Jack Black is his blackest in BERNIE, out on Blu-ray, DVD and VOD August 21
"Jack Black gives one of the performances of the year" — Roger Ebert
"Darkly funny and smart. A fine, disciplined piece of acting from Jack Black" —David Denby, The New Yorker
"Bernie," starring Jack Black, Matthew McConaughey, and Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine, debuts on Blu-ray, DVD with Digital Copy, and VOD on August 21 from Millennium Entertainment. Here's the announcement:
LOS ANGELES (June 25, 2012) – Academy Award winner Shirley MacLaine (Best Actress, Leading Role, "Terms of Endearment," 1983), Jack Black ("School of Rock," "Tropic Thunder"), and Mathew McConaughey (upcoming "Magic Mike," "The Lincoln Lawyer") star in the critically acclaimed comedy "Bernie," coming to Blu-ray, DVD with Digital Copy and VOD August 21st from Millennium Entertainment. In a story that proves life can be stranger than fiction, "Bernie" is based on the true story of assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede (Black), one of the most beloved citizens of small town Carthage, who befriends widow Marjorie Nugent (MacLaine), the town’s least popular citizen. When Marjorie disappears, things take a turn for the bizarre as the townspeople rally around Bernie when he is tried for her murder.
Adapted from his article by famed true crime journalist Skip Hollandsworth, "Bernie" has received high praise from audiences and critics alike and is one of the best-reviewed films of the year (92% fresh from Top Critics on Rotten Tomatoes), playing in more than 125 markets nationwide. Bonus features include the featurette “True Story to Film,” “The Gossips” featurette on the real-life townspeople of Carthage and a special performance of “Amazing Grace” by Jack Black. Bernie will be available on Blu-ray ($29.99 SRP), DVD ($28.99 SRP; also available with Digital Copy), and VOD.
"Bernie" was written, directed and produced by Academy Award nominee Richard Linklater (Best Adapted Screenplay, "After Sunset," 2005) from a screenplay by Skip Hollandsworth. Ginger Sledge also served as producer.
Synopsis:
In the tiny, rural town of Carthage, TX, assistant funeral director Bernie Tiede was one of the town’s most beloved residents. He taught Sunday school, sang in the church choir and was always willing to lend a helping hand. Everyone loved and appreciated Bernie, so it came as no surprise when he befriended Marjorie Nugent, an affluent widow who was as well known for her sour attitude as for her fortune. Bernie frequently traveled with Marjorie and even managed her banking affairs. Marjorie quickly became fully dependent on Bernie and his generosity and Bernie struggled to meet her increasing demands. Bernie continued to handle her affairs, and the townspeople went months without seeing Marjorie. The people of Carthage were shocked when it was reported that Marjorie Nugent had been dead for some time, and Bernie Tiede was being charged with the murder.
Bonus features include:
- “True Story to Film” Featurette
- Special performance of “Amazing Grace” by Jack Black
- “The Gossips” Featurette on the real-life townspeople of Carthage, including interviews and their auditions for the film
