As physical media continues its comeback, The National rounds up the best releases this month across film, music, art and more.
Grace in the Desert: The Beauty of Saudi Arabia's Camels
Camels are among the most revered animals in the Arab world, and they hold a significant place in the region's culture, economy and history. A new book from luxury publisher Assouline visually delves into their significance by celebrating Saudi Arabia’s female camels and their cultural connection to the kingdom.
Photographed against the backdrop of Saudi Arabia’s most historically significant sites, including locations on the Unesco World Heritage List, the images depict the country’s great deserts, ancient ruins and vibrant landscapes. The animals are photographed posing, walking or galloping through such sites, revealing an intimate view of some of the most expensive camels of various breeds, some valued at up to $40 million. The book celebrates animals and landscapes while also being a beautiful piece to grace a coffee table or bookshelf.
Maan Jalal, arts and culture writer
Winchester '73 in 4K Blu-ray
Hollywood Western films pop up here and there, but what was once an industry in itself has died away in the modern movie scene – for the most part. It's a divisive genre, with criticism often directed at over-the-top representations of heroism or villainy in their character portrayals. That's before delving into issues such as blatant racism and/or sexism present in such films.
Yet, the Western's role in cinematic history cannot be denied. While there are popular classics in the genre, such The Searchers and Stagecoach, there is also a wide catalogue of films that have previously been overlooked. Now, they are being revisited and judged to be a great viewing experience. Winchester '73 is directed by Anthony Mann and stars James Stewart, Shelley Winters and Stephen McNally. Released in black and white in 1950, the film follows a rifle as its ownership moves from one person to another, each suffering the bad luck it carries. The film runs for an action-packed 90 minutes and features cameos from both Rock Hudson and Tony Curtis.
Faisal Salah, gaming and social media writer
I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2) by Teddy Swims
Teddy Swims, who recently performed at this year’s Abu Dhabi Formula One after-race concerts, is releasing the continuation of his debut album with I’ve Tried Everything but Therapy (Part 2). The album comes in an orange sunset Vinyl LP and a limited pressing is available exclusively at the Teddy Swims store. The record features an orange sunburst design and comes in a single jacket.
Part 2 is set for release on January 24. The record follows the success of Part 1, which includes the songs Lose Control and The Door. Teddy Swims, an Atlanta-born vocalist, gained significant attention this year with his blend of R&B, soul and pop. His music explores themes of love, loss and self-discovery, delivered with a soulful voice that reflects his personal experiences.
Evelyn Lau, assistant features editor
Apple Music: 100 Best Albums
Books might be the last thing you’d expect from a tech company like Apple, but it looks like Assouline, known for their luxury coffee table books, has convinced the iPhone maker there’s money to be made in publishing, too. Launching January 9 is Apple Music: 100 Best Albums. It's as much a history lesson as it is a collector’s item.
Only 1,500 copies of this $450 book will be available, with each housed in a transparent acrylic slipcase, and each copy etched with its edition number. The linen hardcover is debossed with the Apple Music logo, while the edges of the book’s pages are gilded with gold. This is not an all-encompassing list, Assouline warns. Instead, it was put together by Apple Music’s “team of experts” with inputs from artists such as Pharrell Williams, J Balvin and Charli XCX, as well as songwriters, producers and industry professionals. It will cover several genres, from country, pop and rock to hip-hop and electronic music, featuring everyone from Miles Davis to Bad Bunny and Billie Eilish to Metallica. The book comes with a foreword by Zane Lowe, the global creative director and co-head of artist relations at Apple Music.
David Tusing, assistant features editor
The Cell in 4K Blu-ray
Indian Filmmaker Tarsem Singh is truly singular in his directing style. Having started in music videos, his first film, The Cell, would star a music star in the form of Jennifer Lopez. Released in 2000, the film is both a culmination of 1990s filmmaking flair and a futuristic outlook on a new millennium. The film tells the story of a scientist who must go deep into the mind of a comatose serial killer to save his latest victim.
Vincent D'Onofrio, who plays the serial killer, becomes a truly menacing and terrifying figure as we see how the man views himself inside his own mind. Gorgeous outdoor scenes and elaborate sets make for a beautiful and horrifying viewing experience as we venture with Lopez inside the mind of a monster. Released by Arrow Video, this new 4K version of the film will look its best on a brand-new television.
Faisal Salah, gaming and social media writer
Mixing Colours by Roger Eno and Brian Eno
Mixing Colours is the first full-length album by Roger and Brian Eno. The brothers have each made major contributions to music production. Brian is a pioneer in ambient and electronic music and has produced for several rock and pop acts, including the Talking Heads and Coldplay. Roger, meanwhile, is renowned for his synth and piano recordings that draw evident inspiration from the meditative cadences of French composer Erik Satie. Mixing Colours fuses their disparate skills together in an album that is contemplative and unravels new details with each listen. The label Deutsche Grammophon is releasing on January 10, a two LP vinyl of the album in a captivating magenta and blue.
Razmig Bedirian, arts and culture writer
