will be released on DVD March 23 from Affirm Films--a unit of Sony Pictures Home Entertainment--and distributed to Christian retail by Provident-Integrity Distribution.

Directed by Lasse Hallstrom, the movie stars Richard Gere as Parker Wilson, a distinguished scholar who finds a lost Akita puppy at a train station on his way home from work. Despite initial objections from Wilson's wife, Cate (Joan Allen), Hachi endears himself to the Wilson family and grows to be the professor's loyal companion.

The film's plot is based on the true story of Hachiko--a Japanese Akita whose owner, professor Ueno, suffered a fatal stroke at work in 1925. Waiting for his owner at Tokyo's Shibuya station daily for nine years, Hachiko became a national hero, with a statue erected in his honor.

Rated G and retailing for $24.96, Hachi has received positive reviews. The McClatchy newspaper company said "the loyalty and sense of ‘family' that develops between man and dog is inspiring," while The Sentinel of Carlisle, Pa., observed that the film "is one direct-to-DVD release you won't want to miss."

For more information on Hachi and to screen it online, click here.

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