Costa Communications - press release

SALES UP 300 PERCENT ON “PASSION OF THE CHRIST”

SCORE ALBUM ONE WEEK AFTER DVD HITS STORES

ALBUM RE-ENTERS BILLBOARD TOP 200 ALBUM CHART

(HOLLYWOOD) One week following the DVD release of “The Passion of the Christ,” sales for “The Passion of the Christ” original soundtrack album have jumped 300 percent and has re-entered Billboard’s Top 200 Album Chart, according to Nielsen SoundScan, an information system that tracks music sales in the United States and Canada.

In its long-running theatrical release, “The Passion of the Christ” grossed nearly $400 million in ticket sales. The original soundtrack recording by Sony Music/Integrity (music by John Debney) became the #1 selling soundtrack on Billboard’s Soundtrack and Christian charts. The soundtrack spent three consecutive weeks at #1 on Billboard’s Soundtrack charts and hit #19 on Billboard’s Top 200.

John Debney, who has also composed for such blockbusters as “Princess Diaries 1 & 2,” “Raising Helen,” “Elf,” “The Scorpion King,” “Bruce Almighty,” and “Spy Kids,” has quickly become one of Hollywood’s top composers. “Passion of the Christ” director/producer Mel Gibson commented, "[Debney’s score] had to be an extraordinary piece of work, something that helped the images. It had to tell a lot. John made my film 10 times better." Gibson himself even participated in Debney’s score by performing with famous recording choir London Voices for the score's vocals and chants. Debney utilized an 80-piece London orchestra to record the powerful music.

In a touching performance on "The Tonight Show with Jay Leno" and the "Today Show,” Debney performed select pieces from his album with co-lyricist/soloist Lisbeth Scott and the Biola University chorale. He has been profiled extensively in the United States and internationally and has been featured in the “Los Angeles Times,” “Daily News” and “Newsday.” Debney was also honored recently in Italy by the Ischia International Academy at the Global Film & Music Fest with a Legends Award for his contributions to the continuing international success of “The Passion of the Christ.”

With a diverse list of film credits, John Debney utilizes both his classical training and strong knowledge of contemporary sounds in order to adapt to any assignment. In addition to his composing projects, Debney is a supporter of classic film scores. He has embarked on a series of CD recordings of classical film scores for Varese Saraband Records, which will include works such as "Superman," "The Seventh Voyage of Sinbad,” and “Titanic.”

Contact:

FOR JOHN DEBNEY:    Ray Costa
                                    Costa Communications (323) 650-3588
                                    rcosta@costacomm.com

FOR SONY MUSIC:      Carol Della Penna
                                   Sony 212-833-7479
                                   carol_dellapenna@sonymusic.com

CDS, INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS AVAILABLE

CONTACT COSTA COMMUNICATIONS