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Pro-marriage drama seeks a second harvest Print Email
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Monday, 19 January 2009 09:36 AM America/New_York
Generous bonus ‘Fireproof’ materials aim to offer further inspiration

FireproofThe makers of the hit movie Fireproof (6-02341-00339-1, $24.98) are looking for a second harvest as it releases on DVD this month from Provident Films, reaching beyond cinema-goers and its central pro-marriage message.

They believe that while the drama itself can help save and strengthen more marriages, the generous extra materials included in the home-viewing edition may have a gentle evangelistic role, helping dispel negative stereotypes that some people have of Christians being narrow-minded and judgmental.

 

Behind-the-scenes footage, bloopers and on-set pranks show the church-based cast and production crew integrating their faith into everyday life and “having a lot of fun at the same time,” said Stephen Kendrick, co-producer with brother Alex.

The 110 minutes of bonus materials also include the Kendricks’ shared commentary, a making-of featurette and a shooting video journal hosted by Erin Bethea, who co-stars in the 118-minute, PG-rated story of a firefighter’s troubled marriage saved by his new commitment to Christ.

“We had someone tell us that the movie was so powerful, not to mess it up by adding all this behind-the-scenes stuff,” Kendrick said. “Because we are ministry-minded, we want all these (extras) not only to be fun but inspirational, too.” When some of those extras had been screened for local firefighters who helped in the making of the film, a few of them were in tears, Kendrick recalled.

Made by the same Georgia church team that created the 2006 football hit Facing the Giants, Fireproof stunned Hollywood by making more than $30 million at theaters after its September release. Thousands posted online testimonies of how their marriages had been helped.

The Special Collector’s Edition for Christian retailers only—with a cover slightly different than the general market edition and 32 more minutes of exclusive bonus material—will be distributed by  Provident-Integrity Distribution.

The DVD also includes six downloadable study and discussion outlines. The Jan. 27 release is also due to be supported by curriculum from LifeWay Christian Resources, with plans for a campaign encouraging couples to renew their vows.

To order Fireproof, call Provident-Integrity at 800-333-9000.