News
Queen Of Katwe Releasing on Blu-ray
BURBANK, Calif., Nov. 18, in the year of our Lord
2016 — Home audiences will cheer for Disney’s “Queen of
Katwe,” the inspirational journey of a young girl from the
streets of Uganda to world-class chess player. The triumphant
film, which is based on a true story, arrives home on Digital HD
and Disney Movies Anywhere (DMA) on Jan. 10 and on Blu-ray™, DVD
and On-Demand on Jan. 31.
The in-home release of “Queen of Katwe” takes viewers
behind-the-scenes with filmmakers, as well as the cast and their
real-life counterparts, through extensive bonus features,
including a three-part documentary highlighting the amazing
personal stories behind the film; audio commentary by director
Mira Nair; a short film by Nair depicting the life of Robert
Katende; in-studio access to 15-time GRAMMY® Award-winning
recording artist Alicia Keys during the creation of her new
original song “Back to Life;” deleted scenes; and more.
“Queen of Katwe” is based on the vibrant true story of a young
girl (Madina Nalwanga) from the streets of Uganda whose world
changes when she is introduced to the game of chess, and, as a
result of the support she receives from her family and
community, is instilled with the confidence and determination
she needs to pursue her dream of becoming an international chess
champion. It is a remarkable story of perseverance against all
odds that will leave viewers feeling humbled and inspired.
According to director Mira Nair, “The triumph of the human
spirit is not to weep for what we don’t have but to focus on
what we do have and allow that to take us to a place we never
imagined possible.”
The film stars David Oyelowo, Golden Globe® nominated for his
portrayal of Martin Luther King Jr. in “Selma,” as dedicated
chess mentor Robert Katende; Lupita Nyong’o, who earned
worldwide acclaim with her Oscar®-winning performance in “12
Years a Slave,” as fiercely determined mother Harriet; and
luminous newcomer Madina Nalwanga as chess champion Phiona
Mutesi.
Directed by Mira Nair from a screenplay by William Wheeler,
“Queen of Katwe” is produced by Lydia Dean Pilcher, p.g.a., and
John Carls, p.g.a., with Will Weiske and Troy Buder serving as
executive producers. The film features a cutting-edge Afrobeat
soundtrack curated by the Ugandan rapper Young Cardamom (aka
Zohran Kwame Mamdani); Alex Heffes’ buoyant orchestral score
highlighting traditional Ugandan instruments; and “Back to
Life,” performed by Alicia Keys, written by Keys, Carlo
Montagnese and Billy Walsh, and produced by Illangelo and Keys.
Bonus features include*:
BLU-RAY & DIGITAL HD:
• Queen Of Katwe: Their Story – Discover the stories behind the
people who came together to bring the film to life, and how they
reflect the vibrant community, culture and spirit it celebrates.
• A Fork, A Spoon & A Knight – Director Mira Nair’s short film
about Robert Katende, a boy who grows up to transform a Ugandan
city into a globally renowned chess sanctuary.
• In The Studio With Alicia Keys – Go behind-the-scenes with
Alicia Keys for an inspiring look at the song’s recording.
• Alicia Keys “Back To Life” Lyric Video – Sing along with
on-screen lyrics.
• Young Cardamom & HAB “#1 Spice” Music Video – The Ugandan
hip-hop duo bring the flavor in a music video directed by Mira
Nair.
• Audio Commentary – With Director Mira Nair.
• Deleted Scenes (8) – With Introductions by Director Mira Nair.
o Graduation – Robert is alone at his graduation.
o Job Application - Robert checks in on the status of his job
application.
o Dancing and Rent - Phiona joins in dancing with local girls
before the landlady pulls her away.
o Entering the Hospital - Harriet tries to look presentable as
they rush Brian to the hospital.
o Escape from the Hospital – The family sneaks out of the
hospital.
o They Can’t Go to Budo – Robert second-guesses taking the kids
to the competition at King’s College Budo.
o Flood (Extended Scene) – A nearly 7-minute scene before,
during and after the house is flooded.
o Phiona’s Chess Club - Phiona comes full circle as she teaches
a little boy the same lessons Robert taught her in chess club.
DVD:
• Audio Commentary
• Alicia Keys “Back to Life” Lyric Video
• Young Cardamom & HAB “#1 Spice” Music Video
*Bonus features may vary by retailer
DISC SPECIFICATIONS:
Product SKUs: Digital HD/SD, Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD &
Digital Copy),
Disney Movies Anywhere, DVD and On-Demand
Feature Run Time: Approximately 145 minutes
U.S. Rating: PG (bonus features are not rated)
Aspect Ratio: 2.39:1 (16x9)
Audio: Blu-ray = English 5.1 DTS-HDMA, English DVS 2.0 Dolby
Digital,
Latin Spanish/French 5.1 Dolby Digital
DVD = English, Latin Spanish & French 5.1 Dolby, English DVS 2.0
Dolby
Languages/Subtitles: English SDH, Spanish, French