MEL GIBSON'S THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST is to be released on DVD on Tuesday, at least in the States. I'm not sure about Britain or elsewhere.

Gibson, nearly omnipresent back then, is not doing interviews. The DVD and video do not feature director's commentary, behind-the-scenes features, CD-ROM treats or other add-ons that would typically accompany a DVD of a film that enjoyed a $375 million U.S. box office. Fox's press release covers under two pages and contains no quotes from critics or executives.

Nonetheless, the "Passion" DVD is expected to sell well, especially among devout Christians who are hungry for serious spiritual themes as an alternative to Hollywood's typical R-rated fare. The Family Christian Stores chain, with 300 outlets, is discounting the DVD, while offering the free DVD documentary "Jesus: Fact or Fiction."

I dare say the DVD will also sell briskly among Aramaists. And, incidentally, I would say that the movie counts as "R-rated fare" in terms of violence.