Cult Favorite "UHF" makes 4K UHD debut with 35th Anniversary Edition from Shout! Studios

A true cult classic, exciting news that "Weird Al" Yankovic's "UHF" is coming to 4K UHD in early June 2024...Robert Kinsler

UHF 35th Anniversary Edition  Cult Favorite Beloved by Generations of Fans Makes 4K UHD Debut July 2, 2024 from Shout! Studios

For nearly five decades, multiple   Grammy ™ and Emmy™ award-winning musician and satirist "Weird Al" Yankovic has been entertaining audiences worldwide with his parodies of songs by the biggest stars in the musical universe, as well as his many appearances on television, film, and the concert stage. This July, his cult classic film UHF will make its 4K UHD debut as a two-disc 4K UHD + Blu-ray 35th Anniversary Edition from Shout! Studios. The standard release includes a new 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative, audio commentary with "Weird Al" Yankovic and director Jay Levey, the retrospective panel from San Diego Comic-Con 2014, deleted scenes, behind the scenes footage, easter eggs, and more! Fans who order directly from Shout! Studios will have the option to purchase an exclusive edition of the release bundled with a plethora of new extras. Available in three different configurations, these editions include the two-disc 4K UHD along with various combinations of a site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie, a TV remote stress squeezer, prism sticker of Weird Al, an enamel pin set, and a Spatula City fridge magnet. For more info and to pre-order, please visit ShoutStudios.com   In the cult classic UHF, "Weird Al" Yankovic is George Newman, a hopeless daydreamer who becomes the manager of a small TV station that's losing money as quickly as it's losing viewers. Before long he's programming shows like "Stanley Spadowski's Clubhouse", "Wheel of Fish", and "Raul's Wild Kingdom." But can Channel 62's new popularity save it from sinister forces? To find out... don't touch that dial! Starring "Weird Al" Yankovic (WEIRD: The Al Yankovic Story), Michael Richards (Seinfeld), Kevin McCarthy (Invasion of the Body Snatchers), Fran Drescher (The Nanny), Gedde Watanabe (Sixteen Candles), Victoria Jackson (Saturday Night Live), and more! UHF 35th Anniversary Edition Bonus Features 4K UHD: NEW 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative Audio Commentary with "Weird Al" Yankovic and director Jay Levey BD: NEW 4K scan of the original 35mm camera negative Retrospective Panel From San Diego Comic-Con 2014 Audio Commentary with "Weird Al" Yankovic and director Jay Levey Deleted Scenes Behind-The-Scenes Footage Music Video Production Stills Easter Eggs Promotional Materials   Shout! Studios Exclusive Bundles  Deluxe Bundle: UHF 35th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD (same bonus features as wide release), posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, prism sticker of Weird Al, brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie, TV remote stress squeezer, Spatula City fridge magnet and an enamel pin set Bundle #2: UHF 35th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD (same bonus features as wide release), posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, prism sticker of Weird Al, brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie, TV remote stress squeezer, and a Spatula City fridge magnet Bundle #3: UHF 35th Anniversary Edition 4K UHD (same bonus features as wide release), posters of both original theatrical art and new illustration art, site-exclusive o-card with new illustration, prism sticker of Weird Al and a brand-new Scratch-n-Sniff card for the movie About Shout! Studios Launched in 2003, Shout! Studios is a multiplatform media company specializing in film and TV distribution, development, and production. The company has evolved with the changing entertainment landscape to excel in all forms of content distribution, including theatrical, digital streaming, broadcast and in-flight licensing, physical media, and more. Shout! Studios owns and manages a large portfolio of contemporary and classic feature films, series, animation, and documentaries. The company’s creative acquisition mandate has established it as a leading independent distributor, with partners and properties including Aardman Animations, ALF, The Carol Burnett Show, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, The Johnny Carson Show, the Roger Corman New Horizons Pictures Library, GKIDS, ITV Studios, LAIKA Studios, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in partnership with creator Joel Hodgson), and Sesame Street, alongside many others. Shout! Kids focuses on live-action and animated kids and family properties including anime, and the company releases genre and horror films and television shows under the Scream Factory imprint. Shout! Studios also produces, acquires, and distributes new films, and operates the acclaimed streaming service Shout! TV and its family of FAST channels. Shout! Studios is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Studios, visit ShoutStudios.com

"Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny" on Blu-ray for the first time February 13, 2024 from Shout! Studios

Shout! Factory has just announced that the musical film Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny is coming to Blu-ray next month...Robert Kinsler

From acclaimed comedy rockers Tenacious D comes the hilarious musical epic Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny, available for the first time on Blu-ray February 13, 2024 from Shout! Studios. Starring Jack Black (School of Rock, Super Mario Bros.) and Kyle Gass (The Cable Guy, Elf) and a supporting cast packed with notable musicians and actors including Fred Armisen (Portlandia, SNL), Amy Poehler (Parks and Recreation, Upright Citizen's Brigade), Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters, Nirvana) and Ronnie James Dio, this uproarious comedic tale is a fan-favorite film that has developed a fervent following since its initial release. 

 

With a new 2K master from film elements, the release also includes a number of bonus features including audio commentary with stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass, audio commentary with director Liam Lynch, behind the scenes featurettes, deleted and extended scenes, and more! Fans can pre-order their copies now at ShoutStudios.com

 

Witness the birth of Tenacious D, the greatest - and craziest - rock band ever "in a movie destined to become the most hilarious musical epic since This Is Spinal Tap" (Pete Hammond, Maxim). Featuring many A-list movie and rock star cameos, this laugh-a-minute riot is sure to have you begging for an encore. On a fateful day in Venice Beach, JB (Jack Black) and KG (Kyle Gass) meet and realize they are destined to make history by combining their musical genius. But when overnight success eludes them, they set out to find the legendary "Pick of Destiny" - a special guitar pick believed to possess magical powers that can make any open mic wannabe a rock legend.  

 

Tenacious D in The Pick of Destiny Bonus Features

• Audio commentary with stars Jack Black and Kyle Gass
• Audio commentary with director Liam Lynch
• Deleted/Extended Scenes
• Archival Featurettes
• Home Movies
•  “Hell O’Clock News” Internet Shorts
• Music Video
• Theatrical Trailer

 

About Shout! Studios

Shout! Studios is a multi-platform media company specializing in film and TV distribution, development, and production. The company has evolved with the changing entertainment landscape to excel in all forms of content distribution, including theatrical, digital streaming, broadcast and in-flight licensing, physical media, and more. Shout! Studios owns and manages a large portfolio of contemporary and classic feature films, series, animation, and documentaries. The company’s creative acquisition mandate has established it as a leading independent distributor, with partners and properties including Aardman Animations, ALF, The Carol Burnett Show, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, the Roger Corman New Horizons Pictures Library, GKIDS, Studio Ghibli, ITV Studios, The Johnny Carson Show, LAIKA Studios, Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in partnership with creator Joel Hodgson), and Sesame Street, alongside many others. Shout! Kids focuses on live-action and animated kids and family properties including anime, and the company releases genre and horror films and television shows under the Scream Factory imprint. Shout! Studios also produces, acquires, and distributes new films, and operates the acclaimed streaming service Shout! TV and its family of FAST channels. Shout! Studios is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Studios, visit ShoutStudios.com

Blu-ray Essentials: 'Weird: The Al Yankovic Story', Bill Idol's 'State Line

Those looking to get the perfect gift for a favorite music lover in their life should consider picking up one or both of the terrific titles featured in this column.

Movie Title: Weird: The Al Yankovic Story (Shout! Factory)

You might like if you enjoy: "Weird Al" Yankovic, 1980s music, "This Is Spinal Tap" rockumentary, actor Daniel Radcliffe

Tell me more: "Weird Al" Yankovic's unique career path forged by a groundbreaking artist who writes, records and performs songs that are extremely funny while also poking fun at the world around him has made him a favorite since the late 1970s. Now the 2022 parody biopic Weird: The Al Yankovic Story has been released (the film is available on 4K UHD, Blu-ray and DVD formats) to own. Directed by Eric Appel, the film stars Daniel Radcliffe as "Weird Al" along with Evan Rachel Wood and Rainn Wilson. Not only is Weird: The Al Yankovic Story a compelling and seriously funny flick, but the newly issued title (released by Shout! Factory on Dec. 12, 2023) features a slew of terrific bonus features of interest to fans of the film and the multi-Grammy Award winning Yankovic. The "4K Ultra HD" version reviewed by this writer includes a new 4K master with HDR and Dolby Vision, a new audio commentary with Yankovic and Appel, a new presentation of deleted/extended/alternate scenes hosted by Yankovic and Appel, and a featurette on the making of the film. Additionally, there are movie trailers and promos, press interviews with the cast and crew, the lyric video for "Now You Know" and a fun "Late Night with Seth Meyers" interview with Yankovic and Radcliffe. Information: shoutfactory.com.

Artist: Billy Idol 
Title: State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam (MVD Visual)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, New Wave rock

Tell me more: Following its successful limited theatrical run, Billy Idol's historic and rousing performance at the Hoover Dam in April 2023 is now available on both DVD and Blu-ray (the latter reviewed here) courtesy of MVD Visual. The aptly-titled State Line: Live At The Hoover Dam chronicles the first-ever concert ever performed at the dramatic setting located on the Nevada/Arizona state line; Idol along with his terrific band and several notable guests are definitely up for the occasion and the film and bonus features capture every moment of the event. The audio and video quality on the Blu-ray are truly outstanding and the viewer is treated to a front row seat at every turn. Directed by George Scott and Vincent Adam Paul, the highlight of the title is the 16-track full length concert where Idol performs a mix of his enduring rock hits and compelling new songs. 

Billy Idol performing at the Hoover Dam.
Photo credit: Jane Stuart

Kicking things off with a hard rocking "Cradle of Love," Idol and the troupe of other musicians and backup singers are obviously having as much fun as the intimate crowd of 250 fans treated to attend the show in person. Sex Pistols guitarist Steve Jones and No Doubt bassist Tony Kanal join in the fun on "Dancing With Myself." There is not a single wasted moment during the performance; early standouts include the dynamic "Flesh for Fantasy" (featuring spectacular guitar work from Idol's longtime guitarist Steve Stevens), the reflective mid-tempo rocker "Bitter Taste," and semi-acoustic "Eyes Without a Face" where Idol showcases his strong vocals. Late performance highlights include a strong performance of "John Wayne" with Idol sharing lead vocals with singer Alison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), the confessional melodic rocker "Running From The Ghost," spirted extended version of "Blue Highway," and rousing closer "White Wedding." Bonus features include an exclusive Q&A with Steve Stevens and an acoustic performance of "To Be A Lover," "Eyes Without a Face" and Rebel Yell." There is also a colorful six-panel concert booklet. Information: billyidol.net.

Robert Kinsler

Tune in to the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" Turkey Day Marathon on Shout! Factory TV!

Plan to tune into the "Mystery Science Theater 3000" Turkey Day Marathon this Thursday! Robert Kinsler

Shout! Factory TV and Joel Hodgson’s 

Alternaversal Productions Present the 2021

Mystery Science Theater 3000 Turkey Day Marathon

Tune In for Exclusive News About the Movies Appearing in Season 13!   It wouldn’t be Thanksgiving without turkey—cinematic turkey, that is! This Thanksgiving, break out the pureed giblets, crack open some canned wassail and join your fellow MSTies for the beloved annual Mystery Science Theater 3000 Turkey Day Marathon. Hosted by Jonah Ray, Emily Marsh, Tom Servo, Crow T. Robot, and GPC2, this year’s event will include special exclusive announcements regarding the films being used for Season 13.    Starting at 9 am ET / 6 am PT on Thursday, November 25, the marathon will feature an extended lineup of eight classic MST3K episodes, with four chosen by fans via a bracket elimination poll and four chosen by Joel Hodgson and the creative team behind Season 13. This year’s marathon will feature new host segments with upcoming Season 13 cast members Jonah Ray, Emily Marsh, Tom Servo (Conor McGiffin), Crow (Nate Begle), and GPC2 (Yvonne Freese). Throughout the marathon, exclusive teasers will reveal each of the 13 films that will be riffed in the show’s upcoming thirteenth season, which will premiere exclusively on the show’s new virtual online theater, the Gizmoplex, in 2022.   Check out a promo for this year’s marathon here:

Visit MST3KTurkeyDay.com  for info on how to watch the Turkey Day marathon and participate in Turkey Day festivities during the event by using the hashtag #MST3KTurkeyDay.    For updates on all things Mystery Science Theater 3000, follow @MST3K, @ShoutFactoryTV and @ShoutFactory on Twitter, MST3K on Facebook, and follow @MST3K on Instagram. To keep up to date on all MST3K news, visit MST3K.org.

Joel Hodgson, creator of "Mystery Science Theater 3000," successfully funds Kickstarter Campaign to #MakeMoreMST3K and #BuildTheGizmoplex

Wonderful news that new episodes of Mystery Science Theater 3000 will be arriving soon...Robert Kinsler

Joel Hodgson, Creator of Mystery Science Theater 3000, Successfully Funds Kickstarter Campaign To #MakeMoreMST3K and #BuildTheGizmoplex    Campaign Raises Over $6.5 Million in 30 Days to Produce New Season & Launch Virtual Theater for Live Community Events

The Peabody Award™-winning comedy television series Mystery Science Theater 3000, one of the most beloved TV shows of all time, will be returning for 13th season thanks to a successful Kickstarter campaign helmed by series creator and former host Joel Hodgson, and supported by legions of devoted fans. The campaign, which concluded at 8 pm PT on Friday, May 7, raised over $6.5 million in 30 days. This will allow Hodgson to produce 13 episodes of the show, including the series’ first 3-D episode, 12 new short film riffs, and build “the Gizmoplex,” a new virtual theater and online community hub that will be the exclusive home of the next season for its initial run. Embracing a direct-to-fan distribution model allows Hodgson to honor one of the most common requests he hears from fans: releasing each new episode one at a time as they are ready for release, rather than holding them until the entire season is complete. Once it has been launched, Hodgson and his team plan to use the Gizmoplex to host live episode premieres, real-time watch parties and special live events year-round. Fans who were unable to participate in the Kickstarter will still have a chance to get involved with MST3K’s next season, starting with a “late pledge” period that will allow them to pledge for campaign-exclusive rewards and experiences.  In fact, in an echo of the 2015 Kickstarter campaign, fan demand for more MST3K exceeded even Hodgson’s estimation. The campaign’s original goal was to raise $5.5 million, the number needed to cover campaign expenses, launch the Gizmoplex, and produce a full season of 12 brand-new, feature-length episodes and 12 new short film riffs. But in the campaign’s final 12 hours, as fans raced past the original target, Hodgson announced two “stretch goals,” and fans responded, passing the final goal of $6,364,230 million (the total raised during the record-breaking 2015 Kickstarter campaign) during the final hour of the campaign, and raising a grand total of $6,519,019. The additional funds will allow Hodgson to add a 13th episode, a holiday special that will feature Hodgson, Jonah Ray and Emily Marsh as co-hosts.  "When we decided that Kickstarter was our best chance at making more MST3K without a network, we hoped that some of our backers would join up again... but we never dreamed that the response would be even bigger the second time around. We're so humbled and grateful and deliriously happy to be making more MST3K for the people who love it most, and can't wait to get started on 'lucky' Season 13," Hodgson said, adding, "Now we just have to make sure The Mads come through on building the Gizmoplex. I guess we'll wire all the funds to them this afternoon and hope for the best?" “It’s all coming together as planned. Once again, we’ve played the MST3K fanbase like a violin,” said Kinga Forrester, heir to the Forrester Family media empire, from her executive suite in her climate controlled bunker on Moon 13. Her Vice President of distribution, TV’s Son of TV’s Frank, added, “You said it, boss. Now to invest it all in Dogecoin so we can double our money by summer!” “We’re thrilled to be partnering with Joel and Alternaversal on a new season of MST3K and the Gizmoplex,” said Bob Emmer and Garson Foos, co-CEOs of Shout! Factory. “Like Joel, we believe in the enduring appeal of the show, and we’re so grateful to the fans for their support.”  With a fresh batch of cheesy movies to riff, Hodgson will be involved in all facets of production of the new episodes. While MST3K’s next season will feature the return of Felicia Day as Mad “Kinga Forrester” and Patton Oswalt as the evil henchman “Max” a.k.a “TV’s Son of TV’s Frank,” The Mads will have even bigger plans for global domination, and they involve forcing multiple test subjects to riff movies, each from a different location! Jonah Ray will return as host “Jonah Heston” alongside Baron Vaughn as “Tom Servo,” Hampton Yount as “Crow T. Robot” and Rebecca Hanson as “GPC 1” aboard The Satellite of Love. MST3K LIVE’s Emily Marsh joins the series’ cast as host “Emily Connor” alongside MST3K LIVE’s Conor McGiffin as “Tom Servo,” Nate Begle as “Crow T. Robot,” and Yvonne Freese as “GPC 2” and “Mega Synthia.” Original series cast members Mary Jo Pehl and J. Elvis Weinstein will be appearing in the new season, and Hodgson is also confirmed to host two episodes next season, reprising his original role as test subject “Joel Robinson,” the character he played in the first five seasons of the series, during its run on Comedy Central.  Throughout the production process, Hodgson and team will keep MST3K’s backers informed and involved with regular updates on Kickstarter and MakeMoreMST3K.com. For additional info visit MST3K.org, or follow MST3K on Facebook (facebook.com/MST3K), Twitter (@MST3K) and Instagram (@MST3K).

'Just a Gigolo' starring David Bowie out on Blu-ray, DVD & Digital on June 29 from Shout! Factory

A 1978 classic starring David Bowie and film legend Marlene Dietrich - in her final role - will get its long-awaited release on June 29, 2021...Robert Kinsler

Los Angeles, CA –On June 29, 2021, Shout! Factory proudly presents Just a Gigolo on Blu-ray for the first time. The film will also be available on DVD, on digital and on demand the same day. The drama starring David Bowie has been newly remastered from original sources, presenting the film for the first time ever in high definition. The release comes complete with a 32-page booklet and with bonus features including The Making of Gigolo with Producer/Writer Joshua Sinclair and Assistant to the Director Rory MacLean, as well as audio commentary with Rory MacLean. Fans can pre-order their copies from shoutfactory.com now.    Paul von Przygodski (David Bowie), a young Prussian gentleman, arrives in the trenches in time to be caught in the final explosion of the Great War. After recuperating in a military hospital, where he is mistaken for a French hero, he returns to Berlin. His family home has been turned into a boarding house, his father (Rudolf Schündler) is paralyzed, and his mother (Maria Schell) is working in the Turkish baths.   Attempting to find a new purpose, his childhood friend, Cilly (Sydne Rome), abandons him for fame and fortune; his former commanding officer, Captain Kraft (David Hemmings), tries to persuade him to join his right-wing movement and a widow, Helga von Kaiserling (Kim Novak), briefly seduces him with the finer things in life.   In a society where the individual comes first and anyone can be bought, he is recruited by Baroness von Semering (Marlene Dietrich) as one in her regiment of gigolos.   The cynical and decadent world of entertaining rich widows leads an increasingly disillusioned Paul to a poignant, chilling end.   Bonus Features: 32-Page Booklet The Making of Gigolo with Producer/Writer Joshua Sinclair and Assistant to the Director Rory MacLean Audio Commentary with Rory MacLean

About Shout! Factory Shout! Factory, LLC is a leading multi-platform media company devoted to film and TV distribution, development, and production, as well as the preservation and revitalization of the very best in pop-culture entertainment. Founded by Richard Foos, Bob Emmer, and Garson Foos in 2003, Shout! owns and manages a large portfolio of films, contemporary and classic TV series, animation, and documentaries. The company’s creative acquisition mandate has established it as a leading independent distributor, with partners and properties including GKIDS, Sesame Street, The Carol Burnett Show, The Johnny Carson Show, IFC Films, Stephen J. Cannell Productions, ITV Studios, Major League Baseball Productions, and many others. Shout! Factory Kids focuses on live-action and animated kids and family properties, and the company releases films and television shows in other genres under the Scream Factory and Shout Select imprints. Shout! develops, acquires and distributes new films via Shout! Studios, owns and operaates libraries including Mystery Science Theater 3000 (in partnership with creator Joel Hodgson) and the Roger Corman New Horizon Pictures Library, and operates the acclaimed streaming service Shout! Factory TV. Shout! Factory is based in Los Angeles, California. For more on Shout! Factory, visit shoutfactory.com.

'Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band' 1978 film discussion

Watch Music Worth Buying co-hosts TJR and Robert Kinsler discuss the 1978 cult classic "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" film starring Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees. View the episode HERE.

Essential special editions revisit lost cult-worthy classics

There has always been a forceful link between cinema and music extending far beyond the role that a strong instrumental score plays in helping define a movie. In addition to the success of great musicals, the importance of theme songs, commercial soundtracks and the appearance of well-known musicians in major films have all helped elevate the link between music and movies for more than 60 years. In this week's column I highlight some notable titles that tap into that synergy.

Title: Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band (Shout! Factory)

Artists: Peter Frampton, The Bee Gees, Earth Wind & Fire, Billy Preston, Aerosmith, more

You might like if you enjoy: The Bee Gees, Peter Frampton, Aerosmith, Earth Wind & Fire, Billy Preston, Steve Martin

Tell me more: Not everyone has seen – or even heard of – the 1978 cinematic musical comedy "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band" despite the bona fide star power of the film’s key players – Peter Frampton and The Bee Gees. That is surprising when you consider the inclusion of more than 20 Beatles-penned classics and the production talents of George Martin and engineering skills of Geoff Emerick; the list of artists and actors who appear in the film extends from George Burns, Donald Pleasence and Steve Martin to Aerosmith, Alice Cooper, Billy Preston and Earth Wind & Fire. 

The renewed interest in Peter Frampton (who is battling "inclusion body myositis," a progressive muscle disorder) and Rock and Roll Hall of Fame trio the Bee Gees (their story is chronicled in the acclaimed must-see 2020 documentary “How Can You Mend a Broken Heart”) has led to a reexamination of "Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band."  And the availability of a wonderful 2017 Blu-ray edition of the film released by Shout Factory allows the film to be seen and heard by many for the first time. This is not a perfect film, but there is definitely enough charm, sincerity and magic to encourage a viewing of the flick. The two-disc soundtrack for the film is also available on audio CD and via vinyl. Information: ShoutFactory.com.

Title: Saturday Night Fever: Deluxe Edition (Capitol Records)

Artists: The Bee Gees, Yvonne Elliman, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, more

You might like if you enjoy: The Bee Gees, K.C. & The Sunshine Band, Kool & The Gang

Tell me more: In honor of its 40th anniversary, the highest-selling soundtrack album in history was re-released via a deluxe two-disc edition in 2017. Disc one features the original 17-track soundtrack (including four No. 1 hits for The Bee Gees) along with potent tracks from '70s favorites Yvonne Elliman, Kool & The Gang, KC & The Sunshine Band and others. The second disc includes four new mixes by GRAMMY Award winner Serban Ghenea of The Bee Gees' "Stayin' Alive," "Night Fever," "How Deep Is Your Love" and "You Should Be Dancing." Information: universalmusicenterprises.com.

Title: Prince: Sign 'o' the Times

Artists: Prince (Paisley Park)

You might like if you enjoy: Prince, James Brown

Tell me more: Prince was at the peak of his illustrious career when he was captured in 1987 for the concert documentary "Sign 'o' the Times" (available to view on the Peacock streaming service and via Amazon Prime). The film was shot on the heels of the release of his terrific 1987 album Sign 'o' the Times (his ninth studio album, and often cited as his greatest full-length studio set). The propulsive "Play in the Sunshine,"  enthralling "Little Red Corvette" (bolstered by Prince's piano playing), rousing "Housequake" (with Prince offering up some great James Brown dance moves) and soulful joy "I Could Never Take the Place of Your Man" are early standouts in the documentary. There are also compelling takes on some of his most-beloved songs including the funky "U Got The Look," R&B gems "If I Was Your Girlfriend" and "Forever In My Life," and inspired rocker "The Cross," all of which help make this remastered film one of the best ways to experience the thrill of a Prince concert when the acclaimed artist was at the height of his powers. His band for the film included Sheila E. on drums and percussion, Miko Weaver on guitar, Levi Seacer Jr. on bass, Eric Leeds on sax, and a number of amazing dancers who collectively keep the momentum moving across all 84 minutes of the fast-moving film. Information: prince.com. 

Title: Silent Running (Arrow Video)

Music: Songs performed by Joan Baez; songs written by Peter Schickele and Diane Lampert; soundtrack written by Peter Schickele

You might like if you enjoy: Joan Baez, '70s soundtracks

Tell me more: It's hard to believe that a science fiction film released in 1972 resonates more today than at the time of its release. "Silent Running," the directorial debut from visual effects master Douglas Trumbull ("2001: A Space Odyssey," "The Andromeda Strain," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind") bore little in common with the blockbuster likes of "Star Wars" and "Star Trek: The Motion Picture" that came a few years later. Indeed, here was a film that looked at an Earth in the near future, stripped of all flora and fauna; the only remaining ecosystems were preserved in massive domes attached to large spaceships. When a decision is made by the U.S. government to destroy the biospheres and return the spaceships to commercial use, there are devastating consequences. The film (which stars acclaimed actor Bruce Dern as Freeman Lowell) has just been released on Blu-ray for the first time ever and the masterful use of original songs sung by folk legend Joan Baez as well as evocative instrumental music from composer Peter Schickele and groundbreaking sound effects are the equal of the film's sci-fi setting. It is alien to audiences today, but the use of music in the film is heightened throughout the aptly-titled "Silent Running" because there are frequent stretches where there is little or no music used. The Blu-ray released by Arrow Video has a plethora of bonus features, including an isolated music and effects track. There is also a feature titled "No Turning Back," a new video interview with film music historian Jeff Bond on the film's masterful score. Information: https://mvdb2b.com/s/AV300.  

Robert Kinsler