Thursday, March 30, 2017

PBS Releases American Epic on June 13

From executive producers T Bone Burnett, Robert Redford and Jack White, go inside one of the greatest-ever untold stories: how the ordinary people of America were given the opportunity to make records for the first time. Contains four episodes: The Big Bang; Blood & Soil; Out of the Many, The One; The American Epic Sessions.  Blu-ray and DVD on June 13





EMA announces winners of 2017 Independent Home Entertainment Awards.

EMA (Entertainement Merchants Association) announced the winners of its 2017 Independent Home Entertainment Awards. The awards were given out during EMA’s 2017 Independent Product Market at the Marriott Marina del Rey in Marina del Rey, California.

The winners are:

Sell-Through Title of the Year from an Independent Studio

Ip Man 3, Well Go USA

Rental Title of the Year from an Independent Studio

The Infiltrator, Broad Green Pictures

Direct-to-Video/Limited Release Title of the Year from an Independent Studio

The Wailing, Well Go USA

Documentary/Special Interest Title of the Year from an Independent Studio

O.J.: Made in America, Cinedigm

Hall of Fame Inductee (recognizing a title that continues to perform well year-after-year)

The Carol Burnett Show: Carol’s Favorites, Time Life/WEA

“The winners of this year’s Independent Home Entertainment Awards show the impressive variety of quality content in the independent video marketplace,” noted Mark Fisher, President and CEO of EMA stated, “We are pleased to give them the recognition they deserve.”

Tuesday, March 28, 2017

From Universal Pictures Home Entertainment And Legendary Pictures: THE GREAT WALL

Mankind faces extinction from a monstrous enemy in the visually stunning adventure epic, THE
GREAT WALL, coming to 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray, and DVD on May 23, 2017, from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment and Legendary Pictures. Starring Matt Damon (Bourne franchise, The Martian), THE GREAT WALL is a masterful visual blend of live action and awe-inspiring effects. The 4K Ultra HD and Blu-ray offer the ultimate in home high-def viewing experience with unique behind-the-scenes bonus features including deleted and extended scenes and more.

Starring global superstar Matt Damon and directed by one of the most celebrated visual stylists of our time, Zhang Yimou (Hero, House of Flying Daggers), THE GREAT WALL tells the story of an elite force making a valiant stand for humanity on the world's most iconic structure. When a mercenary warrior (Damon) is imprisoned within the Great Wall, he discovers the mystery behind one of the greatest wonders of the world. As wave after wave of marauding beasts besiege the massive structure, his quest for fortune turns into a journey toward heroism as he joins a huge army of elite warriors to confront the unimaginable and seemingly unstoppable force.

A formidable international cast joins Damon in THE GREAT WALL, including Jing Tian (Kong: Skull Island, Special ID), Pedro Pascal ("Game of Thrones," "Narcos"), Andy Lau (Internal Affairs, House of Flying Daggers) and Willem Dafoe (The English Patient, John Wick). An epic tale of heroism and sacrifice in the face of unstoppable savagery, THE GREAT WALL is spectacular, state-of-the art entertainment.

Viacom Names Jim Gianopulos Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures

Viacom Inc. has announced the appointment of Jim Gianopulos as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount Pictures, effective April 3, 2017. Gianopulos will report directly to Bob Bakish, President and Chief Executive Officer of Viacom.
   
In his role as Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Paramount, Gianopulos will oversee the studio’s film and television operations worldwide, including production, marketing, distribution and all other facets. He also will be charged with setting a new strategy for Paramount, including developing new content, strengthening Paramount’s slate with co-branded releases from Viacom flagship brands, and expanding the studio’s global footprint.

Bob Bakish, said, “Jim is a remarkably talented executive with all the tools – strategic vision, strong business expertise, deep industry and creative relationships – to bring films to life that resonate throughout culture and deliver commercial results. I’m thrilled we will have the benefit of his experience, savvy and global expertise as we lay out a clear path forward and begin the next chapter in Paramount’s storied history.”

“MASTERPIECE: HOME FIRES: SEASON 2” on video, April 18

PBS Distribution announced it is releasing “MASTERPIECE: HOME FIRES SEASON 2” on DVD and Blu-ray April 18, 2017. The moving drama hailed as “irresistible" by The Wall Street Journal returns for a final season. Home Fires follows the story of a group of inspirational women in an English village during World War II. As the conflict takes hold and the separation from their husbands, fathers, sons and brothers becomes more painful, the women rely on one another and the friendships forged through village life. Samantha Bond (Downton Abbey) and Francesca Annis (Reckless) head the extraordinary cast.

“HOME FIRES: SEASON 2” will be available on DVD and Blu-ray April 18, 2017. The run time of this program is approximately 360 minutes on 2 discs. The DVD SRP is $39.99 and the Blu-ray SRP is $49.99.

 Episode descriptions are listed below.

Monday, March 27, 2017

Indie Super Group Bnqt (Midlake, Band Of Horses, Franz Ferdinand, Grandaddy, Travis) Premiere "Unlikely Force"

BNQT, a new indie super group conceived and led by Eric Pulido of Midlake, have debuted new track “Unlikely Force,” featuring Band Of Horses’ Ben Bridwell on vocals. The track comes from their “sumptuous, immensely pleasurable” (Uncut) debut album ‘Volume 1,’ set for release on April 28 via Dualtone, an Entertainment One company. Listen to the wistful, Unlikely Force, via https://soundcloud.com/dualtone/unlikely-force-1

Says Pulido: "Unlikely Force was the first of all the album tunes that we worked on and a guinea pig of sorts. We wanted a lush 70s feel good vibe and Ben's song was a perfect foundation to build upon that ultimately set the precedent for what was to come!"

BNQT just came back from SXSW, where they were named an Artist To Watch by KCRW and praised by Billboard for their “rich, lush and harmony-drenched pop songs.” Yahoo! Music called their SXSW set “a smashing success.”

Listen: Yo-Yo Ma, Chris Thile, Edgar Meyer Share New "Bach Trios" Track


Cellist Yo-Yo Ma, mandolinist Chris Thile, and bassist Edgar Meyer have shared their recording of J.S. Bach's Wachet auf, ruft uns die Stimme, BWV 645, from their forthcoming album, Bach Trios, releasing April 7. You can hear it below.

Bach Trios comprises works by J.S. Bach originally written for keyboard instruments, plus one sonata for viola da gamba. In 2011, Ma, Thile, and Meyer—along with Stuart Duncan—collaborated on The Goat Rodeo Sessions, which won two Grammy Awards. The trio, which played Bach on the Thile–hosted radio program A Prairie Home Companion in December, performs in nine cities across the US beginning on April 21.



Wednesday, March 22, 2017

New Chuck Berry Album ‘CHUCK’ Set For June 16 Release On Dualtone

Dualtone Records (an Entertainment One Company), has set a June 16 release date for ‘CHUCK,’ the final album and first new recordings in nearly four decades by founding rock and roll legend Chuck Berry, who passed away last week at the age of 90.

Comprised of ten new recordings, eight of which were written by Berry, ‘CHUCK’ is his first new album since 1979’s ‘Rock It.’ It was recorded and produced by Berry in various studios around St. Louis and features his longtime hometown backing group - including his children Charles Berry Jr. (guitar) and Ingrid Berry (vocals, harmonica), plus Jimmy Marsala (Berry’s bassist for forty years), Robert Lohr (piano), and Keith Robinson (drums) - which supported him for nearly two decades on over two hundred residency shows at the famed Blueberry Hill club.  The album also includes guest performances from Gary Clark Jr., Tom Morello, Nathaniel Rateliff, and Chuck’s grandson Charles Berry III.  Acclaimed author and historian Douglas Brinkley contributes liner notes.
Both Morello and Rateliff appear on album track “Big Boys,” which Brinkley calls “a guitar player’s national anthem” in his notes.  The song is streaming now; listen below.

Tuesday, March 21, 2017

Todd Rundgren Spans Generations And Genres On 'White Knight' Out May 12 On Cleopatra Records

Todd Rundgren – the iconic songwriter, recording artist, producer and innovator – will release his newest album ‘White Knight’ on May 12 via Cleopatra Records. The 15-track collection features a dynamic range of original songs and deft studio work by Rundgren, with an incredible array of guests to match, including Dam Funk, Donald Fagen, Daryl Hall, Bettye Lavette, Robyn, Joe Satriani, Joe Walsh, and others.

The songs on ‘White Knight,’ all Rundgren originals or co-writes with some of the album guests, range from hip-hop flecked funk and dystopian synth rock to soaring ballads and crisp power pop. Album opener “Come” swirls with oscillating rhythms and sweeping layers of synths. More squiggling synths drive the feature with Daryl Hall, “Chance For Us,” giving way to a rich sax solo and a punchy, squelching bass line. Robyn soars on the pop anthem “That Could Have Been Me,” while Todd and Donald Fagen harmonize on the timely political jab “Tin Foil Hat.” “‘Cause the man in the tin foil hat / is sitting on the throne tonight / it kinda feels like a coup e’tat / but its gonna be great, tremendous, amazing and all that.”

Monday, March 20, 2017

Statement from Chuck Berry's Family

A Statement from the Berry Family

Since Chuck’s passing on Saturday, the Berry family has received many inquiries from friends, fans and media about the status of his forthcoming album CHUCK, which was originally announced on his 90th birthday, October 18, 2016.

Working to prepare the release of this record in recent months and in fact over the last several years brought Chuck a great sense of joy and satisfaction. While our hearts are very heavy at this time, we know that Chuck had no greater wish than to see this album released to the world, and we know of no better way to celebrate and remember his 90 years of life than through his music.

For months now plans have been in place, and preparations have been made with our friends at Dualtone Records, to reveal further details and music from the album this week. As a tribute to Chuck Berry, and with gratitude to his fans around the world, we will be following through on those plans in the coming days.

Wednesday, March 15, 2017

Hurray for the Riff Raff's The Navigator Out Now, to Critical Acclaim

Hurray for the Riff Raff’s acclaimed concept album ‘The Navigator’ is out now on ATO Records and hailed as a “rich, courageous” recording by NPR Music with 5 out of 5 stars from the Guardian. It has been met with a NY Times profile on Alynda Segarra, a Pitchfork “Best New Track” review, and a Morning Edition segment that aired this morning on NPR. In the past few days Alynda and her band have also appeared on TV multiple times including a conversation with Trevor Noah on the Daily Show last week, CBS Saturday and a performance on CONAN last night.

Hurray for the Riff Raff has a jam-packed SXSW run that includes the NPR Music showcase on Weds, Pitchfork, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, ATO and more. The full schedule is below, followed by a major international tour.

The Navigator’ tells an interwoven, cinematic story of a wandering soul named Navita at a crossroads of identity and ancestral weight. The 12 original songs were inspired by Segarra’s own journey from the Bronx to the downtown punk scene and beyond, in search of her identity. She looked to poetry including Pedro Pietri’s ‘Puerto Rican Obituary’ and the Nuyorican Cafe, the singer-songwriter Rodriguez, Puerto Rican activist groups the Young Lords and the Ghetto Brothers, Fania Records and more.

NPR Morning Edition: http://www.npr.org/2017/03/14/519698625/girl-interrupted-hurray-for-the-riff-raff-on-identity-lost-and-found 

Fleet Foxes Announces 6/16 Crack-Up

On June 16, Fleet Foxes will release Crack-Up (Nonesuch Records), its long awaited and highly anticipated third album. Crack-Up comes six years after the 2011 release of Helplessness Blues and nearly a decade since the band’s 2008 self-titled debut. Fleet Foxes has released the album track "Third of May / Ōdaigahara," a nearly nine-minute epic powered by piano and electric twelve-string guitar, string quartet, and the group's trademark sparkling harmonies. In addition, the band has announced new tour dates, including their first North American shows since October 2011. Crack-Up pre-orders are available now from B&T via http://ts360.baker-taylor.com/_layouts/CommerceServer/ItemDetailsPage.aspx?ngbtkey=6004660882&isfromsearchresults=1

All eleven of the songs on Crack-Up were written by Robin Pecknold. The album was co-produced by Pecknold and Skyler Skjelset, his longtime bandmate, collaborator, and childhood friend. Crack-Up was recorded at various locations across the United States between July 2016 and January 2017: at Electric Lady Studios, Sear Sound, The Void, Rare Book Room, Avast, and The Unknown. Phil Ek mixed the album, at Sear Sound, and it was mastered by Greg Calbi at Sterling Sound. Fleet Foxes is Robin Pecknold (vocals, multi-instrumentalist), Skyler Skjelset (multi-instrumentalist, vocals), Casey Wescott (multi-instrumentalist, vocals), Christian Wargo (multi-instrumentalist, vocals), and Morgan Henderson (multi-instrumentalist).

Watch the "Third of May / Ōdaigahara" Lyric Video (Created by Sean Pecknold & Adi Goodrich) , below.

Monday, March 13, 2017

John Lewis- Get in the Way on DVD april 18

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “JOHN LEWIS – GET IN THE WAY” for home entertainment on DVD. This is the first documentary biography of Lewis, whose unwavering fight for justice spans the past 50 years. The son of sharecroppers, Lewis grew up in rural isolation, seemingly destined for a bleak future in the Jim Crow South. But Lewis took a different path, rising from Alabama’s Black Belt to the corridors of power on Capitol Hill, his humble origins forever linking him to those whose voices often go unheard.

“JOHN LEWIS – GET IN THE WAY ” will be available on April 18, 2017. The run time of the DVD is approximately 60 minutes and its SRP is $24.99.

The program covers more than half a century, tracing Lewis’ journey of courage, confrontation and hard-won triumphs. At the age of 15, his life changed forever when he heard Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on the radio. It was 1955, during the Montgomery Bus Boycott, and Lewis listened with rapt attention as the young preacher called for nonviolent resistance to the harsh injustice of segregation. Lewis embraced Dr. King’s spiritual call with a fervor that would transform the course of his life.

Wednesday, March 8, 2017

PBS Distribution Sets Date for “MASTERPIECE: TO WALK INVISIBLE: THE BRONTË SISTERS Release

PBS Distribution announced today it will be releasing “MASTERPIECE: TO WALK INVISIBLE: THE BRONTË SISTERS” on DVD and Blu-ray.  Ever since they were revealed to the world as
quaint country-women and not the notorious Bell brothers of their pseudonyms, the Brontë sisters have fascinated legions of devoted readers. This program brings these remarkable literary geniuses to life in this beautifully filmed and acted drama.

Written and directed by Sally Wainwright (Happy Valley, Last Tango in Halifax), the program makes a perfect companion to MASTERPIECE’s past adaptations of Brontë novels: The Tenant of Wildfell Hall (1997, Peabody Award), Wuthering Heights (1998 and 2009), and Jane Eyre (2007, three Primetime Emmys).

“TO WALK INVISIBLE” will be available on DVD and Blu-ray April 11, 2017. The run time of the program is approximately 120 minutes on 1 disc. The DVD SRP is $29.99 and the Blu-ray SRP is $34.99. Depicting the evolution of secluded, dutiful clergyman’s daughters into authors of the most controversial fiction of the 1840s, the drama stars Finn Atkins (Eden Lake) as Charlotte, who shocked society with her edgy epic, Jane Eyre; Chloe Pirrie (War and Peace) as Emily, author of the darkly gothic and disturbing Wuthering Heights; and Charlie Murphy (Happy Valley) as Anne, whose true-to-life love story The Tenant of Wildfell Hall was deemed “coarse and disgusting” by Victorian critics.

Sheryl Crows Returns With "Be Myself"

Multi-platinum-selling singer, songwriter, and musician Sheryl Crow will release a new album,
entitled Be Myself, on April 21st via Warner Bros. Records.         Be Myself, her ninth studio album and the first album for the label is available for pre-order now.   A video for “Halfway There” has been created utilizing cut-out animation style which presents the songs lyrical questions through a whimsical Monty Python-esque satirical imagery. View below from B&T. 

Crow celebrated the announcement of her new album by playing to an absolutely packed house at a rare, surprise club show at West Hollywood’s intimate Troubadour last week where the lucky crowd was treated to a handful of new tracks from Be Myself, along with several fan favorites. She also announced her upcoming tour dates for early summer.

Monday, March 6, 2017

A Dog's Purpose Arrives on DVD/BD on May 2, 2017

An uplifting and inspirational look at life through the eyes of man's best friend warms hearts this spring when A Dog's Purpose arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD, from Amblin Entertainment and Universal Pictures Home Entertainment on May 2, 2017.  And there's no rental holdback/delay for the public library market either, a day & date release on this title! 

An empathetic and relatable drama, this sentimental film takes viewers on a powerful journey to experience the relationship between dogs and their owner – to love, protect, comfort and always find a way back home.  A Dog's Purpose on Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD includes deleted scenes, outtakes, a behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film, and more! 


Based on the beloved bestselling novel by W. Bruce Cameron, A Dog's Purpose, from director Lasse Hallström (The Cider House Rules, Dear John, The 100-Foot Journey), shares the soulful and surprising story of one devoted dog (voiced by Josh Gad – Frozen, Angry Birds) who finds the meaning of his own existence through the lives of the humans he teaches to laugh and love. A narrative with "genuine heart, humor and a real message of love" (Michael Heaton, The Plain Dealer), the family film told from the dog's perspective also stars Britt Robertson (Tomorrowland, The Longest Ride), KJ Apa ("Riverdale"), John Ortiz (Silver Linings Playbook, American Gangster), Juliet Rylance (Sinister, "The Knick"), Luke Kirby ("The Astronaut Wives Club"), Peggy Lipton (When in Rome, Twin Peaks), Pooch Hall ("The Game," "Ray Donovan") and Dennis Quaid (Far From Heaven, The Rookie).      
         
BONUS FEATURES on BLU-RAY and DVD
  • Deleted Scenes
  • Outtakes
  • Lights, Camera, Woof! - A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the film. 
  • A Writer's Purpose - Learn the story behind W. Bruce Cameron's beloved best-selling novel.
The Blu-ray Combo Pack includes a Blu-ray, DVD and Digital HD with UltraViolet.
  • Blu-ray unleashes the power of your HDTV and is the best way to watch movies at home, featuring 6X the picture resolution of DVD, exclusive extras and theater-quality surround sound.
  • DVD offers the flexibility and convenience of playing movies in more places, both at home and away.
  • Digital HD with UltraViolet lets you watch movies anywhere, on any device. Users can instantly stream or download movies to watch on iPad, iPhone, Android, smart TVs, connected Blu-ray players, game consoles and more.

Friday, March 3, 2017

Outlaw: Celebrating The Music Of Waylon Jennings Releases in April

 Blackbird Presents, CMT, and Sony Legacy have announced the audio/video release of Outlaw: Celebrating The Music Of Waylon Jennings. A collection of music's legendary Outlaws and rising  superstars came together for a once-in-a-lifetime concert event taping in Austin, Texas at ACL Live at The Moody Theater to celebrate the songs of music legend Waylon Jennings. On Friday, April 7, 2017, Sony Legacy will release the concert film as a CD/DVD combo which is available for immediate preorder at baker-taylor.com

Outlaw: Celebrating The Music Of Waylon Jennings features captivating performances, in-depth interviews, and compelling behind-the-scenes footage with Willie Nelson, Eric Church, Chris Stapleton, Sturgill Simpson, Kris Kristofferson, Toby Keith, Alison Krauss, Kacey Musgraves, Ryan Bingham, Jamey Johnson, Lee Ann Womack, Shooter Jennings, Buddy Miller, Jessi Colter, Robert Earl Keen, and Bobby Bare.

The project was created by Keith Wortman and Mark Rothbaum, along with legendary Outlaws and musicians Jessi Colter and Shooter Jennings. Colter and Jennings also delivered their own heart-melting performances that evening in honor of Waylon's music.