Showing posts with label Behind The Scenes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Behind The Scenes. Show all posts

Saturday, October 26, 2019

I'll Never Forget You: The Last 72 Hours of Lynyrd Skynyrd


I'll Never Forget You: The Last 72 Hours Of Lynyrd Skynyrd
coming to DVD on December 13th
Survivors' firsthand accounts of the wild times, the 72 hours leading to the crash, the crash itself and its aftermath

At the height of their fame in 1977, southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd, was struck with tragedy -- a plane crash that killed the band's founder and lead singer Ronnie Van Zant along with Steve Gaines, backup singer Cassie Gaines, assistant road manager Dean Kilpatrick, pilot Walter McCreary and co-pilot William Gray. I'll Never Forget You: The Last 72 Hours of Lynyrd Skynyrd chronicles the story of three survivors: security guard Gene Odom, lead backup singer Leslie Hawkins, and guitar tech Craig Reed. These survivors give their firsthand accounts of the wild times of the band, the 72 hours leading to the crash, the harrowing crash itself and its aftermath. 

The documentary features original behind-the-scenes film footage of life with the band before the crash, dramatic reenactments illustrating key dramatic scenes, and high-end CG animations--including a simulation of the plane crash that matches the NTSB report. Rare interviews with four first responders were also captured, filmed on location at the crash site in Gillsburg, Mississippi. Based on Gene's book, I'll Never Forget You, this documentary offers the fond remembrance of one man's journey with this legendary band, but more importantly, the loss of his dearest friend. Gene's unique perspective and down-to-earth sensibility grants unique access to the behind-the-scenes story, the celebration and the tragedy. 

The film weaves the three survivors' stories together to paint a picture of what might have been and the web of tragic decisions leading to the plane crash that forever altered their lives -- and Lynyrd Skynyrd's place in history.

Saturday, August 19, 2017

Saturday Sinema: Between Night and Dawn

  
Remembering George A. Romero...

There's Always VanillaSeason of the Witch, and The Crazies, made between
Night of the Living Dead and Dawn of the Dead, showcase the extraordinary versatility
and dynamism of this irreplaceable American auteur... Three films from the late,
legendary horror director, George A. Romero, showing that although he might
have defined zombie cinema, it didn't define him. 

Synopsis:

THERE'S ALWAYS VANILLA (1971)
Young drifter Chris and beautiful model Lynn embark upon a tumultuous relationship which seems doomed from the outset.
SEASON OF THE WITCH (1972)
Joan Mitchell is a bored housewife whose dissatisfaction with her humdrum life leads to an unhealthy interest in the occult.
 
THE CRAZIES (1973)
A small rural town finds itself in the grip of an infection which sends its hosts into a violent, homicidal frenzy.
 
We like it because:

When George A. Romero passed away in July, the film world didn't just lose its beloved 'King of Zombies', but also a groundbreaking and fearless innovator who inspired not only generations of genre directors, but also experimental and guerilla filmmakers for whom he laid down the template.
 
The three films collected in this box set - two early Seventies 'lost films' and a classic plague panic thriller - show there's more to the legendary director than simply gut-munching ghouls. The comedy romance There's Always Vanilla, psychological thriller Season of the Witch, and infection horror The Crazies - all filmed in and around Pittsburgh - serve to display the broader thematic concerns and auteurist leanings of a skilled craftsman too often pigeonholed within the genre; that said, The Crazies is one of his strongest horror offerings, with memorable performances from Lynn Lowry and Richard Liberty.
Romero managed to inject his films with subtle social allegories, nuanced examinations of the human condition, and just the right amount of black humor, so that they were immediately recognized as his and his alone. The box set showcases the director feeling his way towards the mainstream and showing a formidable assurance in three very distinct genres.
 
This fantastic box set includes brand new restorations of the three films, a lavish 60-page booklet featuring new writing on this fascinating chapter of Romero's career, a wealth of extras including interviews, featurettes and behind the scenes documentaries, reversible sleeves for all three films featuring original and newly-commissioned artwork, and a beautifully designed and striking slipcase featuring an iconic image of the man himself.
 
Pre-order via MVD Shop or on Amazon  

Thursday, October 11, 2012

For Immediate Release: Ike & Tina - On The Road: 1971-72


If you are like me you love classic rock! You also know that despite their tumultuous personal relationship, Ike & Tina Turner were a kick ass music making machine!! I can't tell you all how excited I am for the release of this on November 20th 2012....!


By combining soul music with an explosive stage show, complete with the high energy dance choreography of Tina Turner and the Ikettes, and an ingredient sorely missed in today's soul - gritty rock n' roll - Ike & Tina Turner gained a reputation as one of the great live acts of all-time. In the early 70's, legendary rock photographer Bob Gruen and his wife Nadya toured with Ike & Tina, filming them performing, on the road, and behind the scenes. Now for the first time ever this footage is available to the public... This is a look inside a hardworking band as well as an iconic couple

With portable video recorders not as prominent during that era as they are nowadays, no one has seen scenes like this. But with the release of Ike & Tina: On The Road: 1971-72, fans are finally treated to a must-see behind-the-scenes view of the band, at the peak of their powers. Similar to an earlier DVD set, The New York Dolls: All Dolled Up, the Gruens toured with Ike & Tina and documented everything in black and white (and some color as well). Now, 40 years later, fans get to experience what it was like to be with one of the most popular touring/recording bands of this time period.

In addition to simply awesome renditions of several Ike & Tina classics, we also get a glimpse of the group at work in the recording studio, Tina and the Ikettes practicing their dance routines (and primping their wigs!), and goofing around on airplanes and in airports. We even get to see inside Ike & Tina's house and the couple's funky retro '70s home décor, as Tina cooks dinner for her kids.

A lot has been written about Ike and Tina's relationship over the years (mostly in the negative light). But for many years, they were able to coexist together in the public eye, and in the process, created some of the most exciting and gripping soul/rock music ever recorded. Now with Ike & Tina: On The Road: 1971-72, we have a more than worthy visual accompaniment to their classic sounds. 

"The film Whats Love Got To Do With It? shows why Ike and Tina Turner broke up," says Gruen. "Ike & Tina: On The Road: 1971-72 shows why Ike and Tina were together for twenty years before that."




Track Listing

River Deep, Mountain High 
Pick Me Up (Take Me Where Your Home Is) 
Oh Devil 
Gulf Coast Blues 
Shake A Tail Feather 
There Was A Time 
Heard It Through the Grapevine 
Respect 
A Love Like Yours (Don't Come Knockin' Every Day) 
Under The Weather 
I've Been Loving You Too Long 
Walking the Dog 
You've Got to Get That Feeling 
Try a Little Tenderness 
Proud Mary 
I Smell Trouble 
Shine 
Instrumental Theme Song 
I Want to Take You Higher