Q92-3 Classic Hits

Saturday, May 18, 2024

Prince's 'Purple Rain' To Be Released In 4K Ultra HD For 40th Anniversary

Warner Brothers is set to release Prince's Purple Rain on 4K Ultra HD and digital platforms on June 25th in celebration of the iconic film's 40th anniversary.

Prince, who made his acting debut with Purple Rain, starred as The Kid in the movie, alongside Apollonia Kotero, Morris Day, Olga Karlatos, and Clarence Williams III.

Albert Magnoli directed the film, co-writing the screenplay with William Blinn. Robert Cavallo, Joseph Ruffalo, and Steven Fargnoli produced the film, and Prince composed and produced the original songs.

The film won the Academy Award for Best Original Song Score (Prince), the Grammy Award for Best Album of Original Score Written for a Motion Picture or Television Special (Prince and the Revolution), and the NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture (Prince).

The 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Disc will include the theatrical version of the feature film in 4K with HDR and a Digital download of the film.

For the 40th anniversary of Purple Rain, the film has been completely restored digitally from an 8K scan of the 35 mm Original Camera Negative (OCN), and audio has also been restored from the original Dolby Stereo (LCRS) archived 35 mm magnetic film source elements containing the separate dialogue, music, and effects (DME) tracks.

The special edition features commentary by director Albert Magnoli, producer Robert Cavallo, and cinematographer Donald E. Thorin as well as music videos for "Let's Go Crazy," "Take Me With U," "When Doves Cry," "I Would Die 4 U/Baby I'm a Star," "Purple Rain," "Jungle Love," "The Bird," and "Sex Shooter.

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John Lennon's 'Mind Games' To Be Reissued In Expanded 'Ultimate Collection' Editions

The John Lennon Estate and Universal Music have announced a reissue of John Lennon's 1973 album Mind Games in expanded Ultimate Collection editions on July 12.

The Lennon Estate and Universal Music note that the upcoming six-CD and two Blu-ray collection deluxe box set offers "an immersive, deep listening experience and in-depth exploration of this classic, yet underappreciated record."

The deluxe edition, which is authorized by Yoko Ono Lennon and produced by Sean Ono Lennon, is from the same audio team that worked on the critically acclaimed Imagine and John Lennon/Plastic Ono Band Ultimate Collections. This team includes triple Grammy-Award winning engineer Paul Hicks and mixers/engineers Sam Gannon and Rob Stevens.

Yoko Ono Lennon said, "John was trying to convey the message that we all play mind games. But if we can play mind games, why not make a positive future with it - to be a positive mind game? 'Mind Games' is such an incredibly strong song. At the time, people didn't quite get the message because this was before its time. Now, people would understand it. I don't think in those days people knew they were playing mind games anyway."

In addition to the 12 tracks included on the original Mind Games album, the new set features different session takes and outtakes from the recording, which took place in New York City during the summer of 1973 with Lennon producing himself.

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Stevie Wonder Granted Ghanaian Citizenship On 74th Birthday

Stevie Wonder was granted Ghanaian citizenship on his 74th birthday on Monday, May 13. The legendary American musician and songwriter, whose original name is Steveland Morris, was conferred Ghanaian citizenship by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House in capital Accra.

Stevie Wonder was granted Ghanaian citizenship on his 74th birthday on Monday, May 13.

The legendary American musician and songwriter, whose original name is Steveland Morris, was conferred Ghanaian citizenship by President Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo at a ceremony held at the Jubilee House in capital Accra.

President Akufo-Addo praised Wonder for his outstanding contributions to music and his unrelenting dedication to the African diaspora.

He emphasized that Wonder's music has been a source of inspiration to generations of Ghanaians and Africans worldwide and that his visit to Ghana would help to strengthen the ties between Africa and its diaspora.

A long-time admirer of Ghana and its rich cultural heritage, Wonder expressed deep gratitude, joy and honor.

He said he has been drawn to Ghana's vibrant culture and warm hospitality and he was thrilled to now call himself a Ghanaian citizen.

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