Moore's DVD not very hot in Orem

OREM — Jarom Wagner doesn't usually watch R-rated movies. But the 22-year-old is making an exception for Michael Moore's "Fahrenheit 9/11," which came out on DVD Tuesday, because he considers it "a wake-up call to America."

On Thursday, Wagner bought two copies of the film so he could send one to his mother in California. She's a "die-hard conservative Republican," Wagner said.

Then again, so is he.

"It's weird because I'm a totally strait-laced, goody-two-shoes, good ol' boy," Wagner said. "But this movie really made me think. I don't think it's the Bible truth, but it changed my outlook on the war in Iraq."

That sentiment is echoed by many "Fahrenheit" fans, who are snatching up copies of the film, an indictment of the Bush administration's handling of the Sept. 11, 2001, terror attacks and the war in Iraq.

It's already a best-seller on Amazon.com and is expected to set a video sales record for a documentary, much like the film did in theaters, where it grossed a record $115 million.

But in Utah County, where Moore is scheduled to speak to Utah Valley State College students on Oct. 20, sales of the DVD have been sluggish, according to workers at Orem's Media Play.

Few have sold, although the company ordered extra in light of the brouhaha surrounding Moore's upcoming appearance. That doesn't surprise Rachel Harris, who said she is "repulsed" that local stores even carry the DVD because she thinks Moore's film is "filthy propaganda for the enemy."

In addition to "Fahrenheit," Moore released two new books — "The Official Fahrenheit 9/11 Reader," a transcript of the film with additional information, and "Will They Ever Trust Us Again?," a collection of letters sent to Moore from soldiers serving in Iraq.

As part of Moore's contract with UVSC, during his appearance, its campus bookstore must sell those new releases, as well as Moore's other books and films. A free showing of "Fahrenheit" will also be offered to UVSC students on Oct. 14.

All that's currently in the bookstore is one copy of Moore's book, "Dude, Where's My Country?" said Marjorie Lindsey, a buyer for the bookstore.

Lindsey said she expects shipments of Moore's work by late next week. She's counting on the help of 150 seasonal employees to man the bookstore and a sales table that will be set up at the McKay Events Center when Moore speaks.

Usually, about 5 percent of the people who go to an event like the Moore speech, she said, end up buying something. Those opposed to Moore's work do have options, however.

Several films and books questioning the accuracy of "Fahrenheit" are available, including a new release by Utah filmmakers titled, "Fahrenhype 9/11." The latter can be rented at Blockbuster and Hollywood Video stores or purchased at www.overstock.com.

"Michael Moore's view is just one picture," "Fahrenhype" director Alan Peterson said.

"I'm very excited that some people are going to see the other side."

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E-mail: lwarner@desnews.com