“Have you got soul? If so the World’s hardest working band is looking for you”

25 years ago wannabe band manager Jimmy Rabbitte put this advert in the local newspaper and before long a lovable ragtag group of Dubliners got together to form the soulful sounds of The Commitments.

Renowned director Alan Parker’s (Midnight Express, Bugsy Malone), funny, uplifting, gritty film, based on Roddy Doyle’s first book of his acclaimed Barrytown trilogy, took the world by storm on its 1991 release, garnering critical acclaim and awards galore including a BAFTA for Best Film. It has since spawned a slew of touring bands and a hugely successful stage musical which commences its UK tour later this year.

To celebrate the 25th Anniversary of this seminal film, RLJ Entertainment is thrilled to release The Commitments Special Edition, featuring a host of bonus features, including brand new interviews with Alan Parker and cast members and much much more. It will be released in both Blu-ray and DVD formats, with a digital copy to download, watch and own, and a collectible booklet, on 19 September 2016.

Jimmy Rabbitte (Robert Arkins) knows he’s the world’s greatest band manager…now he just needs a band. Auditioning anyone and everyone he can find from the rough streets of Dublin, he eventually gathers the ten most talented, but least experienced musicians with the aim of launching the greatest Irish Soul band of all time.

Featuring a cast of virtually unknown actors at the time, Alan Parker based his casting on musical ability as well as acting and this is reflected in the spectacular performances from The Commitments with their stunning renditions of Soul greats, creating an astounding, unforgettable soundtrack.

With a screenplay from award winning writing duo Dick Clement and Ian La Frenais (The Likely Lads, Porridge), and a cast that includes Andrew Strong, Michael Aherne, Angeline Ball, Maria Doyle Kennedy, Dave Finnegan, Bronagh Gallagher, Glen Hansard, Dick Massey, Johnny Murphy, Kenneth McCluskey*, a pre multi million selling recording artist Andrea Corr and hilarious star turns from Colm Meaney and Sean Hughes, you know it’s got soul.

*Kenneth McCluskey is in the band The Stars From The Commitments who are currently touring. Since 1993 The Stars From The Commitments have performed to hundreds of thousands of people worldwide, at festivals, clubs, theatres, high profile corporate events and VIP parties (including a US President).

For show listings please visit:  http://www.starsfromthecommitments.com

The Commitments Trailer – Alan Parker 25th Anniversary Release