Something about celebrating a significant biblical event coming to Blu-ray seems a little funny. Then again, The Passion of the Christ was also celebrated for breaking box office records when it hit theaters back in 2004. On February 17th, Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment is bringing you the most successful non-English language film and the most successful R-rated film in the United States on Blu-ray.
The film, co-written, co-produced and directed by Mel Gibson, covers Jesus of Nazareth’s final twelve hours. The story beings in the Garden of Olives just after the Last Supper and progresses to the point at which Jesus is put on trial and condemned to death. In addition to the original movie, you’ll also get a less violent re-cut version. Being that the film left some moviegoers in graphic shock, the addition of a less violent version is an excellent idea. The Blu-ray disc also offers an enhanced viewing mode with biblical footnotes, audio commentary with Mel Gibson and music commentary with John Debney. There’s a “Making of The Passion of The Christ” documentary, “The Legacy: A Historical and Cultural Retrospective of the Crucifixion” featurette, historical photo gallery and deleted scenes.
Will deciding whether or not to purchase this film on Blu-ray be as controversial as the film’s release? Considering the issue involves $34.99, probably. Why purchase a film on Blu-ray if you’re only going to watch it once? I get the feeling that most people will not be making The Passion of the Christ their bedtime story on a nightly basis. On the other hand, there are a significant number of people out there who might make this purchase with nostalgic and religious undertones. And so the controversy continues …
