Paul Gross’ Passchendaele is poised to win this year’s Golden Reel award at the Genies with its box-office take of $4.4 million, and Alliance Films took advantage of its momentum with a Blu-Ray release on Feb. 3. ‘I hope everybody who saw the film and everybody who hasn’t seen the film goes out and buys a copy,’ Gross told Playback with a characteristic chuckle. ‘What else can I say? I want everyone to see this film.’

Alliance notes some retailers have launched national consumer promotions, including Blockbuster, which is offering a trip for two to Europe that includes a 12-day tour through France, Belgium and the Netherlands. HMV Canada will be donating $1 from every sale to the Dominion Institute’s Memory Project, and Wal-Mart Canada will be offering an exclusive two-pack that includes the Passchendaele novel.

Check out Gross in the March 2 issue of Playback, where he discusses the art of storytelling, reaching Canadian audiences, Canada’s funding policies and more.