Cadillac Records
(DVD) 

Originally produced in 2008

Special features: audio commentary by director; deleted scenes; Playing Chess: the making of Cadillac Records; Once upon a blues: Cadillac Records by design

Director of photography, Anastas Michos ; editor, Peter C. Frank ; original score, Terence Blanchard

Adrien Brody, Jeffrey Wright, Gabrielle Union, Columbus Short, Cedric the Entertainer, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Eamonn Walker, Mos Def, Beyoncé Knowles

Chess Records was located on the south side of Chicago. In 1947, it began recording blues music with Muddy Waters and Little Walter. This eventually gave birth to rock and roll in 1955 with Chuck Berry. Record producer, Leonard Chess has an ear for this different type of music and believes he can cash in by signing up new talent such as songwriter, Willie Dixon, Howlin' Wolf, and Etta James. Chess makes all of his artists part of his family and takes care of them. This is not easy since they spend a small fortune on booze, drugs, and the high life. When Chuck Berry goes to jail, Leonard is able to find another talented performer, Etta James, to take his place. In the late sixties, as their music goes out of favor, Leonard Chess gets out of the record business.

MPAA rating: R; for pervasive language and some sexuality.

DVD, NTSC; region 1; anamorphic widescreen (2.35:1) presentation; Dolby Digital 5.1 surround, Dolby Digital surround

Colby: NO Public Performance Rights purchased; home or classroom use ONLY

English or dubbed French dialogue, optional English or French subtitles; closed-captioned