directed by Steve McQueen ; screenplay by John Ridley ; produced by Brad Pitt, Dede Gardner, Jeremy Kleiner ; produced by Bill Pohlad, Steve McQueen, Arnon Milchan, Anthony Katagas ; executive producers, Tessa Ross, John Ridley ; Regency Enterprises and River Road Entertainment present ; a River Road, Plan B, and New Regency production ; in association with Film4 ; a film by Steve McQueen.sound, color ;4 3/4 in.Wide screen (2.40:1).Based on the memoir Twelve years a slave by Solomon Northup.Originally released as a motion picture in 2013.Extras: The team; The score; Sneak peek.Summary: Based on the true story of Solomon Northup. It is 1841, and Northup, an accomplished, free citizen of New York, is kidnapped and sold into slavery. Stripped of his identity and deprived of all dignity, Northup is ultimately purchased by ruthless plantation owner Edwin Epps and must find the strength within to survive. Filled with powerful performances by an astonishing cast including Chiwetel Ejiofor, Michael Fassbender, Benedict Cumberbatch, Brad Pitt, and newcomer Lupita Nyong'o, 12 Years a Slave is both an unflinching account of slavery in American history and a celebration of the indomitable power of hope.

MPAA rating: R, for violence/cruelty, some nudity and brief sexuality ; Canadian home video rating: 14A. Canadian Home Video Rating: 14A - Brutal violence - Sexual violence

DVD, NTSC region 1, dual layer, widescreen (2.40:1) presentation; Dolby Digital 5.1, surround Dolby Digital 2.0.

In English, optional dubbed Spanish or dubbed French with optional Spanish subtitles; English subtitles for the deaf and hard-of-hearing [SDH]; English descriptive audio track for people with visual disabilities (5.1). Closed captioned.

Academy Awards, 2014: Best motion picture, Best performance by an actress in a supporting role (Lupita Nyong'o), Best writing, adapted screenplay (John Ridley).