Blue Like Jazz RELEVANT Magazine Edition Set for August 28 Release
Nashville, Tenn., August 21, 2012 – Following last week’s Blu-ray Disc, DVD, digital-download and On Demand release of the critical and fan-acclaimed film Blue Like Jazz (Lionsgate Entertainment), RELEVANT magazine and the creators of Blue Like Jazz announced this week that they are releasing an exclusive-edition DVD, which will be available August 28 via the film’s website and RELEVANT’s online store.
The RELEVANT edition includes the full theatrical cut of the film and standard bonus features, as well as over 30 minutes of additional content filmed at RELEVANT‘s studio in Orlando. The exclusive extras include interviews with Donald Miller and the film’s director, Steve Taylor, an in-depth profile of Taylor telling his journey from music to filmmaking, and a candid interview between Miller and RELEVANT founder Cameron Strang.
In addition, RELEVANTstore.com will feature other limited edition items, including conceptual Blue Like Jazz posters, signed merchandise, the soundtrack and more.
“Blue Like Jazz was a book that defined our generation, and we’re fans of the movie as well,” Strang said. “So when the filmmakers approached us about partnering with them on an exclusive edition, we jumped at the opportunity. It’s a unique, challenging and engaging film, and the exclusive bonus features really take you behind the scenes to discover the filmmakers’ journey in a new way. Our audience is going to love it.”
“One of our very first screenings was for the RELEVANT team” recalls Taylor. “I have high regard for RELEVANT’s judgement and taste, and I’m a longtime subscriber, so this special edition of the DVD is a perfect fit.“
Based on The New York Times best-selling novel that swept the nation, Blue Like Jazz brings Donald Miller’s semi-autobiographical stories and reflections to life, following his path to self-discovery and a deeper, more authentic Christian faith. Chosen as an official Selection of the SXSW Film Festival and already named one of Paste magazine’s ‘Top Movies of 2012,’ Blue Like Jazz was directed by Steve Taylor and co-written by Taylor, Miller and Ben Pearson (The Second Chance).
Taylor eloquently delves into the intricacies of friendships, faith and finding one’s self to reveal that everybody belongs somewhere. This film was also made possible by a dedicated fan base that refused to let this project fall through the cracks. In starting the “Save Blue Like Jazz” Kickstarter grassroots campaign, fans not only raised $345,000 in one month to bring this project into theaters, but in doing so congregated a passionate, built-in fan base committed to spreading the word about the film’s release. The Kickstarter backers hosted pre-screenings, enlisted street teams to sell out screens in advance and were actively engaged in social media, reaching out to their peers and communities.
Marshall Allman (HBO’s “True Blood”) gives a solid performance as Don, a pious nineteen-year-old, who uproots himself from his Bible-belt upbringing and ventures to Portland where one new experience after another forces him to confront the meaning of life and true faith. The New York Times hailed the film as “sincere and literary,” while Paste magazine deemed it “witty, provocative and life-affirming.” Blue Like Jazz also stars Claire Holt (TV’s “The Vampire Diaries”), Tania Raymonde (TV’s “Lost”), Justin Welborn (TV’s “Body of Proof”), Eric Lange (TV’s “Victorious”), Jason Marsden (Fun with Dick and Jane), Will McKinney (Super Zeroes) and Jenny Littleton (Deadline).
The August 7-released Lionsgate Entertainment edition of the Blue Like Jazz Blu-ray Disc and DVD is packed with special features including audio commentary with Donald Miller, Ben Pearson and Steve Taylor, numerous featurettes, a Director’s Master Class, deleted scenes and more, and is available for the suggested retail price of $39.99 and $27.98, respectively.
Additionally, churches, colleges and ministry organizations will be able to purchase institutional screening licenses of Blue Like Jazz through an arrangement with Dunk Tank Marketing, a marketing partner on the film working with churches, denominations, campus and youth ministries. The site, www.dunktankresources.com will provide licenses and screening kits with a suite of resources for host organizations to promote movie events.
Accompanying the DVD release on August 7 was the soundtrack to the film, featuring tracks from artists such as Menomena, Katie Herzig, score composer Danny Seim and a new track from Steve Taylor. The project is available at iTunes® and all digital retail outlets.
Blue Like Jazz Synopsis
Don, a nineteen-year-old student at a Texas junior college, spontaneously decides to escape the hypocrisy of his religious upbringing for life in the Pacific Northwest. Upon arrival at Reed College, one of the most progressive campuses in America, he quickly discovers that its surroundings and unconventional student body proves to be far different than he could have ever imagined. With everything this new environment brings, Don is forced to embark on a journey of self-discovery to understand who he is and what he truly believes.
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