ANVIL's True Story' Is Top Easter Weekend Newcomer At Specialty Box Office

indieWIRE reports that the U.S. debut of ANVIL's acclaimed documentary, "Anvil! The Story of Anvil", was the top Easter weekend newcomer at the specialty box office, according to estimates. The film — which debuted to great numbers in Canada last weekend — grossed $34,800 from three screens this weekend. The Abramorama release's $11,600 was the best per-theater-average of any reporting release — even overall box office champ "Hanna Montana: The Movie".

A short video clip of ANVIL guitarist/vocalist Steve "Lips" Kudlow and drummer Robb Reiner talking about "Anvil! The Story of Anvil", on "The Hour" program on Canada's CBC can be viewed below.

Keanu Reeves, the actor best known for his portrayal of Neo in the action film trilogy "The Matrix", Ted Logan in "Bill & Ted's Excellent Adventure" and "Bill and Ted's Bogus Journey" and officer Jack Traven in "Speed", presented the Los Angeles screening of "Anvil! The Story of Anvil" Tuesday night (April 7) at The Egyptian Theatre. Also attending the event were Duff McKagan, Henry Rollins, members of REO SPEEDWAGON and GOOD CHARLOTTE, among many others. The screening was followed by a raucous performance by the Canadian metal legends themselves.

Reeves told RadarOnline.com that he was there because of his friendship with the film's director, Sacha Gervasi (he is currently writing a film called "Henry's Crime" with the director).

Kenneth Turan of National Public Radio (NPR) has reviewed "Anvil! The Story of Anvil". The review is available in text and audio format at this location.

ANVIL will appear at this year's Metal Hammer Golden Gods ceremony, which will be held June 15 at Indigo2 in London, England's O2 Arena . ANVIL will perform on the main stage of the annual awards bash, which is owned by Future's Metal Hammer magazine. The event celebrates the great and good from the international world of rock and metal as well as playing host to several of the loudest bands on the planet to an audience of frothing and frenzied kids. Also scheduled to appear is Santa Barbara, California's DEVILDRIVER, with more acts to be announced.

VH1 has acquired the exclusive rights to "Anvil! The Story of Anvil". VH1 will handle the television and DVD release and distribute the film theatrically in association with Abramorama. The world television premiere on VH1 this summer and the subsequent DVD release of the film follow a network-wide, multi-platform promotional campaign supporting the theatrical film release April 10, 2009 in New York and Los Angeles followed by a national roll-out.

Timed to the release of the film in April, VH1 Classic is serving as the exclusive presenter for the band's U.S. tour. At each tour stop, the film is played immediately followed by a short performance by the band.