BEVERLY HILLS, Calif. (ENTERTAINMENT WIRE) - One of the most ecstatically received films at this year's Cannes and Telluride Film Festivals was "The Straight Story," director David Lynch's touching true story set in the American heartland.

Now, with U.S. distribution set through Disney, Windham Hill will release an album of music from the film, written by Grammy-winning composer Angelo Badalamenti. "The Straight Story" soundtrack is released Oct. 12 while the film is released nationwide on Oct. 22.

"The Straight Story" tells the amazing-but-true tale of Alvin Straight, a 73-year-old Iowan who, when he hears his estranged brother is ill, climbs aboard his 1966 John Deere lawnmower and promptly heads off on a 320-mile trip to make amends. Along the way, Straight encounters many strange and wonderful people who help him on his fantastic journey.

The film stars Richard Farnsworth as Alvin Straight, and co-stars Academy Award winner Sissy Spacek and Harry Dean Stanton. Critics have already been enthusiastic, with Variety calling it Lynch's "most straightforward and mature film to date ... a must-see ...," while The Hollywood Reporter said the film "should be one to watch come awards time."

Grammy winner Badalamenti's lush bluegrass-inflected score magnificently evokes the spirit of the journey – one that is fueled by a sense of familial bond, forgiveness and a determination to overcome considerable obstacles. Badalamenti has written the music for many other Lynch productions, including the unforgettable score to television's "Twin Peaks" (for which he won the Grammy), "Blue Velvet," "Wild At Heart," "Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me" and "Lost Highway."

Badalamenti's songs have been recorded by many acclaimed artists, including Patti Austin, George Benson, Nancy Wilson and Roberta Flack. He has also arranged and orchestrated music for Paul McCartney, Michael Jackson, Liza Minnelli and many others. A recipient of eight ASCAP Awards, Badalamenti has also composed scores for such films as "Arlington Road," "Holy Smoke," "Forever Mine," "Weeds," "City of Lost Children" and "Cousins."

Walt Disney Pictures presents "The Straight Story," directed by David Lynch from a screenplay written by John Roach & Mary Sweeny. The producers are Mary Sweeny and Neal Edelstein. Executive producers are Pierre Edelman and Michael Polaire. The film is distributed by Buena Vista Pictures Distribution.