grammy-winning composer Mark Mancina ("Speed," "Tarzan" and the Oscar-winning "Training Day") and Opetaia Foa'i, the founder and lead singer of Te Vaka, a winner of numerous world music awards.

Miranda said, "Moana has a family that she loves, an island that she loves, but there's a voice inside that's calling. The idea of quieting life enough so that you can hear that inner voice was something really worth writing about for me because I think it's so important."

Queen of Katwe Set for January DVD/BD Release

Go behind-the-scenes with the film's extraordinary cast and the real people behind the inspiring true story!

Patrons will cheer for Disney's "Queen of Katwe," the inspirational journey of a young girl from the streets of Uganda to world-class chess player, which has earned widespread critical acclaim, including a 93% Certified Fresh critics consensus on Rotten Tomatoes. The triumphant film, which is based on a true story, arrives home on Blu-ray, DVD on January 31.

The home entertainment release of "Queen of Katwe" takes viewers behind-the-scenes with filmmakers, as well as the cast and their real-life counterparts, through extensive bonus features, including a three-part documentary highlighting the amazing personal stories behind the film; audio commentary by director Mira Nair ("Salaam Bombay!," "Mississippi Masala," "Monsoon Wedding"); a short film by Nair depicting the life of Robert Katende; in-studio access to 15-time GRAMMY Award-winning recording artist Alicia Keys during the creation of her new original song "Back to Life;" deleted scenes; and more.

NATURE: THE STORY OF CATS” to DVD/BD in December

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “NATURE: THE STORY OF CATS” on DVD and Blu-ray. Cats are one of the most diverse and studied mammals in the world, yet only now is their real identity being understood. Evolutionary tricks and adaptations have contributed to their successful survival. In fact, all 37 species of the cat family behave similarly in the way they hunt, utilizing flexible spines and sharp teeth to catch their prey. No surprise, then, that they are one of the greatest predators since the dinosaurs and are still evolving.

“NATURE: THE STORY OF CATS ” chronicles the 11 million year history of how the most widespread carnivore on the planet evolved, from their roots in ancient rainforests to today’s popular house cat. The latest discoveries by scientists studying their physiology and behaviors are also incorporated into the series.

 “NATURE: THE STORY OF CATS” will be available on DVD and Blu-ray December 27, 2016. The run time of the program is approximately 120 minutes and the DVD SRP is $24.99 and the Blu-ray SRP 29.99. The program will also be available for digital download.

The first episode, Asia to Africa, shows how the first cats arose in the rainforests of Southeast Asia and moved throughout the continent adjusting to other environments such as high altitudes (snow leopard, Pallas’s cat) and frozen forests (Siberian tigers). The film introduces the most ancient type of cat existing today, the rare clouded leopard, whose genetic blueprint is shared by all cats. Learning how to become ambush predators through play is one of the crucial traits that all young members of the cat family must develop in order to survive in the wild. Cubs of species like the clouded leopard don’t have much time to master these skills before their mother forces them out to find their own territories as solitary predators. It is one of the reasons that around nine million years ago, the ancient tree climbing felines began to fan out all over Asia.

The Randy Newman Songbook CD Set Announced by Nonesuch

Nonesuch Records will release the three-CD box set The Randy Newman Songbook on December 9, 2016, following its recent release on vinyl. The Randy Newman Songbook series—comprising solo recordings of songs from throughout Newman's five-decade career

—previously included two volumes, released on CD in 2003 and 2011. Sixteen additional songs from a newly released third volume, along with five bonus tracks ("Feels Like Home," "A Wedding in Cherokee County," "Family Album: Homage to Alfred, Emil and Lionel Newman," "A Few Words in Defense of Our Country," and "I'm Dreaming"), join those first two volumes to create this new complete Songbook box set.

Mitchell Froom produced The Randy Newman Songbook, Vol. 1 (which has been remastered for this box set) and was joined on Vol. 2 and Vol. 3 by Newman's lifelong friend and colleague Lenny Waronker. Listen to the track "Guilty," below.

The New York Times said of the first volume of The Randy Newman Songbook: "The great craftsmanship is more apparent in the stripped-down context," and the Associated Press said, "Few singer-songwriters could inject more new life into solo piano versions of their work than Randy Newman." The UK's Uncut called Vol. 2 "another subtly sublime stroll through the master's back catalogue," noting that Newman is "owner of a peerless canon," and that the album "isolates his full range of qualities: the improbable juxtapositions of caustic topicality and heart-wrenching universality, the concise character studies, and singing and piano playing that seem to emanate from the very fabric of America."

Deepwater Horizon Surfaces on DVD/BD on December 20

Academy Award nominee Mark Wahlberg* re-teams with director Peter Berg (Lone Survivor) in the tense, moving action drama Deepwater Horizon, arriving on Digital HD December 20th from

Summit Entertainment, a LIONSGATE Company. Filled with powerful performances and “white-knuckle tension” (USA Today) Deepwater Horizon will be available on 4K Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus Blu-ray and Digital HD), Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD and On Demand January 10. Rotten Tomatoes Certified Fresh, Deepwater Horizon honors the brave men and women whose heroism would save many on board, and change all of their lives forever. This epic story of survival also stars Kurt Russell (The Hateful Eight), Academy Award nominee John Malkovich (Best Supporting Actor, In the Line of Fire, 1993), Gina Rodriguez (TV’s “Jane the Virgin”), Dylan O’Brien (The Maze Runner franchise), and Academy Award nominee Kate Hudson (Best Supporting Actress, Almost Famous, 2000). 

Mark Wahlberg leads an all-star cast in this unforgettably powerful film inspired by a thrilling story of real-life heroes. For the one hundred and twenty-six people aboard the Deepwater Horizon offshore oil rig, April 20, 2010, began like any normal day. Before day’s end, the world would bear witness to one of the greatest man-made disasters in U.S. history. Deepwater Horizon reveals the brave acts of the men and women who rose to the challenge—and risked everything to lead others to safety.