Who is Harry Nilsson Documentary

Lorber Films is proud to announce the highly anticipated DVD release of the critically acclaimed documentary WHO IS HARRY NILSSON (AND WHY IS EVERYBODY TALKIN' ABOUT HIM)? on October 26, 2010.

The film profiles the extraordinary life and career of the enigmatic Harry Nilsson, considered by many music critics and peers to be one of the best singer-songwriters of his time. Nilsson was also famous for being The Beatles' favorite "group."

Described as "a deeply felt documentary" by the Los Angeles Times, WHO IS HARRY NILSSON has been receiving rave reviews from critics and fans alike. The New Yorker calls it "Melancholy, whimsical and memorable" and the New York Times says "Anyone susceptible to Harry's graceful melodies, witty and poignant lyrics, and preternaturally sweet voice will want to see WHO IS HARRY NILSSON."

The film, which opened in New York City September 10th in limited release, expanded its theatrical run across the country in the following weeks with dates in Los Angeles, San Francisco and other major markets. Now, fans are anxiously waiting for the film's DVD release.

Directed by Emmy and Grammy nominee John Scheinfeld (The U.S. vs. John Lennon, We Believe), the powerful and incredibly emotional WHO IS HARRY NILSSON? combines compelling interviews with Harry's friends and colleagues, rare and never-before-seen archival footage, home movies and excerpts from Nilsson's recently discovered oral autobiography.

The star-studded documentary features interviews with Micky Dolenz, Terry Gilliam, Eric Idle, Al Kooper, Randy Newman, Yoko Ono, Van Dyke Parks, The Smothers Brothers, Jimmy Webb, Paul Williams, Robin Williams, Brian Wilson and many more as well as members of the Nilsson family. The result is a vibrant and definitive portrait of an uncompromising artist.

A brilliantly gifted songwriter, his work has been covered by a wide range of artists (The Monkees to Harry Belafonte, Blood Sweat & Tears to Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass, Three Dog Night to Ella Fitzgerald, Aimee Mann to Barbra Streisand). And yet, with an irony that was typical of his career, his greatest fame and success came as a singer of other people's songs.

Blessed with a remarkable three and-a-half octave range, Nilsson was the recipient of 17 Gold Records (in addition to his 2 Grammy Awards for "Everybody's Talkin'" and "Without You") and yet, never cut his music to fit mainstream fashion. He was also considered to be peerless as a wild man, a legendary party animal who could drink John Lennon and Keith Moon under the table - while also being known as a devoted husband and father.

Intertwined throughout the doc are rare performances from two BBC specials, promo films, music videos, home movies, as well as excerpts from the Oscar-winning film, Midnight Cowboy and an unfinished documentary about the recording of the Harry's 1972 album Son of Schmilsson.

All music in the film is by Nilsson, and the film's soundtrack features portions of over 50 songs from his career, including all of his best-known hits, unreleased tracks and rare recordings. For more information, please visit the film's official website at www.whoisharrynilsson.com

Exclusive DVD Special Features include:

The DVD contains more than 90 minutes of Bonus Material - Deleted Scenes, Extended Sequences, an Alternate Ending, and a rarely seen music video of Yoko Ono's song, "Loneliness" with commentary by Yoko.

PERFORMANCE

DELETED SCENE. It's an accepted fact that Harry never performed his songs live in concert. But he did...once...in London. His ex-wife, the late Diane Nilsson, recalls what happened and shares never-before-seen photos of the event.
SINGER

EXTENDED SEQUENCE. Harry's friends and wife, Una, reflect on Harry-the-singer and his extraordinary three-and-a-half octave range. As his dear friend, Ringo Starr, once said, "He was the greatest voice on planet Earth!"
SONGWRITER

EXTENDED SEQUENCE. In an excerpt from his unpublished oral autobiography, Harry discloses his songwriting process. His producers and fellow musicians opine on his unique gift and what makes Harry's songs so special.
NILSSON SCHMILSSON

DELTED SCENE. Producer Richard Perry serves up behind-the-scenes details about the making of the classic album.
WITHOUT YOU

EXTENDED SEQUENCE. In an excerpt from his unpublished oral autobiography Harry...and producer Richard Perry...reveal how Harry came to record this song and what he really thought about it. Musical colleagues explain why it became such a smash hit recording.
A LITTLE TOUCH

EXTENDED SEQUENCE. A behind-the-scenes look at the making of the album and TV versions of A Little Touch of Schmilsson in the Night. Includes bonus performances by Harry of songs from the album.
PROMO

DELETED SCENE. Producer-Director Stanley Dorfman, Van Dyke Parks and Una Nilsson remember the humorous and frustrating incidents that occurred during the shooting of the Duit on Mon Dei album promo - the lowest-cost promotional film ever made to support a major record label release.
TRY

DELETED SCENE. Producer Mark Hudson talks about getting Harry back in the studio to make his final recordings.
ADVENTURES

EXTENDED SEQUENCE. Terry Gilliam, Jimmy Webb, Gerry Beckley and Ray Cooper describe wild adventures with Harry - clubbing with Harry in London; making the mistake of loaning your new Jag to Harry; meeting up with the group America in Australia by way of a bizarre series of telegrams that culminated in a rare on-stage appearance by Harry; action in the back seat of a London cab.
HUMAN FLY

DELETED SCENE. Jimmy Webb...and Harry, in an excerpt from his unpublished oral autobiography...recall a freakish and death-defying incident that occurred on the balcony of the Howard Hughes Suite at the Inn on the Park in London.
PYTHON

DELETED SCENE. A strange ending to Harry's 1976 appearance on stage with Monty Python for "The Lumberjack Song" is recalled by Eric idle, Terry Gilliam and Una Nilsson. Also, a full performance by Eric Idle of his song, "Harry."
FOOLS

DELETED SCENE. Harry did not suffer fools well as friends and family relate with much humor.
GENEROSITY

DELETED SCENE. Alongside all the craziness there existed an immense streak of generosity within Harry as friends and family recall with much admiration and emotion.
FAMILY

DELETED SCENE. Everyone remembers the wild and eccentric side of Harry Nilsson. In this sequence cut from the film at the last minute, we get an insider's look at Harry's marriage, how being a father impacted his life, how his children got their names and other family matters.
ANNIE

DELETED SCENE. Harry's eldest daughter relays her very first memory of her father...and how he literally saved her life.
HARRY

EXTENDED SEQUENCE. The amazing cast of WHO IS HARRY NILSSONexplain that there was far more to Harry than the public ever knew and why they loved him, warts and all.
REMEMBER

ALTERNATE ENDING. Ultimately, abandoned, this fully edited sequence is set to Harry's beautiful and poignant, "Remember."
LONELINESS

DELETED SCENE. Yoko Ono reflects on Harry's recording of her song "Loneliness" on the Every Man Has A Woman album and, with director-producer Stanley Dorfman, introduces the full length version of the "Loneliness" video that never aired. Filmed at Harry's home in Bel Air, California.