The faith-based, teen-oriented movie To Save a Life was released this week on Blu-ray and DVD by Sony Pictures Home Entertainment and Affirm Films.

Buoyed by grass-roots support from Christians, youth groups and some Christian retail stores when it was released in theaters in January, the inspirational film created a buzz around the country with its teen-suicide topic, prompting numerous news reports.

Rated PG-13 for mature thematic elements involving teen suicide, drinking, some drug content, disturbing images and sexuality, To Save a Life stars Randy Wayne (The Dukes of Hazzard, The Last Hurrah) and Deja Kreutzberg (CSI: Miami, Law & Order)--and revolves around an all-star athlete forced to make major changes in his life to help others.

Written by youth pastor Jim Britts, the film--which cost only $500,000 to produce--was a modest hit, making $3.7 million in theaters, according to BoxOfficeMojo.com. To Save a Life was produced by evangelism and church resource organization Outreach and is distributed by Samuel Goldwyn Films. Released Aug. 3, the Blu-ray and DVD retail for $34.95 and $24.96, respectively.

Meanwhile, the creators of the film have launched National To Save a Life Week to reach hurting teens. Scheduled for Sept. 6-12 to correspond with National Suicide Prevention Week, the initiative plans to use To Save a Life as a vehicle to save a million lives with a message of hope.

"The concept is simple," Outreach officials said. "During this week, churches, families, pastors, teachers, coaches, mentors and teens themselves are encouraged to invite their friends to watch To Save a Life with them. The goal is to have the film shown in over 10,000 locations, where every teen in America can see the movie either in a church, home, store, classroom, auditorium or theater."

To Save a Life has been viewed by more than 600,000 teens, youth workers, coaches, pastors and parents in theaters, Outreach said. Thousands have commented on the To Save a Life Web site to share their response to the film.

To Save a Life also features several retail-related products, including a novelization by screenwriters Jim and Rachel Britts and Devo2Go--an interactive audio devotional featuring members of the cast--as well as curriculum and student kits.

Click here for more information on National To Save a Life Week.

• Prev
• Next