Contact: Kevin Wandra, 404-788-1276

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 14, 2014 /Christian Newswire/ -- MARY of NAZARETH, the epic motion picture on the life of the Blessed Mother from her childhood through the Resurrection of Jesus, is available now on DVD. This extraordinary film on the life of the Blessed Mother was seen by some 200,000 people on 552 screenings in more than 270 cities across North America as part of Ignatius Press' theatrical and parish screening program.

The MARY of NAZARETH DVD case contains two discs – one is the Mary of Nazareth movie in English with Spanish and English subtitles. The contents of the second bonus disc includes an interview with Alissa Jung, who starred as Mary; an interview with Fr. Donald Calloway MIC, author and Marian expert; "behind the scenes" footage; a film photos slide show; segments from Mary: Mother of God, part of the acclaimed "Footprints of God" DVD series; "Pieta," a song by M.J. Poirier; and testimonies from the San Francisco premiere of Mary of Nazareth. Plus, there is a 24-page collector's booklet and study guide.

"Mary of Nazareth offers the best film presentation of Our Lady I have ever seen," says Father Donald Calloway MIC, considered one of the foremost experts on the life of Mary. "Mary of Nazareth is an absolute theological and Mariological masterpiece! It will make you want to love her more than ever."

"The film, Mary of Nazareth, is a beautiful portrayal of the humanity of Mary, Joseph and Jesus," says Most Rev. Samuel J. Aquila, Archbishop of Denver. "I would encourage everyone to see the film in order to understand the unique relationship between the members of the Holy Family and, most especially, the central role played by Mary as Mother of our Savior."

To see a trailer of this film, endorsements from prominent Catholics and much more, please visit www.MaryFilm.com.

And coming soon: Mary of Nazareth: The Life of Our Lady in Pictures, a book based on the theatrical motion picture. The book, slated to be released Nov. 4, combines inspiring commentary and meditations by Calloway, with over 65 lovely photos from the movie. The insightful text and captivating pictures tell the moving story of the life of the Blessed Virgin Mary, from childhood through the Resurrection of her Son, Jesus Christ.

For more information, or interviews, please contact Kevin Wandra (404-788-1276 or KWandra@CarmelCommunications.com).

About the Film
MARY OF NAZARETH vividly captures the essence of Mary's profound faith and trust in God amidst the great mysteries that she lived with as the Mother of the Messiah, her compassionate humanity and concern for others, and the deep love that she and Jesus shared for one another. This movie underscores her special role in God's plan for our redemption, her unique relationship with Christ, and the tremendous suffering that she endured in union with his passion and death, as well as her serene joy at his Resurrection.

Filmed in Europe and shot in English in high definition, MARY OF NAZARETH is the first full-length feature movie on the story of this incredible woman to be shown in theaters.

MARY OF NAZARETH is directed by acclaimed European film director Giacomo Campiotti (BAKHITA, DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, ST. GIUSEPPE MOSCATI) and written by Francesco Arlanch (RESTLESS HEART, PIUS XII, POPE JOHN PAUL II). The original music score was written by Guy Farley. The film stars actress Alissa Jung in a compelling and inspired portrayal of Mary, as well as other top-notch performances by Andreas Pietschmann as Jesus, and Paz Vega as Mary Magdalene.

MARY OF NAZARETH won the 2014 Gabriel Award for religious film of the year. The Gabriel Awards are designed to honor works of excellence in film, network and cable television and radio programs that serve audiences through the positive, creative treatment of concerns to humankind.

About Ignatius Press
Ignatius Press is among the largest U.S. publishers and distributors of Catholic books, magazines, videos, DVDs and music. It is the primary English-language publisher of Pope Emeritus Benedict XVI's books.