![FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE]( "FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE")
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
THE ORIGINAL “FIFTH BEATLE” HAD TO CHOOSE BETWEEN HIS BEST FRIENDS … THE WOMAN HE LOVED… AND THE GREATEST ROCK & ROLL BAND IN THE WORLD
BACKBEAT -- COLLECTOR’S EDITION DVD
Starring Stephen Dorff, Ian Hart, and Sheryl Lee
Digitally Re-Mastered Picture with New 5.1 Surround Sound
Featuring a Rare, Candid Interview with Astrid Kirchherr about Her Memories of Stuart Sutcliffe and The Beatles
Available on January 25, 2005 from Universal Studios Home Entertainment
“…a thrilling spectacle that rocks the house!” – Rolling Stone
“The film conveys the raucous energy that fueled the music…” – Washington Post
Universal City, CA. November 15, 2004 – Before anyone had ever heard of The Beatles, there was a group of five – John Lennon, Paul McCartney, George Harrison, Pete Best, and Stuart Sutcliffe – playing clubs in Hamburg, Germany. They were raw and irreverent. Now, the story of Sutcliffe, the “fifth Beatle,” can be told – better than ever! On January 25, 2005, Universal Studios Home Entertainment will release the BACKBEAT Collector’s Edition DVD, featuring a new digitally re-mastered picture with new 5.1 surround sound. This enthralling story about the pre-fame Beatles is highlighted with special features including a very rare and personal interview with Sutcliffe's girlfriend Astrid Kirchherr. Ms. Kirchherr speaks candidly about her memories of Stuart, set to a stylized montage of their paintings and photos. There’s also a commentary with director Iain Softley, and much more! The DVD has a suggested retail price of $19.98 with a pre-order date of December 21, 2004.
From the director of K-PAX, Hackers, and Universal’s upcoming thriller Skeleton Key, and starring Stephen Dorff (Blade, Cold Creek Manor), Ian Hart (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone), and Sheryl Lee (Twin Peaks), BACKBEAT is an energetic musical drama chronicling the pre-fame Beatles as they head to Hamburg in search of success. As they gain popularity, the “fifth Beatle,” bass guitarist Stuart Sutcliffe (Stephen Dorff), falls in love and ultimately must choose between his best friend John Lennon (Ian Hart), his new love Astrid Kirchherr (Sheryl Lee) – and the greatest rock-and-roll band in the world.
Winner of the London Film Critics Circle’s British Newcomer of the Year Award and a British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) Award for Best Film Music, the 1993 film features such rock-and-roll classics including “Money (That’s What I Want),” “Long Tall Sally,” and “Twist & Shout,” all performed by Dave Grohl from Foo Fighters, Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth, David Pirner from Soul Asylum, and many more top music artists.
DVD SPECIAL FEATURES INCLUDE:
Rare personal interview with Astrid Kirchherr in which she speaks candidly about her memories of Stuart, set to a stylized montage of her and Stuart’s photos and paintings
New Digitally Re-Mastered picture
New 5.1 surround sound (perfect for the rockin’ soundtrack!)
New collectible packaging featuring slip sleeve designed by director Iain Softley
Deleted Scenes
Commentary with Iain Softley
Interviews with Iain Softley and actor Ian Hart
Sundance Channel feature on Iain Softley
Street Date: January 25, 2005
Running time: 1 hour, 41 minutes
MPAA Rating: R
Language: English
DVD Catalog # 25439
