Academy Award(R)-Nominee Meryl Streep Aidan Quinn Gloria Estefan and Angela Bassett Star in ``Music of the Heart''.

Entertainment Editors & Film/Video Writers

BURBANK, Calif.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Feb. 29, 2000

The Critically Acclaimed, Heartwarming and Triumphant

Film Makes Music On Home Video and DVD This April

The unparalleled Academy Award(R)-winning actress Meryl Streep (Best Actress, 1982, "Sophie's Choice,"), earns her twelfth Oscar(R) nomination for her uncompromising and compelling performance in MUSIC OF THE HEART, the inspirational story of one teacher's profound effect upon her many students' lives.

Making its triumphant debut on home video and DVD April 25, from Miramax Home Entertainment, MUSIC OF THE HEART received a second Academy Award(R) nomination in the category of Best Original Song. Boasting an exceptional cast, the film also stars Angela Bassett ("What's Love Got To Do With It," "How Stella Got Her Groove Back"), Aidan Quinn ("In Dreams"), Cloris Leachman ("The Beverly Hillbillies") Jane Leeves (TV's "Frasier") and marks the feature film acting debut of the incomparable, Grammy(R) Award-winning performer Gloria Estefan.

The DVD is a two disc Collector's Series featuring the music video, "Music Of The Heart" performed by Gloria Estefan and NSYNC, the documentary film "Small Wonders," as well as other special behind-the-scenes bonus footage.

Based on the 1996 Academy Award(R)-nominated documentary "Small Wonders," MUSIC OF THE HEART recounts the true story of Roberta Guaspari (Streep), a teacher who was determined to continue to bring musical education to her young students against all odds. When budget cuts forced the Board of Education to eliminate the school's music program, she initiated her own non-profit organization so that she might continue sharing the joy of musical education with her young pupils. With the support of her friends and the community, she set out to do what no one else dared... she fought back.

Well known for her ability to immerse herself in her roles, Meryl Streep accepted an additional challenge with the filming of MUSIC OF THE HEART when she took it upon herself to learn to play the violin. Squeezing in four to six hours of violin lessons each day while on promotional tours for two other films, Ms. Streep jumped into the classroom scenes after only two months of instruction. Her lessons were put to the ultimate test when internationally renowned violinist Isaac Stern asked her to perform for him.

Everyone involved with MUSIC OF THE HEART set out to make a film that would serve as a tribute to teachers and stress the importance of education -- in this case, music education, for our children and our collective future. Interestingly enough, the project utilized the talents of two former teachers -- director Wes Craven and screenwriter Pamela Gray -- to bring Roberta Guaspari's inspirational story to the screen. Explained Craven, "I had been a teacher, I love classical music, and I was an admirer of the documentary, and of Roberta as a teacher and a human being."

Known as the reigning king of the horror film genre, Craven was enthusiastic about the project. However, Guaspari had reservations about the choice of Craven as director, until, of course, she got to know him. "In the beginning, it felt weird that a guy who did horror films would do my story. But, I learned that Wes is a very gentle being."

MUSIC OF THE HEART is available on VHS in Digitally-Mastered Hi-Fi Stereo Sound and on DVD in 5.1 Surround (at a collectible price of $39.99), and is closed-captioned for the hearing-impaired. MUSIC OF THE HEART is rated "PG" by the Motion Picture Association of America.

Miramax Home Entertainment is distributed by Buena Vista Home Entertainment.

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