[SauronOfMordor]

I think the movie is going to make Hollywood sit up and take notice, financially, if Fandango's stats are an indicator: "The result has created a "Lord of the Rings"-sized surge in advance sales. Online ticket agent Fandango reported that in the first week in February, "The Passion" accounted for 50 percent of sales. That figure hovered at 70 percent the following week"

I have a feeling that Passion is going to make back its production and distribution costs in the first week of release.

[SauronOfMordor]

BTW, the more advance ticket sales happen, the more likely that theater owners are going to put it on their biggest screen on opening day.

[catonsville]

Mel added 20 million more for distribution, publicity and other items. Total cost about 50 million dollars.

He is opening on a non-holiday Wednesday, NOT the usual Friday, a risky move as he needs a huge outcome the first few days the film is out. He should get it. It is a media event.

R rating, and theaters are actually going to look at proof of age and turn people away. When was the last time you saw THAT at a local multiplex.

Groups are the answer. Under 17 teenagers are so used to violence this will not upset most of them. Getting to view the film is more of a problem.

Later with the DVD, The Pay showings that will probably be an annual affair around Easter, the other tie-ins and the world wide distribution. Mel should do okay.

My only worry is that certain groups may use the film as a pretense to harm Jews and their institutions. And I do NOT mean people who have seen the movie and believe as Gibson does.

[Aquinasfan]

I have a feeling that Passion is going to make back its production and distribution costs in the first week of release.

I think it should go over the $1B mark when all is said and done, and I'll stick with my original prediction that this will be the top grossing movie in history.

[biblewonk]

I think the movie is going to make Hollywood sit up and take notice,

I don't. Hollywood will react the same way Jack Nickolson did as mentioned by Mel in the interview.