Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Eagles Soar (If They Do Say So Themselves)

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Eagles Doc on DVD

The Eagles


Capitol Records has acquired the exclusive DVD/Blu-ray rights to History of the Eagles, the iconic band’s acclaimed documentary, which is set for release on Tuesday, April 30.   This exceptional three-disc set includes History of the Eagles Part One and History of the Eagles Part Two, as well as Eagles Live At The Capital Centre - March 1977, featuring never-before-released performances from the Eagles’ two-night stand at Washington, D.C.’s Capital Center during the legendary Hotel California tour.  

History of the Eagles will be released in both DVD and Blu-ray three-disc configurations – all with 5.1 Surround Sound and Stereo audio – beautifully packaged in a six-panel digipak with accompanying photographic booklet.  A Super Deluxe Box Set will be released as a limited edition, complete with three Blu-ray discs; a 40-page casebound book featuring still photos from the films; 10 archival-quality photographs of the band from throughout its storied history; and a specially created lithograph of the band’s desert-bleached skull icon.  All elements in this limited edition deluxe set will be packaged in a specially designed foil-stamped and embossed box, with a Native American blanket-inspired liner, beautifully wrapped in a leather tie, and fastened with a bone button.

All three versions of History of the Eagles will be available for preorder beginning today, March 12 through Amazon.com and the Eagles website (http://eaglesband.com).

Seeking to provide an unprecedented and intimate look into the history of the band and the legacy of its music, the Eagles partnered with Academy Award-winning filmmaker Alex Gibney (Taxi to the Dark Side, Enron: The Smartest Guys in the Room) to produce the film.  Directed by Alison Ellwood (Magic Trip: Ken Kesey’s Search for a Kool Place), History of the Eagles is a meticulous creation featuring rare archival material, concert footage, and never-before-seen home movies that explore the evolution and enduring popularity of one of the world’s biggest-selling and culturally significant American bands.

History of the Eagles made its television broadcast debut on Showtime last month, earning the network its highest ratings for a music documentary in eight years.  Part One premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January to great acclaim.

History of the Eagles Part One dedicates two hours to the chronicling of the band’s creation and rise to fame in the 1970’s through its breakup in 1980.  More than 25 new and exclusive interviews were conducted with all current band members -- Glenn Frey, Don Henley, Joe Walsh and Timothy B. Schmit - as well as former members Bernie Leadon, Randy Meisner and Don Felder.  Also featured are new and exclusive interviews with Jackson Browne, Linda Ronstadt, Kenny Rogers, Irving Azoff and many other seminal artists and band contemporaries who have been closely involved with the Eagles’ history. 

While personal stories from band members, managers, and music industry luminaries frame the narrative, it’s the unexpected moments—recording sessions, backstage interactions, and even a whimsical sequence from the Desperado cover shoot—that convey the extraordinary bond linking the artists, their music, and the times (an era when country-tinged rock and finely-honed harmonies spoke to a nation still reeling from unrest).

Additionally, the documentary features previously unreleased home movies and archival footage.  Personal photos, video and memorabilia amassed by the Eagles over the course of their career will also be seen for the very first time.

History of the Eagles Part Two reveals the personal and professional struggles members faced while the band was apart, and chronicles the group’s dramatic reunion in 1994, as well as its resurgence in recording and performing throughout the next two decades.  Among the band’s many achievements since reforming are its triumphant Hell Freezes Over tour, the 2007 release of Long Road Out of Eden (which sold more than 5.5 million copies worldwide and earned two GRAMMY® Awards), and its ongoing ascendance as an international supergroup.

Eagles Live at the Capital Centre - March 1977 features previously unreleased concert performances of “Hotel California,” “New Kid In Town,” “Take It To The Limit,” “One Of These Nights,” “Lyin’ Eyes,” “Rocky Mountain Way,” “Best Of My Love” and “Take It Easy,” all captured during the band’s two-night stand in Washington, D.C. during its historic Hotel Californiaworld tour. 

Directed by Alison Ellwood and produced by Alex Gibney, History of the Eagles was created with a select crew of filmmakers including: Blair Foster, Executive Producer; Alison Ellwood and Ben Sozanski, Editors; Karim Karmi, Co-Producer; and Erin Edeiken, Line Producer.

The Eagles have sold more than 120 million albums worldwide, earned five No. 1 U.S. singles and six GRAMMY® Awards.  Their Greatest Hits 1971-1975 is the best-selling album of all time, exceeding sales of 29 million units.  The band’s Hotel California and Eagles Greatest Hits, Vol. 2 have sold more than 16 million and 11 million albums, respectively.  The Eagles were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1998.  For more information, visit the band’s website atwww.eaglesband.com