Category: Documentary

19Jul

[VOD NEWS] DR. DEATH: THE UNDOCTORED STORY To Air On STAN

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After the spine-tingling premiere of Stan’s acclaimed true crime drama series Dr. Death, Stan today announced the brand new four-part docuseries, Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story, will premiere Friday, 30 July only on Stan.

To watch and share the trailer, click here: https://youtu.be/MwCfzc_tUZM​

Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story is the first docuseries about Dr. Christopher Duntsch – nicknamed “Dr. Death” – an infamous neurosurgeon who was sentenced to life imprisonment after maiming, harming, or killing 33 patients who came in for complex but routine spinal surgeries in the Dallas, Texas area in the early 2010s. 

The four part docuseries will offer audiences the chance to hear and see the whole story, told by the real people who survived it. In addition to interviews with the real-life Dr. Robert Henderson, Dr. Randall Kirby and Michelle Shughart (played by Alec Baldwin, Christian Slater and AnnaSophia Robb, respectively, in the scripted series), the docuseries will feature new conversations with others closest to Duntsch and his criminal case including Jerry Summers, Duntsch’s best friend who he paralyzed following two surgeries; Wendy Young, the ex-girlfriend of Duntsch and mother to his two sons; Dr. Joy Gathe-Ghermay, the anesthesiologist during Jerry Summer’s horrific surgery; Dr. Mark Hoyle, a Texas surgeon who physically tried to stop Duntsch during a surgery; Tex Muse and Pamela Trusty, two of Duntsch’s victims; and lawyers from the trial.

The story was popularised by Wondery’s 2018 podcast Dr. Death. The scripted true crime drama series, starring Joshua Jackson, with Christian Slater and Alec Baldwin, is now streaming only on Stan.

Produced by UCP, a division of Universal Studio Group, Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story is executive produced and directed by Sara Mast. Aaron Hart, Hernan Lopez and Marshall Lewy executive produce on behalf of Wondery.

Dr. Death: The Undoctored Story premieres 30 July, only on Stan.
Every episode of the true crime drama series Dr. Death is now streaming.

19Jul

[VOD NEWS] STUNTMAN Trailer Released

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Disney+ revealed the official trailer and key art for “Stuntman,” streaming on Friday, July 23.  The documentary film follows legendary stuntman Eddie Braun as he attempts one of the most dangerous stunts in history. Contemplating retirement and having survived over three decades of hellacious car crashes, explosions, high falls and death-defying leaps, Eddie decides to complete what his childhood hero never finished – the infamous Snake River Canyon rocket jump – an audacious televised event that almost killed famed daredevil, Evel Knievel.

“Stuntman” is executive produced by Dwayne Johnson, Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia and Brian Gewirtz from Seven Bucks Productions. Producers from Driven Pictures are Steven Golebiowski, Eddie Braun and Kurt Mattila. Mattila also directed and edited the feature documentary. Kelly Knievel serves as executive producer. “Stuntman” includes music by Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.

16Jul

[VOD NEWS] BEHIND THE ATTRACTION Trailer Released

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Disney+ revealed the official trailer for “Behind the Attraction.” Narrated by Paget Brewster (“Criminal Minds”), the 10-part series gives viewers an exclusive peek “behind the curtain” of the most beloved attractions and destinations at Disney Parks and Resorts around the world, from Jungle Cruise to “it’s a small world” to the Haunted Mansion to Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

“Behind the Attraction” delves into Disney Parks’ rich, amazing history using archival and never-before-seen footage and photographs to unveil how the attractions came to be and how they’ve been refined over the years as new ideas surface and technology evolves.  “Behind the Attraction” begins streaming on Wednesday, 21 July, on Disney+ with five episodes at launch, and five additional episodes coming to service later this year.

The following episodes will be available on Disney+ on Wednesday, July 21:
Jungle Cruise
Join a skipper for the story behind Jungle Cruise, and try to spot the backside of water! When Walt decided to create the original immersive attraction, he tasked Imagineers with building a river AND the mechanical animals to populate it. 

Haunted Mansion 
Welcome, foolish mortals, to the Haunted Mansion — enter if you dare! When Walt Disney developed the attraction, he didn’t specify if it should be funny or scary, and so it became a perfect blend of both. 

Star Tours
Lightspeed to Endor! A long time ago…Disney created Star Tours, a thrilling simulator attraction that takes guests to a galaxy far, far away. It inspired Imagineers to build a whole new land — Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge.

The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror
Discover the ups (and downs!) of creating this gravity-defying attraction set in the eerie world of Rod Serling’s renowned “Twilight Zone” television series. Then hold on tight as Imagineers reimagine the Disney California Adventure Park version as Guardians of the Galaxy – Mission: BREAKOUT!

Space Mountain
You’re about to hear the story of Space Mountain in T-minus 5, 4, 3, 2, 1…launch! Walt’s vision of an attraction that simulates space travel was a design challenge Imagineer John Hench tackled head on, creating a signature structure in Disney Parks around the world.  
 

“Behind the Attraction” is executive produced by Dwayne Johnson (“Jungle Cruise”), Dany Garcia, Hiram Garcia, Brian Gewirtz and Kevin Hill from Seven Bucks Productions, and Brian Volk-Weiss (“The Toys That Made Us”), Robin Henry and Cisco Henson from The Nacelle Company. Brian Volk-Weiss directs the series. 

14Jul

[VOD NEWS] DISNEY GALLERY Takes A Look At THE MANDALORIAN

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In last year’s Season 2 finale of “Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” the appearance of a young Luke Skywalker was one of the biggest reveals and best-kept secrets of the acclaimed show thus far. Reaction to the episode was emotionally-charged for many, deeply resonating with generations of fans who were elated to see the Jedi Master in his post-Return of the Jedi prime. The story of the cutting-edge technology used to bring Luke back is the subject of a special extra episode of “Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian,” debuting August 25 on Disney+.

“Making of the Season 2 Finale” is a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this celebrated “chapter” of “The Mandalorian,” with a focus on the technology used for recreating Luke Skywalker. It delves into the collaborative process, including working with Mark Hamill, to create an authentic and fitting recreation, and explores the immense pressure and responsibility the filmmakers had in bringing back one of the most important characters in film history. 

The Television Academy recognised the second season of “The Mandalorian” earlier today with 24 Emmy award nominations, including Best Drama Series.

“Disney Gallery: Star Wars: The Mandalorian – Making of the Season 2 Finale” will premiere on August 25 exclusively on Disney+. 

13Jul

[FILM REVIEW] VINYL NATION Review (2020)

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Summary:  Explores the surge in popularity of vinyl records and looks at the people who collect them.

Year: 2020

Cinema Release Dates: 21st November 2020 (Australia)

VOD Release Dates: 28th August 2020 (USA)

Country: USA

Director: Christopher Boone, Kevin Smokler

Screenwriter: Christopher Boone, Kevin Smokler

Cast: N/A

Running Time: 92 mins

Classification: TBC

OUR VINYL NATION REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ Vinyl Nation Review:

There are times that you sit down to watch a film and you feel like it has just been made for you. That was certainly the feeling that I got as I watched brand new documentary Vinyl Nation. Given that I grew up with a music-obsessed father with a huge vinyl collection, have spent a huge chunk of my life working in music stores and now find myself with my own vinyl collection while working for one of Australia’s best known boutique vinyl labels there was always going to be a good chance that I was going to like Vinyl Nation as a documentary… what I didn’t expect was it to affect me emotionally to the point where I cried.

It is very clear that Vinyl Nation is a documentary made by vinyl lovers for vinyl lovers. That becomes very obvious when you realise that filmmakers Christopher Boone (Cents) and Kevin Smokler (New Books In Popular Culture) not only now the vinyl world inside and out but also know the right people to talk to so the audience gets a informative education about vinyl both in the past and the present.

What I found so intriguing about Vinyl Nation is the topics explored throughout the film. How did vinyl begin? What killed it? How did the resurgence begin? Who collects it? How is it made these days? These topics are all explored in great detail and while the docco is information and educational it never strays from being entertaining as well.

Although for me I think I found the two most interesting topics looked at in Vinyl Nation is how do people these days try to overcome the stigma of what it means to be a vinyl collector or to run a vinyl store. Especially interesting was the segment exploring how there are just as many female vinyl collectors as men, although references to vinyl colleting in pop culture such as films or television would suggest the opposite.

Boone and Smokler certainly know how to put together a documentary using interesting subject matter when it comes to interviews. From vinyl collectors young and old through to vinyl store owners and artists who demand that their work be released on vinyl the filmmakers leave no stone unturned as they dig deep to find out absolutely everything there is to know about vinyl collecting. The interviews recorded at Vinyl Music Store Day and the various collector’s fairs are especially insightful.

I guess a lot of readers will wonder what made me cry while watching Vinyl Nation. Well to be honest it was the same question that reduced a lot of the interviewees in the docco to tears as well. What would you like to have happen to your collection when you die? As I listened to the various answers given in the film I realised that is a question that I have never really thought about either.

There is a strange power with Vinyl Nation as a documentary. It captures a passion that so many people around the world have. The film not only explains the passion that these people have but also does a lot to show that a lot of the stigmas around vinyl collecting are completely false. I really can’t recommend Vinyl Nation enough – this is a fascinating watch for both collector and non-collector alike although I feel if you are not a vinyl collector before you watch the film you may well be after you watch it.

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Average Subculture Rating:

Other Subculture Vinyl Nation Reviews:

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Trailer:

12Jul

[FILM REVIEW] AUSTRALIA BURNS…SILENCE OF THE LAND Review (2021)

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Summary:  Takes a look at the devastating 2019/2020 Australian bushfire season

Year: 2021

Cinema Release Dates: TBA

VOD Release Dates: TBA

Country: Australia

Director: Shane McLachlan

Screenwriter: Shane McLachlan

Cast: N/A

Running Time: 89 mins

Classification: TBC

OUR AUSTRALIA BURNS…SILENCE OF THE LAND REVIEWS

David Griffiths’ Australia Burns…Silence Of The Land Review:

There is an old saying that says “if you want the truth go to the source.” That is something that filmmaker Shane McLachlan obviously took to heart when  he started to put together the brand new documentary Australia Burns… Silence Of The Land.

I often find documentaries about bushfires fascinating. The fires in Australia are something that has affected my family quite severely over the years. From Ash Wednesday to Black Saturday my family has often found themselves right smack bang in the middle of them. The thing I often find though when I watch documentaries about these events though is that often they aren’t documentaries but glorified news reports. Normally they come from footage captured from news crews while journalists recount what covering the event was like for them.

Australia Burns… Silence Of The Land is a very different kind of documentary. Yes it chronicles what happened with the devastating bushfires in Australia during its 2020 fire season, but instead of using stock or news footage, most of the footage here comes from actual fire crews who were there on the front-line.

Likewise the stories told come from interviews that McLachlan recorded with firefighters and volunteers that were actually there and fighting the fire. For me that added an element of validity to the film that so many bushfire documentaries lack.

What I loved about the film is that it also goes a lot further than that. It goes inside the story that surfaced at the time about Australia’s Prime Minister Scott Morrison refusing to talk to retired fire chiefs about the disastrous fire conditions that they could see in NSW. It talks to one of the retired fire officers himself about what actually happened – and let’s just say that he doesn’t hold back.

I also found fascinating McLachlan’s various interviews with wildlife rescuers who talked about the catastrophic effect that the fires have had on wildlife in the fire areas, while the film shows how climate change has changed Australia’s bushfire seasons in a terrible way. The film explains how these fires are not caused by climate change but are ‘enhanced’ by climate change… that is a clear message that I feel is fairly important to get out there into the public.

The film also finds a way to tell Australians how they can help slow down climate change but at no time does it feel like it is preaching or blaming the audience that it is watching it. It is for that reason that I feel that this is a documentary that should a must see for not only those impacted by the 2020 bushfires but for every Australian who cares about what happens to our future.

Australian Burns… Silence Of The Land is a sensational documentary that not only serves as a valuable insight to what happened to those on the fire-front during Australia’s worst ever fire season but also provides answers to how we can prevent it from ever happening again. My advice with this film is – DON’T MISS IT!

Dave’s rating Out Of 5

Average Subculture Rating:

Other Subculture Australia Burns…Silence Of The Land Reviews:

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Trailer:

01Jul

[VOD NEWS] PLAYING WITH SHARKS Trailer Released

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Today, Disney+ revealed the official trailer and key art for “Playing with Sharks” from National Geographic Documentary Films.  

A true pioneer in both underwater filmmaking and shark research, Valerie Taylor is a living legend and icon in the underwater world whose life’s work has become the basis for much of what we know about sharks today.

Through remarkable underwater archival footage, along with interviews with Valerie herself, “Playing with Sharks,” from twice Emmy®-nominated director Sally Aitken, follows this daring ocean explorer’s trajectory from champion spearfisher to passionate shark protector. From the birth of cage diving to “Jaws” hysteria to the dawn of cageless shark diving, Valerie became a trailblazing advocate for the ocean’s most maligned and misunderstood creatures.  

The documentary, which is a part of National Geographic’s Sharkfest slate, premieres on Disney+ on Friday, July 23.  

“Playing with Sharks” is created and produced by Bettina Dalton, WildBear Entertainment, and written and directed by Sally Aitken. It is executive produced by Alan Erson for WildBear; Anna Godas and Oli Harbottle for TDog; and Paul Wiegard for Madman Entertainment. A WildBear Entertainment production, with principal production investment and development support from Screen Australia, it is developed and financed with the assistance of Screen NSW.

21Jun

[FILM NEWS] DINOSAURS OF ANTARTICA 3D To Screen At IMAX

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A new giant screen documentary will transport audiences to prehistoric Antarctica these school holidays, as the fearsome and fascinating creatures come alive in DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D.  

The documentary spans 250 million years from the Permian Ice Age through the Age of Dinosaurs to today, and joins a group of renowned palaeontologists on a dig in the Shackleton Glacier region in Antarctica as they uncover new fossils.

Featuring a cast of new-to-science dinosaurs including the Cryolophosaurus and Glacialisaurus, the documentary draws on themes of evolution and climate change, as it showcases the continent’s transformation from the bio-diverse Mesozoic to the frozen desert we know today.

DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D’s striking visual effects were developed by BUF studio, whose other film credits include Avatar, Blade Runner 2049 and Life of Pi, and took more than seven months to complete.

Juxtaposing the stunningly realistic and scientifically accurate CGI animals with footage from the southern continent as it appears now, the film is as truthful as it can be when recreating this ancient world.

Palaeontologist and Curator of the Dinosaur Institute at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, Dr. Nathan Smith, features in the film and worked closely with the post-production crew to bring the prehistoric reptiles to life.

Smith was heavily involved in the 2003 and 2010 Cryolophosaurus excavations and was also responsible for naming the new Antarctic dinosaur species Glacialisaurus. Both vertebrates feature in the documentary.

“Reimagining these reptiles in CGI was a big responsibility, and I wanted to ensure their physical attributes and movements drew from the latest fossil evidence. The finished product is spectacular and will give audiences the chance to experience Antarctica as it once was,” says Smith.

“It was a hugely rewarding process and brings the work full circle to see Glacialisaurus and Cryolophosaurus realised in the immersive IMAX 3D format.”

New technology and expanding access to Antarctica has unearthed a treasure trove of new fossils and dinosaur species in the last 30 years, and Smith is confident there will be more discoveries in the coming decades.

The work by palaeo teams in Antarctica featured in the documentary also enhances our knowledge of climate change and how the world could respond to another major warming event.

“Our research is vital in helping to inform the response to climate change and filling in the gaps of our past. Antarctica was a very different place in the past and it’s still changing today. The fossils and new information we’re gathering help provide a deep-time perspective on how life on earth could change in a warming world,” says Smith.

DINOSAURS OF ANTARCTICA 3D will screen exclusively at IMAX Melbourne these school holidays. Tickets are on sale now. Please visit imaxmelbourne.com.au for information about the theatre’s current COVIDSafe measures.

21Jun

[FILM NEWS] SIR ALEX FERGUSON: NEVER GIVE IN To Get Aus Release

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Maslow Entertainment has today announced the release date for, SIR ALEX FERGUSON: NEVER GIVE IN, with the revealing and deeply personal documentary about the life of Sir Alex Ferguson set to arrive in Australian cinemas nationally on JULY 15, 2021 FOR A LIMITED TIME. The film is distributed by Maslow Entertainment, under a distribution agreement with Universal Pictures Content Group.

Join Sir Alex and those closest to him as they reveal the real man behind the greatest football manager of all time.

While recovering from a traumatic brain haemorrhage, Sir Alex intimately recounts details of his life and career to his son, including his legendary 26-year tenure as manager of Manchester United. Directed by Sir Alex’s son, Jason Ferguson, this is a moving story about family, leadership, and the extraordinary power of memory.

Alex recalls his career vividly – every trophy, every defeat, and every player. From his own successful playing career and prolific goal-scoring at Scottish clubs, including Rangers, to his move into management and leading Aberdeen to the European Cup Winners’ Cup, and then finally his move south to Old Trafford. After a testing few years at United, he turned the club’s fortunes around and led them to over two decades of consistent success.

Under Ferguson’s guidance, Manchester United won a glittering array of trophies, including 13 Premier League titles, five FA Cups, and two UEFA Champions League titles. He has won more

trophies than any other manager in football history.

The film features candid interviews with Alex himself, his wife Cathy, his three sons, as well as former colleagues and elite players including Eric Cantona, Archie Knox and Gordon Strachan.

This is a film about the bond between a father and son, an exploration of leadership and mental toughness, and a celebration of one of football’s greatest careers.

‘SIR ALEX FERGUSON: NEVER GIVE IN’ WILL BE AVAILABLE IN AUSTRALIAN CINEMAS NATIONALLY ON JULY 15 FOR A LIMITED TIME

18Jun

[VOD NEWS] THE BEATLES: GET BACK To Air On DISNEY+

Posted in Documentary, Film, Film Genre, Film News, Home Page, Music, Music / Musicals, Music Genre, Music News, News, Rock | Leave a comment

The Walt Disney Studios, Apple Corps Ltd. and WingNut Films Productions Ltd. announced today that Disney+ will bring “The Beatles: Get Back,” a Disney+ Original documentary series directed by Peter Jackson, to fans and music lovers worldwide.
 
Because of the wealth of tremendous footage Peter Jackson has reviewed, which he has spent the past three years restoring and editing, “The Beatles: Get Back” will be presented as three separate episodes. Each episode is approximately two hours in length, rolling out over three days, November 25, 26 and 27, 2021, exclusively on Disney+.
 
“As a huge Beatles fan myself, I am absolutely thrilled that Disney+ will be the home for this extraordinary documentary series by the legendary filmmaker Peter Jackson,” said Bob Iger, Executive Chairman and Chairman of the Board, The Walt Disney Company. “This phenomenal collection of never-before-seen footage offers an unprecedented look at the close camaraderie, genius songwriting, and indelible impact of one of the most iconic and culturally influential bands of all time, and we can’t wait to share ‘The Beatles: Get Back’ with fans around the world.” 
 
Peter Jackson commented, “In many respects, Michael Lindsay-Hogg’s remarkable footage captured multiple storylines. The story of friends and of individuals. It is the story of human frailties and of a divine partnership. It is a detailed account of the creative process, with the crafting of iconic songs under pressure, set amid the social climate of early 1969. But it’s not nostalgia – it’s raw, honest, and human. Over six hours, you’ll get to know The Beatles with an intimacy that you never thought possible.” 
   
He added, “I’m very grateful to The Beatles, Apple Corps and Disney for allowing me to present this story in exactly the way it should be told. I’ve been immersed in this project for nearly three years, and I’m very excited that audiences around the world will finally be able to see it.”
 
Directed by three-time Oscar®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson (“The Lord of the Rings” trilogy, “They Shall Not Grow Old”), “The Beatles: Get Back” takes audiences back in time to the band’s intimate recording sessions during a pivotal moment in music history. The documentary showcases the warmth, camaraderie and creative genius that defined the legacy of the iconic foursome, compiled from over 60 hours of unseen footage shot in January 1969 (by Michael Lindsay-Hogg) and more than 150 hours of unheard audio, all of which has been brilliantly restored. Jackson is the only person in 50 years to have been given access to these private film archives. “The Beatles: Get Back” is the story of John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison and Ringo Starr as they plan their first live show in over two years, capturing the writing and rehearsing of 14 new songs, originally intended for release on an accompanying live album. The documentary features – for the first time in its entirety – The Beatles’ last live performance as a group, the unforgettable rooftop concert on London’s Savile Row, as well as other songs and classic compositions featured on the band’s final two albums, Abbey Road and Let It Be.
 
An exciting new collaboration between The Beatles and Jackson presented by The Walt Disney Studios in association with Apple Corps Ltd. and WingNut Films Productions Ltd., “The Beatles: Get Back” is directed by Peter Jackson, produced by Clare Olssen (“They Shall Not Grow Old”) and Jonathan Clyde (“Eight Days a Week”), with Ken Kamins (“The Hobbit” trilogy) and Apple Corps’ Jeff Jones (“Eight Days a Week”) serving as executive producers. Jabez Olssen (“Rogue One: A Star Wars Story”) serves as the documentary’s editor, and the music is mixed by Giles Martin (“Rocketman”) and Sam Okell (“Yesterday”).
 
“The Beatles: Get Back” is being made with the enthusiastic support of Paul McCartney, Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono Lennon and Olivia Harrison. 
 
Ahead of the documentary’s Disney+ debut, Apple Corps Ltd./Callaway Arts & Entertainment will release The Beatles: Get Back book on October 12. Beautifully designed and produced, the 240-page hardcover complements the “Get Back” documentary with transcriptions of The Beatles’ recorded conversations and hundreds of exclusive, never before published photos from the three weeks of sessions. The collectible book will be published in nine international language editions, including English.