Foundrywire

As the world reflects during International Holocaust Remembrance Day (January 27), on the horrors perpetrated on millions KOCH Lorber Films will release to DVD a significant film dedicated to the provocative and largely unknown story of the 60-year relationship between the film industry and the atrocities of Nazi Germany. IMAGINARY WITNESS: HOLLYWOOD AND THE HOLOCAUST, a powerful and captivating audience favorite at more than 50 film festivals around the world and the centerpiece of dozens of conferences at theaters, universities, and museums from Warsaw to Washington, will make its DVD debut on January 27 for $24.98 SRP.

A film set during a crucial point in modern history, director Pavel Lungin’s TAXI BLUES was among the first works to address the coming end of the Soviet Union and the beginnings of the new Russia. The story of two men representing the old ways and the new, the critically-lauded 1990 festival favorite led the way for such films such as Russian Ark and Mother and Son and was a Best Foreign Language Nominee for the Golden Globes and the Independent Spirit Awards. And, on January 20, KOCH Lorber Films brings TAXI BLUES to DVD for the very first time, a must-have addition to the home entertainment library of every world cinema aficionado at $24.98SRP.

A stunning twist of events leads to a spree of violence in SHUT UP AND SHOOT!, a new wave Hollywood dark comedic satire, debuting on DVD this January exclusively from KOCH Vision. Filmmaker Silvio Pollio wrote, directed, produced and starred in this Official Selection of the California Independent Film Festival, which features a star-studded cast including hilarious turns by Gary Busey, Tom Sizemore and Daniel Baldwin, as well as former wrestling legend-turned-actor Roddy Piper, Joe Estevez, John Savage and more. The SHUT UP AND SHOOT! DVD includes deleted scenes, a “making of” featurette, a promo reel and arrives in-stores on January 13 for $24.98 SRP.

This January, KOCH Vision brings CAPTAINS AND THE KINGS, the acclaimed, nine-hour mini-series based on the best-selling novel by Taylor Caldwell to DVD for the very first time. Originally airing on NBC in 1976, just four years after the New York Times best-seller was first published, the fictional rags-to-riches tale follows Irish immigrant Joseph Armagh through his rise to power in the late 1800’s, but draws undeniable parallels to the real life story of Joseph Kennedy. Richard Jordan (The Hunt for Red October, Dune) won the Golden Globe® award for Best TV Actor for his portrayal of Armagh, and Patty Duke (“The Patty Duke Show”, Miracle Worker) earned her second Emmy for her role as Armagh’s wife, Bernadette. The captivating 3-DVD set arrives in stores on January 20 for $39.98SRP

This January, KOCH Vision revisits the 1970s-era ghettos of South Central Los Angeles as the 1978 theatrical adaptation of A HERO AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT A SANDWICH arrives on DVD. Alice Childress' novel remains one of the most profound explorations of a drug addict’s world ever written, and her screenplay is equally as “wrenchingly honest” (Playboy). Cicely Tyson (Fried Green Tomatoes) and Paul Winfield (The Terminator), both nominated for Academy Awards for their roles in Sounder, reunite for this heart wrenching story about a family struggling with the issues of teenage drug use and crime in their poverty-stricken neighborhood. Called “a cinema treasure…a collection of breathtaking performances that leaves us awestruck ”, A HERO AIN’T NOTHIN’ BUT A SANDWICH arrives in stores on DVD January 27 for $14.98 SRP.

Spoof, dope, crank, creep, bomb, spank, bang, zip, tweak, shard: whatever you call it, the methamphetamine epidemic is ravaging the Midwest. This February, the award-winning indie which takes an unflinching fictional look at the out-of-control drug problem facing Middle America will debut on DVD from KOCH Vision. Written, directed, produced by and starring newcomer Matt Farnsworth (Sibling, Losing Grace), IOWA also features Rosanna Arquette (Pulp Fiction, Crash), John Savage (The Deer Hunter, The Thin Red Line) and Michael T. Weiss (“Bones,” Freeway) in a cautionary tale in the tradition of Requiem for a Dream and Drugstore Cowboy. IOWA also includes the bonus documentary Dying for Meth (along with the edited version Poor Man’s Dope), an eye-opening biography of an Iowa family in crisis. The searing tale of love and addiction arrives in stores on February 10 for $24.98SRP.

Considered one of the most important and influential creative figures in the history of British television, Dennis Potter created numerous widely-acclaimed television dramas. Often powerful and controversial, his groundbreaking works continue to enthrall audiences worldwide. This February, KOCH Vision brings to DVD for the first time three exquisite but rarely-seen teleplays shot on location and specifically produced for London Weekend Television. Feature-length dramas Cream In My Coffee, Blade On The Feather and Rain On The Roof, as well as Potter’s 1994 final television interview, arrive as DENNIS POTTER: 3 TO REMEMBER, a new 3-DVD set available in stores February 10 for $39.98 SRP

Continuing the celebration of culturally and historically significant productions from the Golden Age of Television, KOCH Vision and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences announce the DVD debut of WHAT MAKES SAMMY RUN?, 50 years after the drama originally aired on television. WHAT MAKES SAMMY RUN? is the newest release under The Archive of American Television Presents line, a product of the newly-formed collaboration between KOCH Vision and the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. “What Makes Sammy Run?” first aired in two parts in 1959 as part of the “NBC Sunday Showcase” and starred Tony award-winning Broadway actor Larry Blyden (A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum) as title character “Sammy Glick.” The DVD arrives in stores for the first time ever on February 10 for $24.98 SRP.

Based on the success and universal acclaim for the recent 8-disc boxed set release, SHELLEY DUVALL’S FAERIE TALE THEATRE, this February, KOCH Vision spins more fairy tale gold from the treasured ‘80s TV series with two new, specially-priced collections! FAERIE TALE THEATRE: TALES FROM THE BROTHERS GRIMM contains updated versions of the best-loved Grimm stories “Hansel & Gretel,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Rapunzel” and “Rumpelstiltskin. FAERIE TALE THEATRE: FUNNY TALES includes the episodes “The Frog Prince,” “Pinnochio,” “The Princess Who Had Never Laughed” and “The Three Little Pigs,” starring funny men Robin Williams, Billy Crystal, Paul Reubens and Howie Mandel. These magical DVDs arrive February 10, and will each be available for $14.98SRP.

Kids can’t get enough of LIFE WITH DEREK, the Disney Channel’s smash hit series starring hot teen stars Ashley Leggat and Michael Seater. Currently in its fourth season, this modern-day twist on the Brady Bunch remains tops with kids in its time slot (ages 6-14). On February 10, KOCH Vision will release four handpicked, fan-favorite episodes on DVD when LIFE WITH DEREK: LET THE GAMES BEGIN arrives in stores for $14.98SRP. Featuring four episodes from the first and second seasons, this fun-filled DVD also includes a bonus “House of Games” interactive trivia challenge and a collectible, full-color 8” x 20” locker poster!

In the winter of 2007, celebrated singer-songwriter Joni Mitchell and Alberta Ballet Artistic Director Jean Grand-Maître joined forces to create an exhilarating and emotional production blending Mitchell’s music and art with Grand-Maître’s choreography. Their collaboration resulted in an unforgettable narrative ballet that explores the human spirit’s potential to create and destroy, its ability to love and hate, as well as its capacity for war and peace. Recorded in High Definition and seen on Bravo! TV in Canada, the once-in-a-lifetime performance film JONI MITCHELL’S THE FIDDLE AND THE DRUM, which captures this truly inspiring spectacle, arrives on DVD February 10 for $19.99 SRP from KOCH Vision.

In 1939, animation pioneers Max and Dave Fleischer (Betty Boop, Popeye, Superman) made motion picture history when Paramount Pictures released their masterpiece, Gulliver’s Travels, the second feature-length animated film produced by a U.S. studio. This enchanting adaptation of Jonathan Swift’s classic 18th century novel went on to earn two Academy Award® nominations for Best Original Song (“Faithful Forever”) and Best Score, and is considered one of the greatest achievements in animation history. Seventy years later, E1 Entertainment proudly presents a digitally restored, re-mastered and enhanced MAX FLEISCHER’S GULLIVER’S TRAVELS on DVD ($14.98 SRP) and – for the first time ever in any HD format – Blu-ray ($19.98 SRP). This painstakingly crafted edition includes the complete 77 minute feature plus two fully restored “Gabby” cartoons and the Fleischer Studios documentary short “The Making of a Cartoon” – all contributing to make this the most definitive version of the film ever released on any home entertainment format.

This March, E1 Entertainment releases two outstanding DVD titles as part of their Imperial War Museum Collection. These Oscar® winning documentaries, DESERT VICTORY (1944) and THE TRUE GLORY (1946), are presented on DVD for the first time, each providing a permanent visual record of the WWII military campaigns in North Africa and Europe. Each 2-DVD set features four additional bonus documentaries, which compliment the feature film with additional footage and information. The IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM: DESERT VICTORY and IMPERIAL WAR MUSEUM: THE TRUE GLORY DVDs are essential viewing for WWII and history aficionados and arrive in stores on March 17 for $24.98SRP each.

Long before Austin Powers claimed the title, John Mannering – the original international man of mystery - traveled the world as an antiques dealer working undercover with the British Intelligence to bring art thieves and shady criminals to justice. Known as The Baron, he was smart, suave, sexy, and a Texan! “The Baron” aired weekly in the U.K. from 1966-1967, and starred American actor Steve Forrest (“S.W.A.T.”, Mommie Dearest) and British actress Sue Lloyd (Revenge of the Pink Panther, The Ipcress File). On March 10, all 30 episodes from the action-packed adventure series arrive on DVD for the first time in a collectible 8-DVD set, complete with new audio introductions and commentaries by Lloyd, director Cyril Frankel, writer Brian Clemons and additional cast and crew. THE BARON: THE COMPLETE SERIES will thrill anglophiles and fans of classic television alike when the collection arrives in-stores from E1 Entertainment for $59.98SRP.

In 2002, William Shatner added the title of “Film Director” to his long and storied resume when the sci-fi thriller GROOM LAKE premiered to U.S. audiences. A labor of love, Shatner – who has grossed over $1 billion at the box office -- developed the story, produced and starred in the film, which also features Amy Acker (“Joss Whedon’s Doll House”, “Angel”), Dan Gauthier (“Melrose Place”), Duane Whitaker (Pulp Fiction, The Devil’s Rejects) and Dick Van Patten (Spaceballs, “Eight is Enough”). On March 17, GROOM LAKE arrives on DVD to the delight of science fiction fans and Trekkies alike. E1 Entertainment’s new release of GROOM LAKE contains a brand new, exclusive interview with Shatner, and updated packaging, and will be available in stores for $19.98SRP.

A man leading a privileged life realizes that he cannot have it all in L’INNOCENTE, the final work from the masterful and celebrated Italian filmmaker Luchino Visconti. Hailed upon its premiere at the 1976 Cannes Film Festival, the film makes its American DVD debut on March 10 from Koch Lorber Films. Cut by 14 minutes for its initial commercial engagements, L’INNOCENTE has finally been restored to its original 127-minute length, for viewing as Visconti himself had intended. The DVD, which has an SRP of $24.98, presents the film in 16x9 widescreen (anamorphic). Extras include an interview with the great screenwriter and frequent Visconti collaborator Suso Cecchi d’Amico, who adapted L’INNOCENTE from Gabriele D’Annunzio’s classic novel.

From My Night at Maud’s (1969) and Claire’s Knee (1970) to A Tale of Springtime (1990), feted French auteur Eric Rohmer has, for over five decades, built an influential career on stylizing modern romance into classical love stories. So, it’s fitting that, for what may well be the 88 year-old Academy Award-nominated director’s last film, he chose as his muse, “L’Astrée”, the 17th century pastoral fantasy by Honoré d'Urfe about a lovelorn shepherd in fifth-century Gaul. In the spirit of lyrical, classical Shakespearean fantasies such as “As You Like it” and “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” the 2008 U.S. theatrical release and Venice Film Festival Golden Lion nominee will make its DVD debut on February 10 for $26.98SRP.

Six months after the deadly tsunami hit South Asia on December 26, 2004, Muslim-American and Sri Lankan-born Dr. M. Rahmi Mowjood led a team of American doctors and medical students on a relief trip to his homeland. While aiding villagers in a foreign land, surrounded by devastation and uncertainty, the team emotionally connects with those less fortunate, and discovers that, as citizens of the same small planet, we’re not so different at all. From first-time director Carl Strecker comes BECOMING FAMILY, a poignant, heart-rending festival favorite documentary making its DVD debut on March 17 for $14.95SRP…only from Cinevolve Studios.

This March, Cinevolve Studios invites viewers to discover the dark underbelly Down Under, with the gritty, edgy Australian thriller THE LINE. Set against the backdrop of Melbourne, the feature film debut of award-winning director Michael Adante is an uncompromising and brutal journey into a volatile world of police corruption, where the line between law enforcer and criminal knows few boundaries. Certain to thrill fans of crime dramas and police procedurals – among the most popular of all entertainment genres – THE LINE, following several triumphant film festival premieres, will make its explosive U.S. home entertainment debut on both DVD ($22.95SRP) and Blu-Ray ($29.95SRP).

A little over three decades ago, Star Wars – the first entry in an epic franchise envisioned by George Lucas -- premiered at Mann’s Chinese Theater in Los Angeles. Few could have imagined the long-lasting impact it would have on worldwide pop culture that exists to this day. As of 2008, the six films alone have generated over $4.3 billion, making Star Wars one of the most successful franchises in entertainment history. Add to that the countless thousands of licensed products, and you have a powerful phenomenon that has captivated millions across the globe. And that’s only part of the story….

In 1999, as fanatics eagerly anticipated the release of Episode I, The Phantom Menace, director Tariq Jalil decided to explore this cross-generational phenomenon, so he turned his camera on the fans and the franchise like never before. Called “incredibly clever” by Film Threat, A GALAXY FAR, FAR AWAY shed light, for the first time into how Star Wars struck such a mysterious and powerful chord across all races, genders, and generations. And this March, Cinevolve Studios commemorates this crowd-pleasing documentary with A GALAXY FAR FAR AWAY: 10TH ANNIVERSARY COLLECTOR’S EDITION. Loaded with enough extras to cram the hold of the Millennium Falcon, the digitally-remastered DVD will warp into stores on March 24 for $19.95SRP.

Even before it was released, Russian director Alexey Balabanov’s CARGO 200 was acknowledged as one of the most significant – and disturbing – films of the year. Called “a bitter treat for strong-stomached, adventurous audiences tired of safe arthouse fare ” and “the year’s grizzliest cinematic ghost-ride ,” this gritty neo-thriller based on actual events expertly paints an unremittingly dark and unflinching portrait of the decline of the Soviet era. And now, this bold and controversial film – an official selection of more than 35 international film festivals, including Venice, Telluride, Rotterdam and Los Angeles – makes its DVD debut on April 28 for $24.95SRP from The Disinformation Company.