The Nativity Story DVD will arrive in stores from New Line Home Entertainment, just in time for Easter.

Releasing 20 March, The Nativity Story tells the story of the birth of Jesus "in a compelling, captivating, entertaining and inspiring matter that shatters expectations", according to Dr Ted Baehr, chairman of the USChristian Film & Television Commission.

The film is known to capture the emotional resonance and spirituality of the time of Christ with the recreation of the sights and sounds of the Holy Land captured through breathtaking cinematography and an inspirational musical score.

"This story means so much to people all over the world," says director Catherine Hardwicke. "I hope audiences can relate to the film on a personal level and find some inspiration to get through their own challenges and difficulties."

"More than just the account of Christ's birth, The Nativity Story is a story about real lives, troubling times, challenging circumstances and the extraordinary faith of ordinary people," says Lynne Marian, vice president of the Christian ministry provider Outreach Inc. "It's a message as powerful today as it was 2,000 years ago."

Starring Keisha Castle-Hughes (Whale Rider), Oscar Isaac (Guerrilla) and Academy Award®-nominee Shohreh Aghdashloo (House of Sand and Fog), The Nativity Story was awarded The Heartland Film Festival's "Truly Moving Picture" award, the Seal of Approval from The Dove Foundation and has been endorsed by The Parent's Television Council.

Motive Entertainment has pooled a variety of The Nativity Story "teaching and preaching" resources for faith and family leaders as well as consumers. A resource web site (www.NativityResources.com) has been developed to include downloadable study guides, sermon outlines, trailers, promotional materials and additional assets that enable The Nativity Story to be used as a teaching, preaching and outreach tool.