RLJ to Release "Close to the Enemy" on DVD/BD

Following several recent Acorn TV Originals co-production announcements, Acorn Media Enterprises (AME), the development division for the Acorn brand of RLJ Entertainment, Inc. (NASDAQ: RLJE), has partnered with All3Media International and the BBC as the North American co-producer of the thrilling new period drama CLOSE TO THE ENEMY. From acclaimed filmmaker Stephen Poliakoff (Perfect Strangers, Dancing on the Edge), this Acorn TV Original Series features an impressive ensemble cast, including Jim Sturgess (Across the Universe, 21), Alfie Allen (Game of Thrones), Alfred Molina (Spider-Man 2), Angela Bassett (American Horror Story), August Diehl (Inglourious Basterds), Lindsay Duncan (The Honourable Woman), Freddie Highmore (Bates Motel), Robert Glenister (Hustle, Prime Suspect), and Charlotte Riley (Peaky Blinders). Set in a bomb-damaged London hotel in the aftermath of the Second World War, Close to the Enemy follows intelligence officer Captain Callum Ferguson (Sturgess), whose last task for the Army is to ensure that a captured German scientist, Dieter (Diehl), starts working for the British RAF on urgently developing the jet engine. Coinciding with the BBC broadcast, the seven-part series will make its U.S. Premiere on Acorn TV, the premier North American streaming service for world-class TV from Britain and beyond, beginning Monday, November 14, 2016.

President of Acorn Brands at RLJ Entertainment Mark Stevens noted, “After the hugely successful August premiere of Agatha Raisin, our first Acorn TV Original Series, we’re thrilled to offer our subscribers the next Acorn TV Original with the thrilling drama series Close to the Enemy. Award-winning filmmaker Stephen Poliakoff penned the gripping script and directed an incredible cast with a cinematic production set in war-torn Britain.”

Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music On DVD/BD from RLJ

Athena, an RLJ Entertainment, Inc.brand that specializes in high quality, informative, non-fiction Soundbreaking: Stories from the Cutting Edge of Recorded Music from Higher Ground LLC. Produced in association with the late legendary music producer Sir George Martin, and the filmmakers Show of Force, LLC, the highly-anticipated eight-part series took over five years to make and features more than 150 exclusive and original interviews with some of the most celebrated recording artists, producers, and music industry pioneers of all time sharing behind-the-scenes stories celebrating the art of recording. Artists include Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Elton John, Roger Waters, Joni Mitchell, Roger Daltrey, Linda Perry, Quincy Jones, B.B. King, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart, Tom Petty, Willie Nelson, Bonnie Raitt, Rosanne Cash, Steven Van Zandt, Billy Idol, Beck, RZA, and more.

Coming off its critically-acclaimed premiere at SXSW in March 2016, SOUNDBREAKING’s North American broadcast premiere begins on PBS member stations on Monday, November 14 with next-day availability to buy digitally via multiple platforms including iTunes, Amazon Video, Vudu, Google Play, Microsoft Movies & TV, and Sony Interactive Entertainment. Athena will release SOUNDBREAKING on DVD and Blu-ray on Tuesday, November 29.

Mark Stevens, President of Acorn Brands at RLJ Entertainment, said, “With more than 150 exclusive interviews and rarely seen footage, Higher Ground, Sir George Martin, and Show of Force have created a remarkable, one-of-kind music documentary series sure to become iconic. SOUNDBREAKING is exactly the kind of high caliber, non-fiction programming we seek out to offer consumers through our Athena brand.”
programming, has acquired the and home video rights in North America to the new, groundbreaking music documentary

From the creator's of Gruffalo Comes "Stick Man" on November 8

Martin Freeman (“The Hobbit,” “Sherlock”) voices Stick Man, Hugh Bonneville (“Downton Abbey”)
voices Santa, and the story is narrated by Jennifer Saunders (“Absolutely Fabulous”). Also helping bring Donaldson’s alluring and bouncy rhymes to life in this heartwarming family treasure are Rob Brydon (“The Huntsman: Winter’s War”), Sally Hawkins (“Paddington”) and Russell Tovey (“Being Human”).

In addition to featuring this charming tale, the DVD includes a behind the scenes documentary about the transformation of the delightful book into a captivating film. In this 20 minute video, viewers are treated to a look into how the design of the characters and environments came about, and the creation of the beautiful film score. The documentary also includes wonderful insights from Julia Donaldson, director Jeroen Jaspaert, composer Rene Aubry, and many others.

Jungle Book Collector's Edition Revealed for November 8 Disney Release

Get lost in the jungle with collectible packaging, spectacular 3D and new bonus features!

Beginning November 15, the collector's edition of Disney's live-action epic adventure "The Jungle Book"—Jon Favreau's stunning reimagining of Walt Disney's animated classic—will be available for your library to own just in time for the holidays. "The Jungle Book" Collector's Edition offers more than just the bare necessities with collectible packaging and a three-disc set containing the original theatrical release on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray, and DVD, along with originally released bonus features and five never-before-seen extras.

The Collector's Edition provides fans with unprecedented access to "The Jungle Book" production through exciting new bonus features, including a performance of "The Bare Necessities" by Bill Murray (voice of Baloo) and jazz greats Dr. John and Kermit Ruffins, an inside look at the collaboration between director Jon Favreau and renowned composer Richard Sherman on a new version of the classic song "I Wan'na Be Like You," a fascinating feature exposing the visual effects magic behind some of the movie's most memorable moments, an early animatic of the scene where Mowgli meets Kaa, and a global celebration as Mowgli and Baloo sing "The Bare Necessities."

Anne of Greeen Gables Set for November 8 DVD Release Date

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “L.M. MONTGOMERY’S ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” on DVD.

“L.M. MONTGOMERY’S ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” the classic Lucy Maud Montgomery story tells the tale of Anne Shirley, a precocious young girl taken from an orphanage and placed in the care of the uptight Marilla Cuthbert and her brother, Matthew. The conservative Marilla has a profound effect on the adventurous Anne and creates a journey of learning and personal engagement that has resonated with generations since L.M. Montgomery’s Anne of Green Gables was first published in 1908. The book remains an iconic work of Canadian literature and has sold more than 50 million copies worldwide and been translated into 20 languages.

“L.M. MONTGOMERY’S ANNE OF GREEN GABLES” will be available on DVD November 8, 2016. The run time of the program is approximately 90 minutes, and the SRP is $19.99. The program will also be available for digital download.  

Directed by John Kent Harrison and based on the original script by Susan Coyne, this adaptation, filmed in Canada, stars critically acclaimed, Emmy and Golden Globe-winning actor Martin Sheen. Sheen – who has appeared in blockbuster films ranging from Apocalypse Now to The Amazing Spider Man, and played the President of the United States in the multi-Emmy Award winning series “The West Wing” – portrays Matthew Cuthbert, one half of the brother-sister couple who care for Anne Shirley.

"Building Star Trek" Out on DVD November 1 from PBS

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing the Smithsonian Channel original special “BUILDING STAR TREK” on DVD. When Star Trek debuted on September 8, 1966, the world was introduced to a number of alien concepts, such as hand-held communication devices, desktop computers, space shuttles, touch screens, and more. Star Trek’s visionary creator Gene Roddenberry conceived of a world so unique that the series would go on to have a profound legacy in television history.

“BUILDING STAR TREK” follows the conservation team from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, led by Dr. Margaret Weitekamp, as they attempt to restore and conserve the original 11-foot, 250-pound model of the U.S.S. Enterprise from the original series. The program also tracks the progress of Brooks Peck, the charismatic curator of Seattle’s EMP Museum, as he attempts to rebuild a model of the original U.S.S. Enterprise’s bridge by using authentic set pieces and props.

 “BUILDING STAR TREK” will be available on DVD November 1, 2016. The run time of the program is approximately 92 minutes, and the SRP is $19.99.

Hell or High Water arrives on DVD / BD on November 22

Academy Award winner Jeff Bridges (Best Actor, Crazy Heart, 2009), Chris Pine (Star Trek), and Ben Foster (Lone Survivor) star in the acclaimed action thriller Hell or High Water arriving on 11/22.

When a desperate father (Pine) learns that the bank is going to take his family’s land, he and his ex-con brother (Foster) are left with no choice. They decide to rob the bank’s branches, putting themselves in the crosshairs of an aging Texas Ranger (Bridges) in a riveting story of crime, punishment, and brotherly love.

Blu-ray Combo Pack (plus DVD and Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) arrives November 22 from Lionsgate and CBS Films. From the writer of Sicario, Hell or High Water is a modern western about two brothers who turn to crime in order to save their family farm from the clutches of the bank. Hailed as one of the year’s best films since it premiered at the Cannes Film Festival, the film has since gone on to garner a stellar 98% “Certified Fresh” critics’ score, and equally impressive 91% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Hell or High Water home entertainment release’s special features include three all-new featurettes including “Enemies Forever” which provides an intimate look at the characters of the film; “Visualizing the Heart of America” which tells the story of the film’s setting and how filmmakers utilized real locations to bring the story to life; and “Damaged Heroes” an exploration of the outstanding cast performances. The home entertainment release also includes a Filmmaker Q&A, and exclusive footage from the Hell or High Water premiere. Hell or High Water will be available on Blu-ray and DVD for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $29.95, respectively.

Rolling Stones Reveal "HAVANA MOON" on DVD/BD/CD on November 11

On November 11, 2016 Eagle Rock Entertainment will release ‘’Havana Moon’’ by The Rolling Stones on DVD+2CD, Blu-ray+2CD, DVD+3LP plus a special Deluxe Edition.

Good Friday - March 25, 2016 - was the date that's gone down in both Cuban and Rock ‘n’ Roll history;  The Rolling Stones became the first rock band to play a massive free outdoor concert to hundreds of thousands in Havana. This historic concert was captured by award winning film director Paul Dugdale and the result is:

‘HAVANA MOON’ - The Rolling Stones Live in Cuba.
The British rockers' free show attracted a million people in the country's capital city in the same week as President Obama became the first US President to visit Cuba in 88 years. TV News Networks around the world reported that Obama was ‘the warm up act’ for the Rolling Stones. As the Stones took to the stage under a perfect ‘Havana Moon’ in front of an ecstatic crowd everyone knew that this was a life changing cultural moment for a country on the brink of change. There was nothing that was going to come between the band and their eager fans including the Vatican in Rome who had objected to a big rock ‘n’ roll concert staged in Havana on a Good Friday.

Mick Jagger welcomed the massive crowd: “Finally the times are changing, Cuba we are so happy to be here" and joked with his bandmates during the performance describing them as "the revolutionary Ronnie Wood, drummer Charlie Che Watts, and compadre Keith Richards". They played all the big hits including "Jumpin’ Jack Flash", "It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll", "Paint It Black", "Honky Tonk Women", "Start Me Up", "Brown Sugar", "You Can’t Always Get What You Want" and "(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction" in the two hour plus performance all captured here on Havana Moon.

MIA MADRE Announced for November 15 DVD/BD Release

The latest film from the acclaimed Italian filmmaker Nanni Moretti (Caro Diaro, The Son’s Room), MIA MADRE offers a characteristically wry blend of drama and humor as it tells the tale of a movie director attempting to balance the demands of her latest movie and her crisis-filled personal life.  

MIA MADRE stars Margherita Buy, who won a David di Donatello Award for her role, and John Turturro, who most recently starred in the highly lauded HBO miniseries The Night Of. 

Filled with laughter, tears and layers of emotion that can be found between the two, MIA MADRE sets its eye on Margherita Buy as she portrays an Italian filmmaker coincidentally named Margherita. Poor Margherita: She’s shooting her latest film while she tries to stave off a nervous breakdown as she simultaneously contends with a charming but difficult American actor (Turturro), a romantic break-up, a non-communicative teenage daughter (Beatrice Mancini) and her beloved mother’s (Giulia Lazzarini) progressive illness.

Moretti—who also portrays Margherita’s brother and partner-in-caregiving—carefully crafts MIA MADRE with a style that is as strong and unassumingly direct as it is subtle and understated. Examining how we process sadness and loss and how we gain strength through humor, the film toggles between work and life pressures in a manner that effectively combines all that the two have to offer, be they heavy moments or playful encounters or tender humor or, inevitably, tragedy and sorrow.

Currently enjoying a theatrical rollout to the U.S.’s top markets following its exhibition at leading film festivals in New York, Toronto, Shanghai, San Sebastián, Chicago, Jerusalem and Cannes (where it won the Prize of the Ecumenical Jury at the Cannes Film Festival), MIA MADRE will be released on DVD, Blu-ray) for the first time on November 15, 2016 (orders on October 11, 2016) by Music Box Films Home Entertainment. Outfitted with a “making-of” documentary, deleted scenes and additional bonus features, the Blu-ray and DVD carry suggested retail prices of $34.95 and $29.95, respectively.

Filled with the happiness, sadness and comic frustration that bind us all together, MIA MADRE is truly a film that questions whether any of us know exactly how to react when life says “Action.”

MIA MADRE -- Synopsis:   
Leading Italian auteur Nanni Moretti finds comedy and pathos in the story of Margherita, a harried film director (Margherita Buy, A Five Star Life) trying to juggle the demands of her latest movie and a personal life in crisis. The star of her film, a charming but hammy American actor (John Turturro, HBO’s The Night Of) imported for the production, initially presents nothing but headaches and her crew is close to mutiny. Away from the shoot, Margherita tries to hold her life together as her beloved mother’s illness progresses, and her teenage daughter grows ever more distant.    
MIA MADRE premiered in the Main Competition of the 2015 Cannes Film Festival where it won Ecumenical Jury prize while Margherita Buy received the Best Actress prize at Italy’s 2015 Donatello Awards. Characteristically self-reflexive and autobiographical, Moretti’s latest speaks to the poignancy of human transience, how we process loss and how we gain strength through humor.     

Morris From America Arrives on DVD/BD on November 8

Craig Robinson and newcomer Markees Christmas star in the heartwarming coming-of-age comedy Morris From America, arriving on Blu-ray and DVD on November 8 from Lionsgate.

A heartwarming and crowd-pleasing coming-of-age comedy with a unique spin, Morris From America centers on Morris Gentry (Christmas) a 13-year-old who has just relocated with his single father, Curtis (Robinson) to Heidelberg, Germany. Morris, who fancies himself the next Notorious B.I.G., is a complete fish-out-of-water— a budding hip-hop star in an EDM world. To complicate matters further, Morris quickly falls hard for his cool, rebellious, 15-year-old classmate Katrin. Morris sets out against all odds to take the hip-hop world by storm and win the girl of his dreams.
Released theatrically by A24, the film won two awards at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival including the Special Jury Award for Individual Performance – Craig Robinson, and The Waldo Salt Screenwriting Award - Chad Hartigan. The home entertainment release of Morris From America includes a behind-the-scenes featurette, bloopers, deleted scenes, casting tapes and an audio commentary with director Chad Hartigan and actors Craig Robinson and Markees Christmas. The Morris From America Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively. 

Disney/Pixar's FINDING DORY on Blu-ray/DVD on Nov 15

Dive deep into the kelp to find out more about the making of the film with extensive extras featuring the creative talent of Pixar and the all-star cast! The summer blockbuster hit, Disney•Pixar's "Finding Dory," swims home just in time for the holidays on Blu-ray 3D, Blu-ray and DVD on Nov. 15.

Viewers can watch Dory's hilarious and heartwarming quest to find her family and continue the underwater adventure with hours of immersive bonus features. The film's playful and plentiful bonus offerings include "Piper," the theatrical short film starring an irresistible sandpiper hatchling; an all-new mini short featuring interviews with Dory's pals from the Marine Life Institute; a behind-the-scenes look at the most challenging character Pixar has ever created; never-before-seen deleted scenes, including a digital exclusive featuring the Tank Gang from "Finding Nemo" who make it their mission to get Marlin and Nemo to the Marine Life Institute; and much, much more.

Check out some FINDING DORY easter eggs you might have missed here;