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

Doc Martin Series 7 Set for December DVD Release

Following the USA Premieres of the BAFTA Award-winning comedy Detectorists and the highly anticipated new Agatha Christie series Partners in Crime, RLJ announced the USA DVD release of  DOC MARTIN, SERIES 7, this December.

Doc Martin stars BAFTA winner Martin Clunes (Arthur & George, Men Behaving Badly, Shakespeare in Love) in an uproarious lead performance as a tactless, self-centered, and uptight doctor in a quirky seaside town in Cornwall.

Called "completely addictive" (Slate) and "absolutely bloody hilarious" (London Evening Standard), Doc Martin has become one of the most successful British series in the U.S. with new fans continuing to discover the series. In the U.K., Doc Martin is one of ITV's highest-rated drama series, while in the U.S. the last season was the #1 show on many public television stations and Acorn's fastest-selling DVD of all-time. The series is also a global phenomenon, having sold to more than 70 countries, with licensed local versions in France, Germany, Spain, Russia, and many more.

Series 7 is shaping up to be another entertaining and eventful visit to Portwenn. The new season begins with Doc Martin alone in Cornwall while Louisa (Caroline Catz, Murder in Suburbia) and their son visit her mother in Spain. Realizing that he needs to make changes for the sake of his marriage, Martin promises Louisa that he will see a therapist and work to win her back. In addition to Martin and Louisa's troubles, the eccentric residents of Portwenn—including fan favorite supporting characters like Bert Large and Mrs. Tishell—face their own trials and tribulations.