<P> The American Family Association called for theaters not to show the film: "The irony is not lost that the film's main character is named,' Christian,' while this film presents anything but a' Christian' view of intimacy...It is the epitome of elevating abuse, and we call on all theaters to reject promoting such abuse on their screens ." </P> <P> Thomas Williams of the Notre Dame Center for Ethics and Culture commented on the release of the film in the United States on Valentine's Day, stating "The irony of Universal Pictures' decision to release its bondage - erotica film Fifty Shades of Grey on the day dedicated to honoring a Christian martyr has not gone unnoticed to many observers, who seem to find the choice unclassy at best ." </P> <P> Fifty Shades of Grey was released via DVD and Blu - ray on May 8, 2015 . The Blu - ray edition features an unrated cut of the film; the version includes an additional three minutes of footage, the bulk of which are in the form of an alternate ending . </P> <P> Upon its release on home media in the U.S., the film topped both the Nielsen VideoScan First Alert chart, which tracks combined Blu - ray Disc and DVD sales, as well as the Blu - ray Disc sales chart for two consecutive weeks up to the week ending May 17, 2015 . </P>

Who was in the running for 50 shades of grey