The Passion of the Christ sets DVD sales record

BIBLICAL epic The Passion of the Christ sold 4,1 million DVD copies on its first day of release in the US.

Fox Home Entertainment said film, directed by Mel Gibson, was the best-selling R-rated film of all time. Starring Jim Caviezel, the film made US$610m (N$3,9 billion) at the global box office after its cinema release in February.However, Pixar’s animated Finding Nemo still holds the record for one-day DVD sales, selling eight million copies its first day.Fox, who released the sales figures on Wednesday, also said The Passion of the Christ was the best-selling non-English language film of all time.Most DVD sales trackers, however, only divide rankings between animation and live-action.The controversial film, which graphically depicts the last hours of Jesus, is on course to sell as many DVDs as Hollywood blockbusters such as Spider-Man and The Lord of the Rings.Many DVDs were paid for well in advance and picked up from retailers on Tuesday.There was a massive marketing campaign targeting the DVD at religious groups in the US, with more than six million Christian homes receiving e-mails about its release.Churches were also offered deals on bulk orders of the film.- BBCStarring Jim Caviezel, the film made US$610m (N$3,9 billion) at the global box office after its cinema release in February.However, Pixar’s animated Finding Nemo still holds the record for one-day DVD sales, selling eight million copies its first day.Fox, who released the sales figures on Wednesday, also said The Passion of the Christ was the best-selling non-English language film of all time.Most DVD sales trackers, however, only divide rankings between animation and live-action.The controversial film, which graphically depicts the last hours of Jesus, is on course to sell as many DVDs as Hollywood blockbusters such as Spider-Man and The Lord of the Rings.Many DVDs were paid for well in advance and picked up from retailers on Tuesday.There was a massive marketing campaign targeting the DVD at religious groups in the US, with more than six million Christian homes receiving e-mails about its release.Churches were also offered deals on bulk orders of the film.- BBC

In an age of information overload, Sunrise is The Namibian’s morning briefing, delivered at 6h00 from Monday to Friday. It offers a curated rundown of the most important stories from the past 24 hours – occasionally with a light, witty touch. It’s an essential way to stay informed. Subscribe and join our newsletter community.

The Namibian uses AI tools to assist with improved quality, accuracy and efficiency, while maintaining editorial oversight and journalistic integrity.