Widescreen: Check out Bowie film, pinball doc and Alicia Keys
It's been just over a year since David Bowie left the earth. On Tuesday, Jan. 24, Lionsgate will release a new 4K digital restoration of his 1976 sci-fi film, “The Man Who Fell to Earth.”
The Blu-ray/DVD/digital copy combo pack branded as a “limited collector's edition” features the Nicolas Roeg cult classic about an alien who wants to bring Earth's water back to his home planet and a bevy of extras that include a 1977 interview with Bowie. It's also packed with a 72-page book and a poster. The list price of $34.99 is a little steep, but home video packages this comprehensive aren't easy to come by anymore.
Pinball ‘Wizard'
Robert Gagno is the seventh-ranked pinball player in the world, a friendly soul with a big smile and the subject of a new documentary about autism — and going for a world championship.
Now streaming on Netflix and available on Blu-ray and DVD and a variety of digital platforms, “Wizard Mode” follows the 28-year-old Canadian as he plays in tournaments and travels across North America, including a stop at the Stern Pinball factory here in the suburbs. His love affair with the silver ball began with the classic Bally table Whirlwind — it had a fan atop the machine and three rotating circles in the middle of the playing field that wreaked havoc on your score — and the game becomes a conduit in his quest for independence. We watch Gagno grow as both a person and a player, culminating in a championship showdown at the Pinburgh tournament in Pittsburgh.
“Wizard Mode” is a bright, touching treat and a worthy weekend watch.
Alicia Keys at the keys
A new concert series premieres at 8 p.m. Friday, Jan. 20, on WTTW Channel 11 with Alicia Keys' musical tour of New York City.
The eight episodes of “Landmarks Live in Concert” will pair musicians with places important to them. Next week will feature country star Brad Paisley playing in his home state of West Virginia, and future episodes include hours with will.i.am, Andrea Bocelli and more. The show is hosted by Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith and will be presented under PBS' “Great Performances” banner.
• Sean Stangland is a Daily Herald multiplatform editor. You can follow him on Twitter at @SeanStanglandDH.