Twilight Release Takes Utah by Storm
March 24th, 2009
DVD breaks sales records for novel by LDS author and BYU graduate
by Jacob Hodgen
This weekend, the DVD release of the adaptation of Stephenie Meyers' novel Twilight drew thousands of Utahns to camp out at movie dealers across the state. The film was officially released on Saturday at midnight and smashed Wal-Mart's internal sales records. It is now the most preordered movie in their history and sold more than 3 million copies its first day.
Twilight is the romantic story between a teenager girl named Bella who falls in love with a benevolent vampire named Edward. The novel was written by Stephenie Meyers, who is an active member of the LDS Church and a graduate of BYU's English department.
At the midnight release party at Wal-Mart in Riverton, Twilight actress Rachelle Lefevre made a special appearance to sign autographs in front of a cheering crowd of costumed fans.
"The movie stayed so true to the book and the characters were perfect down to the smallest detail," said Lindsey Frahm, an eighth-grader at Pleasant Grove Junior High. "I want a boy to respect me like Edward respected Bella. That's why I fell in love with 'Twilight.'" -Deseret News
Whichever couples come dressed in their prom dress, together, they receive a free boutonniere and a free corsage. -KSL
Thanks Wal-Mart for the poor planning. My sister and I were there for 2 hours before we were told that the autograph line was in a totally different spot than where we were. And parents, WATCH YOUR KIDS!!!! IF THEY ARE UNDER 15, YOU SHOULD BE WITH THEM!! Rudest bunch of kids I've been around. -User Forum for Deseret News
When I think about my life prior to discovering the Twilight series, I honestly can't remember what it was like. [. . .] my love and admiration for the Twilight series runs so much deeper because of the realism the story has. Not only does it has the fantasy elements of vampires and werewolves, but it never gets too carried away with it. The relationships in the books are so believable and humane that I find myself relating to each character one way or another at some point throughout the series. -Bella and Edward.com
