If The Passion of The Christ was too much blood and prolonged pain to take when you first saw it, perhaps now you will have a better reason to encourage friends to hear and watch Mel Gibson's message. In U.S. theaters beginning March 11th, Mel Gibson, Icon Productions and Newmarket Films present "The Passion Recut."

Jesus Christ still dies on the cross.

The pain we witness on the big screen is nothing compared to the pain he bears for human kind in Hell.

Gibson's portrayal of Jesus in Hell is one shot and one shot alone. And it is not even Jesus we see, but the Devil incarnate.

On Friday, March 11th 2005, you are invited to watch Mel Gibson's masterpiece again, or for the first time.

This new version is re-cut for new audiences to discover and for everyone to be inspired by.

Gibson says:

By softening some of its more wrenching aspects, I hope to make my film and its message of love available to a wider audience.

Mel Gibson, the mastermind behind this most challenging endeavor, received feedback from all over the world, after The Passion of The Christ's was first released last February.

Many loved the film.

Many expressed that they could not handle the intensity of it.

Many said they wished they could have taken their "Aunt Martha, Uncle Harry, their grandmother, or some of their older kids."

Unfortunately, the intensity of the film and its brutality was prohibitive to many who were genuinely interested in the subject matter.

In response to this feedback, Mel Gibson was inspired to recut the film.

The film is not only softened, it has been shortened by about six minutes.

Gibson admits it is still a hard film.

It is still Rated R.

Gibson and his team worked hard to maintain the integrity of Jim Caviezel's portrayal of Jesus' life and crucifixion.

Some of the more horrific aspects of Christ's crucifixion have been removed in this new cut.

They promise that there is less blood and gore in the graphic scenes of the torture, scourge and Christ's death on the cross.

Hopefully, one thing that has not been sacrificed is the sound. We're counting on John Debney's music being as powerful as ever.

The bottom line: Mel Gibson is hoping this new take on The Passion of The Christ will be accepted by a broader audience.

Gibson has not only re-cut the film, he has created a new website to promote it.

To see the new trailer, an introduction by Mel, and theater listings in America go to:

In a brief QuickTime movie on the site, Gibson provides an introduction to The Passion Recut. His humbleness is worth watching alone.

On March 11th, exactly two weeks before Good Friday, The Passion Recut will come to 500-750 screens throughout America.

In the UK, the recut film will open on Friday, March 25th, Good Friday.

The original film was released in February 2004 on Ash Wednesday and made over $600 million, globally.

In addition, 2.4 million copies of the DVD were sold in the US by midday on the first day of its release.

Newmarket Films will again release the recut edition of The Passion.

It is expected to run at least through Easter weekend.

For those, like me, who are interested in sharing this story with friends and extended family, I will still want to see the recut version once before taking "Aunt Martha or Uncle Harry."

Bruce Davey, Gibson's partner in Icon Productions, said:

There are no new scenes, and the cuts are limited to the more violent aspects of the film, if that's the right term.

The scourging scene in particular has been substantially adjusted.

Davey added that the new release may become a perennial release.

Bob Berney, president of the movie's distributor Newmarket Films, said he and Gibson are aware that "some people felt the gore overshadowed the message of the film."

The subtle changes will emphasize the sacrifice of Jesus rather than just his suffering.

Congratulations to Mel and his team for listening to their audience in order to reach an even broader one.

Inspire & Be Inspired.

Here's to healthy, adventuresome, soulful, "sacrificing blood shed to get the message across" living!

~ Jennifer Carolyn King , Rugged Elegant Living publisher

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"The Passion of The Christ:" An Invitation to Celebrate Easter This Year in A Movie Theatre, 4/9/04

Jay Leno Hosts 'Passion' Composer, John Debney on 'The Tonight Show' Tonight, 3/11/2004

Experiencing the Passion of Jesus" A Study Guide to Gibson's 'Passion', 2/26/04

Review of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion of the Christ', 2/25/2004

Mel Gibson's 'The Passion Of The Christ' Continues To Create Controversy, 2/22/2004

'The Passion' Movie Soundtrack by John Debney To Be Released on February 24th, 2/22/2004

Ebert & Roeper's Exclusive Early Review of Mel Gibson's 'The Passion" To Air Sunday February 22, 2/21/2004