"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol 2" Arrives on 8/22

This August, Marvel Studios' "Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2," the blockbuster sequel featuring the world's favorite band of intergalactic misfits, blasts into homes on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-ray and DVD on August. 22.

"Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 2" marks the Studios first in-home title to release in stunning 4K Ultra HD format, providing consumers with the ultimate home entertainment experience with next-generation high dynamic range visuals and Dolby Atmos immersive audio. 4K Ultra HD provides four times sharper resolution of HD with exceptional HDR which produces brighter brights, deeper blacks and richer colors than ever before. The galaxy has never looked so good!

Delivering the ultimate in-home experience is the Ultimate Cinematic Universe Edition (which includes a collectible poster while supplies last) comes packaged to include a 4K Ultra HD version of the film, a Blu-ray, a Digital Copy and more than 80-minutes of exclusive, never-before-seen bonus materials. Bonus will take fans behind the scenes with the movie's diverse, dynamic cast of misfits and inspired team of filmmakers, debut an all-new original music video starring David Hasselhoff and special guests, hilarious outtakes, deleted scenes, audio commentary by director James Gunn, and more.

Spend a "Weekend in Havanna" via PBS

PBS Distribution announced it will be releasing “WEEKEND IN HAVANA.” Travel with host Geoffrey Baer to explore the heart of Cuba’s magical capital city, now open to Americans after more than 50 years. Three young locals — architect and restorationist Daniel de la Regata; Irene Rodriguez, one of Cuba’s top flamenco dancers; and Grammy-nominated jazz pianist Roberto Fonseca — serve as enthusiastic guides, allowing viewers to experience this vibrant and historic place through the eyes of those who love it and call it home. Produced by WTTW Chicago, directed by Leo Eaton, co-written by Eaton and Geoffrey Baer, and produced by Donn Rogosin, Dan Soles and Hugo Perez

“WEEKEND IN HAVANA” will be available on DVD July 25, 2017. The run time of the program is approximately 60 minutes on 1 disc, and has an SRP of $24.99. The program will also be available for digital download.

Geoffrey, host of the PBS series 10 THAT CHANGED AMERICA about game-changing buildings, homes, parks, and towns as well as more than 20 specials on Chicago history and architecture, takes to the streets of Havana with his guides and new fast friends, Daniel, Irene, and Roberto. After meeting up at a café in Cathedral Plaza in Old Havana, he is given a whirlwind tour of Cuba’s fascinating and colorful history, a hands-on introduction to Afro-Cuban music and dance, a primer on Havana’s varied architecture and efforts being made to restore many of the city’s ruins, and an inside look at how everyday Cubans live in this “old city trying to find its place in the modern world,” a land off-limits to Americans for decades.

"Change Begins Within" Concert DVD, Ringo Starr, Sir Paul McCartney, others announced!

On September 1, 2017, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release the Change Begins Within Concert on DVD [MSRP $15.98]. Featuring sets from Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, with each performing some of their best-known classics from The Beatles to Wings and beyond, and reuniting onstage for the finale, this incredible charity show also featured many other world-famous musicians. Sheryl Crow, Donovan, Eddie Vedder, Moby, Ben Harper, Paul Horn, Angelo Badalamenti, Betty LaVette, and Jim James joined the two Beatles to thrill the capacity crowd, as did Jerry Seinfeld in a brilliant guest performance.

This exhilarating, star-studded benefit concert was recorded on April 4, 2009 in New York City. It was this show, dubbed “Change Begins Within”, that launched the David Lynch Foundation into an entirely new level of public awareness. As these globally renowned artists took to the stage at a sold-out Radio City Music Hall, they helped raise funds for the Foundation’s international initiative to teach one million at-risk children to meditate - and to begin to change their world from within.

All those present at this remarkable concert were committed to helping the charity in its aim of bringing meditation to students everywhere and helping disadvantaged youth reach their full potential. In addition to superb individual performances, the musicians at this celebratory concert joined forces on many songs and the whole Change Begins Within show is characterized by a powerful, joyful onstage camaraderie and unity.

Ken Burns' The Vietnam War on DVD/BD in September

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing the new documentary series directed by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick THE VIETNAM WAR on DVD and Blu-ray September 19, 2017, coinciding with its PBS airing. In an immersive narrative, Burns and Novick tell the epic story of the Vietnam War as it has never before been told on film. THE VIETNAM WAR features testimony from nearly 100 witnesses, including many Americans who fought in the war and others who opposed it, as well as Vietnamese combatants and civilians from both the winning and losing sides.

Ten years in the making, the series brings the war and the chaotic epoch it encompassed viscerally to life. Written by Geoffrey C. Ward, produced by Sarah Botstein, Novick and Burns, it includes rarely seen, digitally re-mastered archival footage from sources around the globe, photographs taken by some of the most celebrated photojournalists of the 20th century, historic television broadcasts, evocative home movies, and revelatory audio recordings from inside the Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon administrations.

The run time of the program is approximately 1080 minutes on 10 discs. The SRP for the DVD is $99.99 and $129.99 for Blu-ray. There are over 100 minutes of extra bonus footage, including a 45-minute preview program, 2 pieces on contemporary lives of 2 of the participants, and bonus content. The program will also be available for digital download.

The Promise, on DVD/BD 7/28

From the Academy Award-winning director of Hotel Rwanda Terry George, comes a powerful sweeping epic set during the last days of the Ottoman Empire, with The Promise debuting on Blu-ray combo pack and DVD on July 18, 2017 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.

Inspired by true events, the extraordinary story of The Promise is set amidst the chaos of war and showcases an exceptional cast including Oscar Isaac (Star Wars: The Force Awakens, Ex Machina), Charlotte Le Bon (The Hundred-Foot Journey, The Walk), Christian Bale (The Dark Knight Trilogy, The Big Short), Angela Sarafyan ("Westworld," "American Horror Story"), Marwan Kenzari (The Mummy, Ben-Hur), Shohreh Aghdashloo (Star Trek Beyond, "The Expanse") and James Cromwell ("The Young Pope," "Boardwalk Empire").        

Sparks fly when a humble Armenian medical student (Isaac) falls in love with an artist (Le Bon) already committed to a renowned and worldly journalist (Bale). But as tensions rise with the outbreak of World War I, the trio must set passions aside to survive as the world around them crumbles and one of history's darkest yet rarely told chapters unfolds before their eyes.

The Fish on My Plate on DVD from PBS

PBS Distribution announced it will release “FRONTLINE: The Fish on My Plate” on DVD. Paul Greenberg (Four Fish; American Catch) sets out to answer. As part of his quest to investigate the health of the ocean — and his own — Greenberg spends a year eating seafood for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It’s a journey that’s brought to life in this documentary produced by Neil Docherty, David Fanning and Sarah Spinks.

 “FRONTLINE: The Fish on My Plate” will be available on DVD July 4, 2017. The run time of the program is approximately 60 minutes and the SRP is $24.99.

“What fish should I eat that’s good for me and good for the planet?” That’s the question bestselling author and lifelong fisherman

The program chronicles Greenberg as he works on his upcoming book, The Omega Principle — and consumes over 700 fish meals in hopes of improving his health through a dramatic increase in his Omega-3 levels.

Masterpiece: King Charles III to DVD on June 27

PBS Distribution announced they will be releasing “MASTERPIECE: KING CHARLES III” on DVD.   A willful king ... a prophetic ghost ... family betrayals ... revenge! It sounds like a play by Shakespeare, but it’s a drama about the future. MASTERPIECE presents an adaptation of the Tony-nominated hit Broadway show King Charles III, starring the late Tim Pigott-Smith (The Jewel in the Crown, Downton Abbey) as Prince Charles after his accession to the throne, sometime in the years ahead. “KING CHARLES III” is a co-production with the BBC.

“KING CHARLES III” will be available on DVD June 27, 2017. The run time of the program is approximately 90 minutes and the SRP is $29.99. 

Mr. Pigott-Smith, who died unexpectedly on April 7th, had appeared in several MASTERPIECE productions, including The Jewel in the Crown and most recently Downton Abbey. MASTERPIECE Executive Producer Rebecca Eaton commented, “The MASTERPIECE family is heartbroken at the loss of Tim Pigott-Smith, a wonderful actor and a warm and charming man. We are going to miss him.” King Charles III playwright Mike Bartlett remembered him as “one of the real greats, both as an actor and a man.” 

Beauty and the Beast, Live Action on DVD/BD in June

Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," the live-action adaptation of the studio's animated classic, brought the story and characters audiences know and love to spectacular life and broke box-office records. Now the stunning, cinematic event arrives on DVD and BD on June 6.

Fans who bring home "Beauty and the Beast" can celebrate the release with three ways to watch the movie - the original theatrical cut, the premiere cut with overture, and a musical experience with a sing-along version. The release invites viewers to get up close and personal with the filmmakers and cast to see how this beloved animated film was transformed into a new live-action classic, from the first enchanted table read to a fascinating look at how the film was brought to life utilizing lavish sets, elaborately designed costumes and props, and state-of the-art technology.

A feature on the amazing women behind the enchanted tale hosted by Emma Watson; and over 10 minutes of deleted scenes along with musical extras, including the "Beauty and the Beast" music video starring Ariana Grande and John Legend, Celine Dion's heartfelt take on the new song "How Does a Moment Last Forever," and jump directly to all you favorite unforgettable songs.

Emily Dickinson story, A QUIET PASSION, Releases on DVD/BD on July 1

Acclaimed actress Cynthia Nixon delivers a triumphant performance as the great 19th century American poet Emily Dickinson in the richly detailed biographical portrait A QUIET PASSION, written and directed by the renowned British filmmaker Terence Davies (The Deep Blue Sea).
In a highly lauded star turn, Cynthia Nixon (Sex and The City franchise) personifies the wit, intellectual independence and pathos of the poet whose genius only came to be recognized after her death. A QUIET PASSION exquisitely evokes Dickinson's deep attachment to her close-knit family along with the manners, mores and spiritual convictions of her time that she struggled with and transcended in her poetry, leading to her later years as a brilliant but reclusive and unrecognized artist.
Also featured in the film are such talents as Jennifer Ehle (Contagion, Zero Dark Sixty) and Keith Carradine (TV’s Madame Secretary), who take on the roles of Emily’s sister and father, respectively.

PRESENTING…THE WHO- Live at the Isle of Wight 2004

On June 2, 2017, Eagle Rock Entertainment will release Live At The Isle Of Wight Festival 2004 by The Who on DVD+2CD and Blu-ray+2CD Formats [MSRP $29.98 Blu-ray, $24.98 DVD].

This is the first ever home entertainment release for of this brilliant show, which includes blistering versions of classics like “Substitute”, “Baba O’Riley”, “Won’t Get Fooled Again”, “You Better You Bet”, “I Can’t Explain”, “Pinball Wizard”, “Who Are You”, “My Generation”, “Magic Bus”, and many more!

TO VIEW CLIP OF "NAKED EYE", click here

In 2004, The Who returned to the Isle Of Wight Festival for the first time since their legendary 1970 performance. After a long absence, the festival had been reborn in 2002 and continues to this day. The Who’s UK concerts in 2004 were the first in their home country since the death of founding member / bassist John Entwistle. As the evening shadows lengthened across the festival site, The Who took to the stage and delivered an incendiary performance packed with hit singles and classic album tracks. The concert more than lived up to the fans’ expectations and memories of 1970.

Disney's Bambi Returns to Home Entertainment in June

"Bambi" arrives home on June 6 with new bonus features, including recordings of Walt Disney!

"Bambi," which celebrates its 75th anniversary this year, joins the Collection on Blu-ray and DVD on June 6. The Signature Collection release includes a variety of new bonus material, including recordings of Walt Disney discussing the challenges and triumphs during the production of "Bambi;" deleted scenes and characters; stories and effects that "Bambi" had on the Studio, other films and artists; and much, much more.
Order now!

Frantz Arrives on DVD/BD on June 13

At once a mysterious, romantic period piece and a somber, soul-searching melodrama, FRANTZ presents a tale of love and reflection as it unfurls in a small German town in the days following World War I through the memories and relationships of loved ones left behind. It is the latest acclaimed film from the prolific French writer/director François Ozon, whose previous critical and commercial successes in the U.S. include Swimming Pool ($10 million domestic box office), 8 Women ($3 million) and Potiche ($1.6 million).

Set in Germany and France in the aftermath of the First World War, FRANTZ recalls the mourning period that follows great national tragedies as seen through the eyes of the war’s “lost generation.” They are Anna (21 year-old Paula Beer in a breakthrough performance), a bereft young German woman whose fiancé, Frantz, was killed during trench warfare, and Adrien (Pierre Niney, Yves Saint Laurent), a French war veteran who shows up mysteriously in Anna’s town, placing flowers on Frantz’s grave. Adrien's presence is met with resistance by the small community still reeling from Germany’s defeat, yet Anna gradually gets closer to the handsome and melancholy young man, as she learns of his deep friendship with Frantz. What follows is an exploration of how Anna and Adrien wrestle with their conflicting feelings - survivor’s guilt, anger at one’s losses, the overriding desire for renewed happiness, and the longing for sexual, romantic and familial attachments.

 Ozon drew his inspiration from a post-WWI play by Maurice Rostand that inspired the 1932 film adaption by Ernst Lubitsch under the title Broken Lullaby. Not surprisingly, Ozon was initially leery about the prospect of “remaking” a film by the late, great filmmaker.

Rock Doc, We Are X Arrives on DVD/BD

On Tuesday, April 25, WE ARE X, the transcendent and captivating rock ‘n’ roll documentary about one of the most successful bands in history, X JAPAN, arrives on Blu-Ray and DVD from Magnolia Home Entertainment under the Magnet Label. From director and acclaimed documentarian Stephen Kijak (Stones in Exile, Scott Walker: 30 Century Man), and produced by the Oscar-winning production team  behind  Searching for Sugar Man, WE ARE X profiles the blockbuster Japanese rock band X JAPAN and its enigmatic frontman YOSHIKI–composer, classically trained pianist, drummer and the creative force behind the band’s wild success.

 

Featuring interviews with Gene Simmons, Marilyn Manson, Stan Lee and more, WE ARE X dives into YOSHIKI’s life and X JAPAN‘s attempt to break into the American music industry. Supported by concert footage, band interviews and fan photos, the compelling film takes a look at X JAPAN‘s hardships and conflicts including suicide and cultism. Also spotlighting the band’s triumphs, WE ARE X explores the group’s phenomenal success, boasting more than 30 million albums and singles sold, countless sold-out concerts around the world, and fans in North America, Europe, Latin America and South East Asia.

THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW Seasons 1,2&3 Coming to DVD

PBS Distribution announced today it is releasing “THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW” on DVD.  “SEASON 1” “SEASON 2” and “SEASON 3” will all be available via B&T. Renowned British bakers Mary Berry, the U.K.’s “doyenne of baking” and a leading cookbook author, and Paul Hollywood, one of the country’s top artisan bakers, serve as the series’ judges. Together with hosts and comic foils Sue Perkins and Mel Giedroyc, Berry and Hollywood search for the country’s best amateur bakers by testing competitors’ skills on cakes, breads, pastries and desserts of all kinds, ultimately crowning a winner after 10 weeks of competition. The series is produced by the award-winning, U.K. - based Love Productions. The U.K. series became the highest-rated food show ever made in Britain.

“THE GREAT BRITISH BAKING SHOW SEASONS 1, 2 AND 3” will be available on DVD April 11, 2017. Each season has a run time of approximately 600 min on 3 discs, and has a DVD SRP of $19.99. All three seasons are also available for digital download.

The program follows the trials and tribulations of 12 passionate amateurs whose goal is to be named the U.K.’s best. Each week, the bakers from diverse backgrounds tackle a different skill, the difficulty of which increases as the competition unfolds. In each episode, the challenges come in three categories: a Signature Bake that tests the bakers’ personality, creative flair and baking ability; a Technical Bake, in which all bakers are given the same basic recipe, with ingredients and minimal instructions; and the Showstopper Bake, in which the competitors must display refined depths of skill and talent. PBS will present BBC’s fourth season of the series, which received both critical and audience acclaim in the U.K. for its quick pace, lively comedic tone and competitor diversity.  

The series was created by Anna Beattie and Richard McKerrow. Executive producer is Anna Beattie.

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.”

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.

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.