Red Fern DVD Artwork Released

By Waldo Jaquith
With the long-awaited Where The Red Fern Grows finally coming out December 21, albeit direct-to-video, the artwork for the packaging has been released. Dave's minor role as Wil Colman, the main character's father, belies his prominence on the packaging, which features his face and name. Earlier versions of the packaging also included the name of co-star Ned Beatty (Network, Nashville, Superman), but presumably Dave's name sells movies better than Beatty's. News of Dave Matthews' role in this movie first came out five years ago, in October of 1999, but the production became mired in funding problems that took years to resolve. In the time since then, Dave has acted in Because of Winn-Dixie, in which he played a supporting role; that movie is scheduled for theatrical release February 18, 2005. The Red Fern trailer is available on the movie's website. Thanks to Chris Matson and Drew Meyer for the news.