A long-anticipated documentary about Prince has encountered significant obstacles and is reportedly “dead in the water” following multiple disputes. The project has faced intense scrutiny from representatives of the late artist’s estate, who have criticized the film's accuracy and portrayal of events from Prince's life.

According to Variety, the controversy erupted after the estate's representatives reviewed an early cut of the documentary and found it to be fraught with “dramatic” factual inaccuracies and “sensationalized” depictions. The film, which had been in production for four years, was helmed by Ezra Edelman, known for his acclaimed work on the ‘O.J.: Made In America’ documentary. Edelman took over the project from Ava DuVernay, who initially began work on the film.

Edelman was granted extensive access to Prince’s personal archives, allowing him to delve deeply into the artist’s life and career. The first cut of the documentary was recently screened for select insiders, but the response was less than favourable. The estate expressed strong concerns that certain aspects of the documentary had been exaggerated and not adequately fact-checked, leading to significant disagreements with Edelman. Some sources indicated that the conflict also stemmed from issues of “control,” with the estate feeling that the documentary did not portray Prince in a sufficiently positive light.

Adding to the complications, the documentary was originally contracted as a six-hour series. However, Edelman delivered a nine-hour version, which reportedly breached the terms of the agreement. Despite these challenges, there have been suggestions that all parties involved might still be open to reaching a compromise to salvage the project.

As of now, neither Edelman, Netflix, nor Prince’s estate has made an official public comment regarding the status of the documentary. The dispute over the film’s content and direction has left its future uncertain.

In related news, a judge recently made a ruling in a legal dispute concerning half of Prince’s estate, siding with the late musician’s former business advisors. This decision adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing legal and financial matters surrounding the artist’s legacy.

Meanwhile, fans of Prince have some new developments to look forward to. Last month, it was announced that the artist’s iconic 1984 album ‘Purple Rain’ will be receiving a special reissue in Dolby Atmos audio. This reissue is set to mark the 40th anniversary of the album, offering an immersive listening experience for fans old and new.

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--Silviya.Y

On 16th February, Record Store Day released the list of special releases for its 2022 event, which includes vinyl exclusives by Taylor Swift, Prince, Mariah Carey, and others.

Swift will release a 7-inch of Folklore bonus track "The Lakes" with an orchestral version as the B-side as the first-ever Record Store Day global ambassador, as well as be included on the charity benefit album 'Portraits of Her', which will celebrate female artists and music industry professionals while raising money for nonprofit 'We Are Moving the Needle'.

Meanwhile, a unique pressing of Prince's 1995 album 'The Gold Experience' will be released, while Carey's 1998 greatest-hits compilation #1s will be released for the first time on vinyl.

St. Vincent's soundtrack for 'The Nowhere Inn', Foo Fighters' 'Reversions' on 7-inch LP, a pair of posthumous David Bowie projects (2021's Brilliant Adventure box set and last month's Toy), a special vinyl edition of Kacey Musgraves' 'Star-Crossed', Nicki Minaj's 2009 mixtape 'Beam Me Up Scotty', Madonna's 'Who's That Girl' soundtrack, and much more are among the other releases.

"Our RSD Drops dates changed the focus of what we did for the prior several years—instead of being one part of what the Day was, the List became the entire focus," said Carrie Colliton, co-founder of Record Store Day. "A method to get much-needed income and product — as well as beautiful music — into retailers and eventually into the collections of customers." We didn't call such days Record Store Day specifically because they weren't. They were diametrically opposed, which was unavoidable."

"Now, we believe that stores have learnt and adapted, and that they are ready to bring back components of a 'classic' Record Store Day: bands, beer, fun, people, and whatever portions of the party they want, in ways that make them and their customers comfortable," she concluded. We also believe it's critical to focus on the stores themselves and honour what they do in their communities every year."

---Aditi Manjunath

Prince lives on as one of the most unforgettable icons of rock music. With his incomparable energy, and unapologetic persona, his identity would go on to inspire a generation of musicians. And while there are those lucky enough to have seen this raw energy first hand, the mega watch party of his " and the Revolution: Live" tour, will offer that chance to many more. 

Marking the first time that it is going to be streamed, the "Prince and the Revolution: Live" has only ever been released as a one-time television broadcast and home video. In partnership with YouTube, Prince's estate has made it possible for millions world over to revel in the performances of a legend. Among the hits that will be streamed are "Let's Go Crazy", "Purple Rain", "Darling Nikki", and "1999". Fans can tune in on the 15th of May, 4:30 AM onwards.