Title: Masked and Anonymous (Shout Select / Shout! Factory)
Tell me more: What do actors Jeff Bridges, Penélope Cruz, John Goodman, Jessica Lange, Luke Wilson, Angela Bassett, Val Kilmer and Bruce Dern have in common? All are among the Hollywood greats who appear alongside legendary Bob Dylan in the genre-defying cult classic "Masked And Anonymous." The newly-released Blu-ray edition features the film in high definition and immersive 5.1 audio. Seventeen years after its release, "Masked and Anonymous" remains a groundbreaking and revealing film that works on a myriad of levels. Dylan portrays folk singer-songwriter Jack Fate, a one-time traveling troubadour who is released from jail by his desperate manager to headline an ill-fated benefit concert. The 2003 Larry Charles-directed masterwork ultimately provides a deep appreciation of Dylan's music and mythos amidst a storyline that was far ahead of its time in terms of its look at a nation in decline, the unethical music business, brutal governments and a less-than-objective press. Performing alongside a long parade of acting greats, Dylan is an arresting presence on camera and that palpable on-camera command is enhanced when he performs with his band throughout the movie. In addition to the brilliant feature film, bonus features on the title include a new interview with the director, deleted scenes, a "making of" feature and theatrical trailers. Information: ShoutFactory.com.
Title: CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015 (Time Life)
Tell me more: For more than 50 years, the CMA Awards have featured performances featuring the top names in country music. Now "Country Music's Biggest Night" is showcased for the first time on the blu-ray format in high definition via "CMA Awards Live Greatest Moments: 2008-2015." The parade of performances are strong from the get-go; the title begins with a tender acoustic-flavored "More Like Her" from Miranda Lambert and winning collaboration featuring Brooks & Dunn with Reba McEntire ("Cowgirls Don't Cry") captured at the 42nd Annual CMA Awards in 2008. The evolution of contemporary country music where traditional stylings are fused with pop, rock and urban tinges is showcased as the telecasts move forward through to the 49th Annual CMA Awards presented in 2015. My favorite performances on the fast-moving 139-minute compilation include the melodic "Need You Now" from Lady Antebellum, "As She's Walking Away" (with the Zac Brown Band and Alan Jackson joining forces), Alan Jackson and George Strait paying tribute to George Jones via an emotional performance of "He Stopped Loving Her Today" and a soulful collaboration where Chris Stapleton and Justin Timberlake performing the mini-medley of "Tennessee Whiskey/Drink You Away." Bonus features on the title include an interview with CMA Awards Executive Producer Robert Deaton, and chapters focused on songstress Miranda Lambert and hit-maker Blake Shelton. Information: TimeLife.com.
Robert Kinsler
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