Weak German box office for ‘Passion’

19 March 2004

HAMBURG – Mel Gibson’s hotly discussed “The Passion Of The Christ” opened across Germany to disappointing box office revenues, according to cinema owners Friday.

At the Cinemaxx movie chain, only 8,500 tickets were sold nationwide for opening day showings Thursday at 350 screens with 90,000 seats, a chain spokesman said.

“That’s a very disappointing turnout,” said Cinemaxx spokesman Arne Schmidt.

By comparison, the opening of “Lord Of The Rings – Return Of The King” saw over 50,000 tickets sold at Cinemaxx multiplexes, he said.

DPA

Subject: German News