DIRECTV CINEMA® is giving customers exclusive access to experience the birth of American punk rock music with the film CBGB, directed by Randall Miller and starring Alan Rickman (Harry Potter franchise), Malin Akerman (Watchmen), Ashley Greene (Twilight franchise) and Rupert Grint (Harry Potter franchise). The film will premiere on DIRECTV CINEMA Thursday, Sept. 5 and air through Oct. 2, prior to its theatrical release on October 11, 2013.

CBGB looks at New York’s dynamic punk rock scene through the lens of the ground breaking Lower East Side club started by eccentric Hilly Kristal (Rickman) in 1973 originally as a home for “country, bluegrass and blues” (thus the club’s name). When it proved impossible to book the likes of Conway Twitty on The Bowery, Hilly opened his doors to local talent making CBGB a forum for American punk and New Wave bands like The Talking Heads, Patti Smith, The Ramones, Blondie, The Dead Boys, The Runaways, Green Day, Soul Asylum, Tool, and thousands more before closing its doors in 2006.

“By providing exclusive, premium content in an earlier window we can offer our customers an entertainment experience they can’t find anywhere else,” said Alex Kaplan, VP of Marketing for DIRECTV. “At the same time filmmakers have a new platform with 20 million viewers to distribute their work. We’re excited to work with XLrator Media to give our customers an exclusive look at CBGB before it hits theaters.”

“We are delighted to be working with DIRECTV and applaud them for putting forth this innovative program for top independent films,” said Barry Gordon, XLrator Media CEO. “Movie-watching habits have evolved, and consumers will always drive the market. DirecTV’s exclusive program is both consumer and filmmaker friendly. CBGB will have access to an enormous national platform coupled with massive marketing and promotional support, and consumers will have an opportunity to see a great movie before it hits theaters!”

Director Randall Miller adds, “This is totally PUNK!! We are excited to get the movie out in the most exciting way! 20 million people getting to talk about the film and enjoy it at home… I have one word, AWESOME!”

CBGB will be available in 1080p HD (Blu-ray quality) for $10.99 and in standard-definition (SD) for $9.99. For more information on the wide variety of films available on DIRECTV CINEMA® please visit directv.com/cinema.