Nominated for nine Academy Awards, 12 Years A Slave arrives on Blu-ray and DVD March 4th from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. The film will be available on Digital HD February 18th.
One of the most-celebrated films of the year, 12 Years A Slave has already nabbed 97 wins, including the Golden Globe award for “Best Motion Picture: Drama,” and more than 130 nominations from esteemed groups, such as The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (nominated for nine Oscars, including Best Picture), The Hollywood Foreign Press Association (nominated for seven Golden Globes, including Best Picture), Screen Actors Guild (nominated for four SAG Awards, including Best Ensemble), FILM Independent (Nominated for seven Spirit Awards, including Best Feature), and has earned numerous Critics Groups accolades, including Best Picture nods from Washington DC Area Film Critics and New York Film Critics Online. 12 Years A Slave has been named to over 250 “Top 10 Lists” from critics across the country.
Directed by Steve McQueen (Hunger) and written by John Ridley, 12 Years A Slave features stand-out performances from a first-rate ensemble, including: Chiwetel Ejiofor (Salt, American Gangster), Michael Fassbender (X-Men First Class, Prometheus), Lupita Nyong’o in a breakout role, Alfre Woodard (“True Blood”), Brad Pitt (World War Z) Benedict Cumberbatch (Star Trek Into Darkness), Paul Dano (Prisoners), and Paul Giamatti (The Amazing Spider-Man 2), as well as defining musical performances from prolific composer Hans Zimmer.
Synopsis: It is 1841, and Northup (Chiwetel Ejiofor in a gripping performance), an accomplished, free citizen of New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Stripped of his identity and deprived of all dignity, Northup is ultimately purchased by ruthless plantation owner Edwin Epps (Michael Fassbender) and must find the strength within to survive.
Filled with powerful performances by an astonishing cast that includes Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt and newcomer Lupita Nyong’o, 12 YEARS A SLAVE is both an unflinching account of slavery in American history and a celebration of the indomitable power of hope.
SPECIAL FEATURES (BLU-RAY AND DVD) include:
A Historical Portrait (Blu-ray only) – explores director Steve McQueen’s unique artistry in bringing this remarkable story to life with readings from the book by actor Chiwetel Ejiofor that brings authenticity and dimension to the real story of Solomon
The Team – profiles the creative minds assembled by McQueen to bring Solomon Northup’s journey to life
The Score – follows film composer Hans Zimmer as he creates his dramatic score.
