The Passion Sets Record and Causes Ripple Effect in Genre

The Passion Sets Record and Causes Ripple Effect in Genre 


PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 9  /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Mel Gibson's The Passion of
The Christ, which streeted on 8/31, grossed more than $8.4 million in combined
DVD and VHS rental revenue setting an all-time record for first week revenue in
the religious film genre.  The video turned more than 2.4 million units, took
both the #1 spots on Rentrak's weekly Top 10 DVD and VHS charts, and was the #1
drama overall for the week ending 9/5/04.

The film, which depicts the final 12 hours in the life of Jesus Christ, also
caused a ripple effect in the genre -- as the Labor Day weekend turned into a
holiday of religious edification for many U.S. video consumers who flocked to
rent such classics as Jesus of Nazareth (1977) and Ben Hur (1959) -- with
activity levels rising on several religious titles from the prior week-ending
8/25.

  Percent Increase in Consumer Activity Levels from 8/25 - 9/5/04

  Title                                 Studio           % Increase
  BEN HUR (1959)                        MGM              160.2%
  JESUS OF NAZARETH (1977)              LIVE             107.3%
  GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD (1965)       MGM              33.1%
  PAUL THE APOSTLE (2004)               GOODTIMES        29.4%
  LAST TEMPTATION OF CHRIST (1989)      UNIVERSAL        27.6%
  MARY, MOTHER OF JESUS (2000)          ARTISAN          12.8%

  Top 10 Renting Videos (Combined DVD/VHS) for the Week Ending 9/5/04

  This  Last                                                Wks
  Wk    Wk    Title                             Studio      Out
  1     NEW   The Passion Of The Christ          FOX         1
  2     NEW   Twisted                            PAR         1
  3      1    Taking Lives                       WAR         3
  4      2    Girl Next Door                     FOX         2
  5      3    Godsend                            LNG         3
  6      4    Laws Of Attraction                 NLH         2
  7      5    Hidalgo                            TOU         5
  8      6    Johnson Family Vacation            FOX         4
  9      7    13 Going On 30                     COL         5
  10     9    The Prince & Me                    PAR         4



Top 10 rental charts are based on preliminary data. Ranking are subject to
change upon receipt of additional data. Up-to-date information on video and
videogame rentals are available on Home Video Essentials. Home Video Essentials
is a product of Rentrak Corporation.

For more information, contact Brad Hackley, 1-866-333-6214, or . 

DATASOURCE: Rentrak Corporation



CONTACT:  Brad Hackley of Rentrak Corporation, [phone], or





Web site:  http://www.rentrak.com/ 

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