‘R.E.M. by MTV’ Doc Coming to DVD, Movie Theaters
The R.E.M. documentary R.E.M. by MTV will head to Blu-ray and DVD on June 2nd, and to mark the occasion, Fathom Events will bring the film to movie theaters for one night only May 19th. The Alexander Young-directed film charts both the rise of R.E.M. and the growth of MTV through a series of archival interviews, performances and music videos.
Over 300 movie theaters will project the film as part of Fathom Events’ Classic Music Series. Check out the Fathom site for location and ticket information. The documentary was originally available as part of the six-DVD box set REMTV, and R.E.M. by MTV premiered on MTV, VH1 and Palladia this past November. However, the upcoming release is the first time the standalone film will be available for purchase.
“Alexander Young’s documentary is a fine way to tell the story of R.E.M. through its various twists and turns, as captured in real time by MTV’s cameras – it has some great funny bits too!” said longtime R.E.M. manager Bertis Downs in a statement. The film follows the group from 1981 – the year both the band released their first single and MTV debuted – up through their breakup in 2011.
The May 19th Fathom screening will also feature five bonus live performances culled from the larger REMTV set:
“Find The River” – Live In Cologne, May 12, 2001
“Imitation Of Life” – Rock AM Ring, June 3, 2005
“Bad Day” – Live At Rolling Stone, Milan, March 18, 2008
“Man-Sized Wreath” – Live At Oxygen Festival, July 12, 2008
“(Don’t Go Back To) Rockville” – Live In Athens, Greece, October 5, 2008