Product Details

• Actors: Diane Sawyer, Mel Gibson
• Format: Color, DVD, NTSC
• Language: English
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
  
• Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Rated: NR (Not Rated)
• Studio: Mpi Home Video
• DVD Release Date: March 9, 2004
• Run Time: 40 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• ASIN: B0001NM7W0
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #224,909 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Editorial Reviews

In this episode of Primetime, ABC News' Diane Sawyer interviews filmmaker Mel Gibson about his highly controversial movie, "The Passion of the Christ." \nGibson discusses his own religious beliefs with Sawyer and explains how his faith helped him overcome struggles with addiction and other personal problems at a spiritual low point in his life. These dark experiences ultimately led him to make "The Passion of the Christ." \nHe responds to charges that the movie's portrayal of the Jewish role in the death of Christ will encourage anti-Semitism. He also elaborates on comments he's made about the Holocaust. In addition, he tells why he felt it necessary to exhibit such a graphic depiction of Christ's crucifixion on film, and discusses his decision to tell the story in both Aramaic and Latin. \nSawyer also interviews Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, who shares his views on the Passion of the Christ." Religious scholars, members of the clergy and others assess the film's potential impact. \nCritics, theologians and film aficionados won't want to miss this exclusive interview about one of the most emotionally charged movies of our time - "The Passion of The Christ." \nApprox. 40 mins.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

92 of 99 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars shows media's anti-Christian bias, March 27, 2004

By 

A. Delgado "cubana1979" (New York, NY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: ABC Primetime - Mel Gibson's Passion (DVD)

If you're a fan of Gibson and "The Passion of the Christ" (like I am), buy this DVD. It's worth it to hear Gibson explain his reasons for making the film and to hear him discuss his personal beliefs.

However, the interview is also a testament to the media's incredible anti-Christian bias. Diane Sawyer did not even bother to veil her bias. The scowl on her face throughout the interview is shocking, considering journalists are supposed to be objective. It was clear she was furious with Gibson for "daring" to make a Christian film. (A true journalist, she is not. If one can decipher where a journalist falls on an issue, that journalist has absolutely failed his/her profession.) For that reason, I gave the DVD 4 stars instead of 5 stars.

Diane Sawyer also manages to give screen time to a funny-looking renegade former priest who does nothing but make a fool of himself. Why is this man qualified to speak and what does he have to do with the movie??? I'm sure Sawyer thought the fact that he's a priest (never mind that he's a FORMER priest), the fact that he makes offensive comments about Jesus Christ, and his criticizing the movie was enough to include this man in the interview. How low will Diane Sawyer sink? Moral of the story: claim that you're Christian, say some mean things about Jesus Christ, and you'll get screen time!!

Notice the incredibly antagonistic questions she throws at Gibson as compared to the soft-ball questions she throws at the movie's critics.

Overall, the interview will upset your fairness sensibilities but it's worth buying the DVD to listen to Gibson. I'm also looking forward to having this DVD around in future years when I want to recall what this controversy was about. What a hero Gibson is to have endured all this persecution, merely for making a movie about Jesus Christ that portrayed Him in (shock!) a positive light.

Hats off to you, Mel!
Diane Sawyer, go back to journalism school.

67 of 72 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Mel Gibson handles himself well., April 17, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: ABC Primetime - Mel Gibson's Passion (DVD)

I watched this interview when it came out on TV, and thank God I wasn't in Mel's shoes because I'd probably pull out Diane's hair. Is it just me, or did she have the look of constipation when she was asking those questions. The women was so bias, and unfair. Even though this interview is only an hour, apparently, Diane and the crew at ABC spent 4 hours with Gibson, drilling him with questions. Mel was so professional, and was cool, calm, and collective. Diane on the other hand...no comment. She really is clueless and ignorant to Religion in general. My favorite part was when Mel told her "Read the gospels Diane." I guess she didn't do her homework, because she has no clue what she is talking about. I have lost respect for that Diane. Also, I would like to say something else, why do they always have to pick people are always against something. It should be 50/50 if you want a debate. It was all of them against Mel. By the way that Foxman guy who dressed up as a priest, and sneaked into a screening doesn't not speak for all Jews, I repeat.

38 of 41 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Mel's Passion, Diane's Bias, April 12, 2004

By A Customer

This review is from: ABC Primetime - Mel Gibson's Passion (DVD)

Would Diane Sawyer have the same bewildered scowl on her face she had for Mel if she was doing an in-depth interview with porn-meister Larry Flynt? Would she look as skeptical and objective fawning over the Clintons? Gushing with the latest doomed Hollywood couple?
Didn't think so.
I learned a lot about Mel Gibson in this interview but I also learned a lot about Diane Sawyer and how completely out-of-touch and distrustful the network media is toward people of faith.

Since I doubt the forthcoming PASSION DVD will have this interview included (and it should), I'll pick it up. I think it's the perfect introduction to this film.