Biblically Accurate Jesus Film to Release in High-Definition for 35th Anniversary

ORLANDO, FL, March 06, 2014 (Press-News.org) The most watched film in history, JESUS - a biblically accurate motion picture on the life of Jesus based from the book of Luke - has been re-mastered in high-definition with an entirely new musical score in honor of its 35th anniversary. This new version, releasing as The JESUS Film, is now in select theaters through Tugg, Inc., and will be in retail and online stores nationwide on Blu-ray, DVD and digital format beginning April 1 in partnership with Cinedigm and Mission Home Video.

The JESUS Film is the timeless story of the most beloved - and yet the most controversial - figure ever to walk the earth. Over the last 35 years, this film has been viewed billions of times, and is recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records as the "Most Translated Film" in history - now available in more than 1,200 languages.

"While many have seen the original JESUS film, watching the 35th anniversary, re-mastered edition is akin to experiencing a brand new movie," said Dr. Erick Schenkel, Executive Director of The JESUS Film Project , a ministry of Cru. "During the film's restoration, each of its 173,000 frames were individually and painstakingly re-touched and re-colored, and the entire audio track was re-done with dialogue, sound effects and new music. As a result, individuals who have seen the original film dozens of times have marveled at the beauty of the 35th anniversary edition."

A faithful depiction of Christ's birth, ministry, death and resurrection as told in the biblical account from the Gospel of Luke, virtually every word Jesus speaks in The JESUS Film is quoted from Scripture. The script was reviewed for biblical accuracy by 450 leaders and scholars. Further historical accuracy was ensured using clothing, pottery and other props made with first-century methods to portray a 2,000-year-old Palestinian culture.

After viewing the original JESUS film, more than 200 million individuals have indicated decisions to follow Jesus. The story of the movie's impact over the past 35 years will be shown through an exclusive new short feature narrated by actor Ernie Hudson and available on the re-mastered Blu-ray and DVD. Each disc will also include The JESUS Film in a total of eight languages - English, Spanish, Mandarin, French, Vietnamese, German, Korean and Arabic.

In addition to being made available in retail and online stores, The JESUS Film Project has joined Cinedigm and Mission Home Video with Tugg, Inc., to offer 35 theatrical viewings between now and Easter in honor of the movie's 35th anniversary. The showings will begin this week in Orlando, Fla., on March 4 and Laguna Niguel, Calif., on March 6. For information about The JESUS Film high-definition release and theatrical showings in available localities, visit http://www.JESUSFilmHD.com.

The JESUS Film Project
The JESUS film was created by The JESUS Film Project, a ministry of Cru, following founder Bill Bright's vision to take the message of Jesus to the world through video.

Cinedigm
Cinedigm is the leading independent content distributor in the United States, with direct relationships with over 60,000 physical and digital retailers, including Wal-Mart, Best Buy, Target, iTunes, Netflix and Amazon. The company's library of over 32,000 titles and episodes encompasses award-winning documentaries, next-gen Indies, acclaimed independent films and festival picks and a wide range of content from brand name suppliers.

Mission Home Video
Mission Home Video, a subsidiary of Mission Pictures International (MPI), is a home entertainment distribution and marketing company that specializes in high-quality family and faith-based entertainment for mainstream audiences worldwide. Founded in 2008 by Cindy Bond and Chevonne O'Shaughnessy, MPI's primary focus and commitment has been to firmly establish and maximize its trusted and vibrant brand of entertaining and life-affirming feature film and television programming throughout the global marketplace.