The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)

Starring:James Caviezel, Maia Morgenstern, Hristo Jivkov, Francesco De Vito, Monica Bellucci, Mattia Sbragia, Toni Bertorelli, Luca Lionello, Hristo Shopov, Claudia Gerini, Fabio Sartor, Giacinto Ferro, Olek Mincer, Sheila Mokhtari, Lucio Allocca, Paco Reconti, Adel Bakri, Luciano Dragone, Adel Ben Ayed, Franco Costanzo
Director: Mel Gibson
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Editorial Review:
Amazon.com
After all the controversy and rigorous debate has subsided, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ will remain a force to be reckoned with. In the final analysis, "Gibson's Folly" is an act of personal bravery and commitment on the part of its director, who self-financed this $25-30 million production to preserve his artistic goal of creating the Passion of Christ ("Passion" in this context meaning "suffering") as a quite literal, in-your-face interpretation of the final 12 hours in the life of Jesus, scripted almost directly from the gospels (and spoken in Aramaic and Latin with a relative minimum of subtitles) and presented as a relentless, 126-minute ordeal of torture and crucifixion. For Christians and non-Christians alike, this film does not "entertain," and it's not a film that one can "like" or "dislike" in any conventional sense. (It is also emphatically not a film for children or the weak of heart.) Rather, The Passion is a cinematic experience that serves an almost singular purpose: to show the scourging and death of Jesus Christ in such horrifically graphic detail (with Gibson's own hand pounding the nails in the cross) that even non-believers may feel a twinge of sorrow and culpability in witnessing the final moments of the Son of God, played by Jim Caviezel in a performance that's not so much acting as a willful act of submission, so intense that some will weep not only for Christ, but for Caviezel's unparalleled test of endurance.

Amazon.com

After all the controversy and rigorous debate has subsided, Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ will remain a force to be reckoned with. In the final analysis, "Gibson's Folly" is an act of personal bravery and commitment on the part of its director, who self-financed this $25-30 million production to preserve his artistic goal of creating the Passion of Christ ("Passion" in this context meaning "suffering") as a quite literal, in-your-face interpretation of the final 12 hours in the life of Jesus, scripted almost directly from the gospels (and spoken in Aramaic and Latin with a relative minimum of subtitles) and presented as a relentless, 126-minute ordeal of torture and crucifixion. For Christians and non-Christians alike, this film does not "entertain," and it's not a film that one can "like" or "dislike" in any conventional sense. (It is also emphatically not a film for children or the weak of heart.) Rather, The Passion is a cinematic experience that serves an almost singular purpose: to show the scourging and death of Jesus Christ in such horrifically graphic detail (with Gibson's own hand pounding the nails in the cross) that even non-believers may feel a twinge of sorrow and culpability in witnessing the final moments of the Son of God, played by Jim Caviezel in a performance that's not so much acting as a willful act of submission, so intense that some will weep not only for Christ, but for Caviezel's unparalleled test of endurance.

Customer Reviews:

Great Film-Good Story.......2007-06-26

To start, I am not a religious person. I personally dislike religion in many ways(though I was raised Christian-not a total follower) but I've always found the story of Jesus beautiful and invigorating. I'm not really into the theology of Christianity but I find Mel Gibson's film a very interesting motion picture. Now, I look at 'The Passion' from a critics standpoint because it's redundant and stupid to look it at from a religious perspective; it's a movie! The filmography is top notch and the production value is pretty high. The devotion put into the film like the emotion and the graphic scenes and the fact that the cast speaks different languages is really amazing. I've never bothered to read the Bible but I know enough of it to know that the film is pretty similiar. I've always liked Mel Gibson's more historic films, though I don't really count this as historic because even though it supposively happened, nobody is 100% positive any of it did or was true(the Bible isn't facts, we should all know that by now). As a film, I loved it. I think it's one of the most important films ever made because of it's theme; the theme that a man gave his life for an ideal and something that he and everyone else believed in(kind of like William Wallace). This theme has been used over and over again but in this medium, it touches almost everybody and that's why it's such a moving and damn important picture.

A Great Film.......2007-06-24

To be short and sweet this is how the Passion should have been released in the first place, all the features, a choice between the edited version or not,and I like the cover better.

A snuff film masquerading as a Biblical epic.......2007-05-22

Roger Ebert, whom I respect, gave this film a good review when it was released, and I went to see it based on his recomendation.

Well, I've disagreed with him before.

Nothing in this movie explains what Christ was about. Nothing about the Sermon on the Mount, nothing about what he taught at all. It was all about how he died a gruesome death, an obsession that Gibson puts above everything else.

I noticed in the negative reviews of "The Last Temptation of Christ" that many reviewers expressed enthusiasm for Gibson's film, but hated Scorsese's, which I found a moving examination of what it must have been like for Christ to struggle between the human and divine sides of his nature. (An account based not on the Gospels, as many believed, but upon a thoughtful writer's imagination.) How, after all, can Christ be an inspiring example if he was never tempted by the things all men and women are tempted by?

The "Passion" is perverse.

Review of Passion of Christ Movie (James Caviezel).......2007-05-20

This movie was excellent!! Acting was superb .. directing was outstanding .. I felt as though I was walking through it with all
it's characters .. from beginning to end ..

Meaningful religious studies.......2007-05-13

religion department at my school is pleased to be able to show this re-cut version of the film!

The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Not the Jesus I Know...
Jesus Came To Earth to Shed His Blood For Us
Passion of the Christ
He saved us even though we were sinners!!
the passion of the christ

The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)
Starring: James Caviezel , Maia Morgenstern , Christo Jivkov , Francesco De Vito , and Monica Bellucci
Director: Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Kingdom of Heaven - The Director's Cut (Four-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B00028HBKM
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Amazon.com

Description

The Passion of the Christ focuses on the last twelve hours of Jesus of Nazareth's life. The film begins in the Garden of Olives where Jesus has gone to pray after the Last Supper. Jesus must resist the temptations of Satan. Betrayed by Judas Iscariot, Jesus is then arrested and taken within the city walls of Jerusalem where leaders of the Pharisees confront him with accusations of blasphemy and his trial results in a condemnation to death.

Customer Reviews:

Not the Jesus I Know..........2007-05-28

I must say that I found this film quite disturbing. Its because I am a Christian and I really hated how this movie was only about the crucifixion of Jesus. It is based more on the Catholic tradition of stages of the cross than any kind of Biblical tradition to be quite honest. Uplifting the gore and the violence of the cross is not about the Christianity that I have come to understand at all!
I would actually give the film zero stars if i had the chance. There is nothing in the movie about the life of Jesus and there is only a three second suggestion of the resurrection of Jesus at the end. In my opinion, the life and resurrection of Jesus is more central to the understanding of Christianity that I have than the crucifixion of Jesus has. I do not skim over the crucifixion of Jesus by any means but my soteriological understanding of that deals more with the fact that Jesus' own actions lead him to the crucifixion by healing on the Sabbath or by not submitting to the powers that were. Forgiveness is something Jesus did in his life, not just in his going to the cross. But he still forgives our sins as a result of his resurrection through his presence among us.

Unfortunately I found more responsible theological reflection in South Parks parodyk, the Passion of the Jew. And I feel like Mel Gibson took advantage of the religious right to make a lot of money with strong attitudes against Jews. I'm sorry that I supported this movie at all.

Jesus Came To Earth to Shed His Blood For Us.......2007-05-27

Jesus came to this earth to die and rise again so that we might have eternal life because He loves us all. Every human being in this world was created by God, and has the right to accept Jesus Christ in their hearts. One religion does not have a monopoly on Him. Being of a certain religion does not make one worthy of eternal life with Christ...only His blood makes us worthy. We can only have eternal life through His blood. There is no other way that we can be saved. We can't go to confession, we can't go to Mass, we can't pray over beads, and we can't take communion to be saved from eternal damnation. That being said, if people watch The Passion of The Christ, and still believe that they can be saved some other way besides through the blood of Christ, then there was no purpose to the movie.
Jesus came to call sinners to repentence. Many of the reviewers claim to be Christians but are going back and forth arguing over whose religion is better, and whose is more historically accurate in their knowledge. So far I have not read where many "lost sinners" claim to have repented of their sins and given their lives to Christ after watching this movie. I watched Jesus of Nazareth in the 70's along with my young children. I then went to Church and gave my life to Christ. I know of other people who were not Christians (some are now ministering the gospel), and after watching Jesus of Nazareth, they gave their lives to Christ.
This is the sort of impact that a spiritual up-lifting movie should have on the world. God loves the world, everyone in the world.

Passion of the Christ.......2007-05-18

What can I say. This is an awesome movie,and difficult to watch. I do not advise that young children watch it. Or those that can not take seeing another in graphic pain. It is profoundly moving and worth the time reaing the subtitles, however this DVD also enables those with Visual Handicaps to enjoy the movie with narration.

He saved us even though we were sinners!!.......2007-05-16

I saw this movie at a theater and was moved. When I bought this item and watched it on Good Friday alone, I wept like I have never wept before. After the movie was finished my head was full of everything, mental and physical. It took me many tissues to remove what this movie had done to me. Christ saved us. He took all our punishment on Himself, which this movie has shown us. If this movie doesn't affect you, I would suggest pleading to God for Him to send down His Grace upon you. Once He does, accept it!

PAX

the passion of the christ.......2007-05-13

the movie was excellent. the characters performance was excellent and i love Mel Gibson

The Passion of the Christ (Full Screen Edition)

Average customer rating:

Not the Jesus I Know...
Jesus Came To Earth to Shed His Blood For Us
Passion of the Christ
He saved us even though we were sinners!!
the passion of the christ

The Passion of the Christ (Full Screen Edition)
Starring: James Caviezel , Maia Morgenstern , Christo Jivkov , Francesco De Vito , and Monica Bellucci
Director: Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

Religion | Drama | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Special Interests | Genres | DVD | Video

DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
Similar Items:

Jesus of Nazareth
The Gospel of John
Luther
The Nativity Story
Kingdom of Heaven - The Director's Cut (Four-Disc Special Edition)

ASIN: B00028HBKC
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Amazon.com

Description

Customer Reviews:

Not the Jesus I Know..........2007-05-28

Jesus Came To Earth to Shed His Blood For Us.......2007-05-27

Passion of the Christ.......2007-05-18

He saved us even though we were sinners!!.......2007-05-16

the passion of the christ.......2007-05-13

the movie was excellent. the characters performance was excellent and i love Mel Gibson

The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ / From the Manger to the Cross

Average customer rating:

Genesis of Christian Cinema
Silent Films are Not My Thing
Priceless Artifacts of Early, Silent, Bible Cinema! Appeals to Hardcore Silent Film Fans and Christians
The quality of these very early films is astounding
I expected at least subtitles. Nothing. Just a silent film.

The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ / From the Manger to the Cross
Starring: Madame Moreau , and Monsieur Moreau
Director: Ferdinand Zecca
Manufacturer: Image Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The King of Kings - Criterion Collection
The Gospel According to St. Matthew
Jesus of Nazareth
The Greatest Story Ever Told (Movie Only Edition)
King of Kings

ASIN: B00008H2H0
Release Date: 2003-04-08

Description

Depicting well-known incidents in the life of Jesus Christ, these milestones of early cinema won world fame, huge audiences and a screen life of decades when most secular films of the time measured their commercial life in weeks.

Customer Reviews:

Genesis of Christian Cinema.......2007-04-11

(3 1/2 *'s) Primitive, coming from 1902 and 1912, these two early Jesus movies are a meditation. Because the details aren't fussed over like modern renditions, the audience can actively go along with the journey. The first film has fine costumes and sets, and it should be said that the actor looks more like Jesus than any film before or since. (If you take the passage that "He bore no resemblance to draw us to him...an appearance which made men turn away," to light.) There is earnestness in the first film, which uses skillful appearances and disappearances of angels, stars, and Jesus Himself. The second film is more praiseworthy. They use less stage settings and use terrain suitable for a biblical landscape. The acting is far more impressive with Jesus's passion, Magdalene's appearance, and Mary's humble radiance--above most silent films. A quiet contemplation, both movies are a spare start to cinema meant to make a difference. It also is draw those who wish to see the genesis of cinema.

Silent Films are Not My Thing.......2006-03-19

Even though this film is a collectors item and over 100 years old I can not give it away fast enough. I changed my mind after I purchased it wanting to return it.....rather pricey...but being curious I opened the package and watched it. I really wanted to like it. But I will give this treasure away.
I will keep my newer Jesus films. I was conned by the kinder reviews of others.

Priceless Artifacts of Early, Silent, Bible Cinema! Appeals to Hardcore Silent Film Fans and Christians.......2005-12-24

If you are even considering buying a DVD of Bible stories from the silent film era in the first place, then you will not be disappointed with this DVD! It is well worth the price on amazon.com!

This is a nicely restored DVD project, including a modern soundtrack of organ music, similar to what organists would play in the early movie theaters of a century ago!

This DVD has two separate productions on it, both centered on the life of Jesus Christ! They are both a bit primitive in their choppy scene changes, but there is little non-Biblical footage in the two films, (which too often hampers later and modern day Bible stories on DVD). The picture quality on this DVD is VERY NICE, especially for 100 year old silent movies!

What these films lack in modern polish is easily forgiven, and innocently enjoyable, due to the extreme sincerity of both films to try to accurately depict the Bible scenes shown. This is little to none of any non-Biblical content, but a slight Catholic influence may be discerned at times, (such as the non-Biblical Veronica wiping the face of Christ as he carries the cross).

The DVD liner notes give some background text about the productions of these two films. The liner notes are mostly about FROM THE MANGER TO THE CROSS (1912). The liner notes say that both of these films did the silent cinema circuit for many years, and were very popular, at a time when most silent movies only went around once. I think they got the most mileage out of the annual Easter seasons.

The DVD itself has no extras, as we think of them in contemporary DVD releases of major motion pictures.

The oldest of the two films is THE LIFE AND PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (1905), which is about 44 minutes long. This film was originally released in 1902, and later, more scenes were shot and added, the last additions occurring by 1905. This movie is a full century old now! Amazing to find it looking so good on DVD!

THE LIFE AND PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (1905) includes title cards before each scene, such as "The Annunciation," "Arriving in Bethlehem," etc. There are no other text cards to read during each scene, just the title cards before each scene.

In THE LIFE AND PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (1905), the actress playing Mary is great, and my favorite part of this film. She appears at the beginning and at the end of the film.

Compared to the actress cast as Mary, the actor playing Jesus is a bit of a let down. He is a bit pudgy to play Jesus. This actor sort of reminds me of Jeff Bridges in THE BIG LEBOWSKI in his appearance.

THE LIFE AND PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (1905) has hand-colored areas (like people's clothing), and many scenes are color tinted. All of this is as it appeared 100 years ago, of course, so all is forgiven.

THE LIFE AND PASSION OF JESUS CHRIST (1905) has tons of Bible scenes, each about a minute long, or so.

Most of the camera angles are from a full stage view, as if the camera were filming a stage play from the second row, center of the audience. This is very common for silent films of this era. What is interesting is that there are a couple of closer, waist up shots later in the film, which was pretty experimental for 1905!

The other movie on this DVD is FROM THE MANGER TO THE CROSS (1912), which is about 70 minutes long.

FROM THE MANGER TO THE CROSS (1912) uses tons of Bible verses throughout the scenes, not just once before each scene starts!

FROM THE MANGER TO THE CROSS (1912) has a better looking actor cast as Jesus. This actor looks a lot like a classical portrayal of Jesus as found in art and paintings of the past, such as the works of the artist named Dore', whom the liner notes mention.

My favorite scene in FROM THE MANGER TO THE CROSS (1912) is when Jesus clears out the temple of money changers. It is fun to see the look on his face as he immediately pulls the belt from his waist and beats them all over the head to get them to leave. It is a brief scene, but very cool.

I think both films are equally good. I have watched the 1905 film more often than the 1912, since the 1905 film is more unique, being the oldest Bible stories on DVD, and possibly the earliest every made(?). But the 1912 film is probably much more sophisticated and polished in its production quality.

This DVD features footage that is over 100 years old! Many scenes include primitive SPECIAL EFFECTS! This is very fun to watch, if you have any interest at all in silent movies.

This is a very interesting DVD, showing perhaps the oldest, silent movie Bible stories in existence, (perhaps the earliest moving pictures of Bible stories ever made?); but even though this is highly interesting and priceless for Christian fans of oldies cinema history, it probably will NOT be enjoyable to non-fans of Silent Films.

The quality of these very early films is astounding.......2005-05-04

This DVD contains two wholly remarkable films based on the life of Christ, two of the earliest feature films ever made; as such, this DVD should be of great interest to silent movie fans as well as Christians. Each film showcases its own remarkable style of cinematography, but both surely communicated the message of Christianity very effectively to their original audiences. It is amazing that both of these films actually survived all these years, yet not only did they survive, they look absolutely fantastic, much better than any other silent film I have ever seen.

As I write this, The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ is celebrating its centennial. Begun in 1902 and completed in 1905 by Pathe Freres in Paris, this film, which runs some 44 minutes in length, is made up of 31 fascinating tableaux chronicling the life of Jesus from His birth to His ascension. The quality of the film, restored from two 35mm original prints, is nothing short of astounding. You won't find any characters' faces bleached out, and there are no serious jumps or foreign artifacts cluttering up any of the shots. You really wouldn't know you are watching one of the oldest feature films in existence by the look of the presentation; in fact, you might find yourself scrambling to verify that 1905 is the correct date of the film when you see parts of it presented in color. You need not fear that Ted Turner has gotten his hands on this print, however, as Pathe Freres actually came up with a technique to apply up to four colors to prints way back in 1903 - what you see here is basically the very same thing audiences saw a century ago. This film is so old that it doesn't even feature any dialogue cards - just title cards introducing each of the tableaux. As such, parts of the story may be hard to follow for anyone unfamiliar with the life of Jesus. The acting itself features a lot of gesturing; Jesus is continually pointing toward the sky, for example. After performing a miracle, he is also liable to extend his arms in a manner that brings the phrase Ta-da to my mind. One has to be impressed by the special effects of this film - angels actually materialize and dematerialize on screen, for example, and Jesus walks on water. I would never have believed it possible to do such incredible special effects way back in 1905. Of course, a more mundane approach is sometimes used. To make sure audiences get the point about the cock crowing after Peter's third denial of Christ, a rooster gets tossed into the frame at the appropriate moment. The most curious part of the film is the birth of Jesus, though; Mary and Joseph both kneel beside an empty manger, and then the baby Jesus just magically appears a few seconds later.

From the Manger to the Cross is the more modern of these two films, debuting in 1912. What makes this movie really special is the fact that it was actually filmed on location in the Holy Land. It also stands as one of the earliest American-made feature films, clocking in at some 75 minutes in length. The video quality isn't quite as good as that of the earlier film, but it is still pretty darned amazing. You do see a little bit of a bleached look from time to time, but there is no problem seeing the actors' facial expressions. This film does feature dialogue cards, with the entire content coming straight from the Bible. This helps communicate the message of what is being presented on screen, making this film a perfect tool to put in the hands of missionaries of that era. This is a much more naturalistic film than The Life and Passion of Jesus Christ; you won't see many special effects, for example - only the reaction of characters to such miraculous events as the appearance of an angel. I did find it somewhat strange that the movie ended when it did, though. I fully expected the story to cover Jesus' resurrection, but the film does indeed live up to its title by ending with Jesus' death on the cross.

My only complaint about this DVD is its lack of source materials on the two films. All you get is an insert containing an excerpt from the reminiscences of the actress who played Mary the mother of Jesus in From the Manger to the Cross. There's a lot of good information there, including an account of angry Arabs preventing the crew from filming its final scene on location, but I was rather disappointed to get no sort of documentation at all about the first and more intriguing film of this DVD pairing. Still, this is an amazing DVD that should strongly appeal to silent movie enthusiasts - the superior quality of such old films is miraculous in and of itself. Christians will appreciate the story being presented, of course, but some may also find these silent movie treatments rather boring.

I expected at least subtitles. Nothing. Just a silent film........2004-06-11

I can't believe anyone compared this film to Mel Gibsons film.
This is an old film without words. My opinion. The 5 star
ratings must not have bought this film.

Average customer rating:

Biased, but interesting.
It's painful to watch Sawyer debase herself
Mel and Diane
Money Mel and His Big Money Movie
Confident and Steady Mel Gibson

ABC Primetime - Mel Gibson's Passion
Starring: Diane Sawyer , and Mel Gibson
Manufacturer: Mpi Home Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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DVDs Under $7.49 | Today's Deals in DVD | Special Features | DVD | Video

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The Passion of the Christ (Widescreen Edition)
Inside the Passion: An Insider's Look at the Passion of the Christ
The Passion of the Christ (Two-Disc Special Edition)
The Big Question
Changed Lives: Miracles of the Passion

ASIN: B0001NM7W0
Release Date: 2004-03-09

Description

In this episode of Primetime, ABC News' Diane Sawyer interviews filmmaker Mel Gibson about his highly controversial movie, "The Passion of the Christ."

Gibson discusses his own religious beliefs with Sawyer and explains how his faith helped him overcome struggles with addiction and other personal problems at a spiritual low point in his life. These dark experiences ultimately led him to make "The Passion of the Christ."

He responds to charges that the movie's portrayal of the Jewish role in the death of Christ will encourage anti-Semitism. He also elaborates on comments he's made about the Holocaust. In addition, he tells why he felt it necessary to exhibit such a graphic depiction of Christ's crucifixion on film, and discusses his decision to tell the story in both Aramaic and Latin.

Sawyer also interviews Abraham Foxman, the national director of the Anti-Defamation League, who shares his views on the Passion of the Christ." Religious scholars, members of the clergy and others assess the film's potential impact.

Critics, theologians and film aficionados won't want to miss this exclusive interview about one of the most emotionally charged movies of our time - "The Passion of The Christ."

Approx. 40 mins.

Customer Reviews:

Biased, but interesting. .......2005-11-26

I don't own the DVD, but I saw the interview when it aired live. Although I hadn't been a particularly avid follower of Diane Sawyer, I had by no means ever been offended by her, so I gave her the benefit of the doubt that she wasn't caught up in the anti-Christian bias. After watching this interview, I was disappointed. I don't dislike Sawyer now, but I've lost a lot of respect for her. It takes a strong person to stand against popular opinion (i.e. anti-Catholic bias), and she simply doesn't seem to have what it takes. I'm sorry, but one would think that a full-grown, mature, educated woman would have learned the importance of not following peer-pressure -- the anti-drug campaign advocates this lesson enough, for crying out loud.

From the get-go, it seemed that Sawyer had made up her mind (or her boss did) to react to Mel Gibson and his beliefs as one reacts to someone who believes that they have been abducted by fish-people (although I think she would've been a tad more polite to the fish-people believer, as it is politically incorrect to denigrate a (non-Christian) person's belief system). She also seemed intent emphasizing the anti-Semitic issue, just like pretty much everyone else who hadn't even seen the movie yet did (forgetting that most of the "good guys," if you will, in the movie were also of Jewish descent). As we all know, it's been about a year and a half since the movie's release, and people of Jewish descent are at about the same level of health and happiness that they were before the movie's release. Way to break the mold, Diane.

Thankfully, Gibson held his own. Although he didn't openly react to the implications raised by Sawyer's questions, it seemed evident that he was well aware of her intentions; to be fair, he was probably very well prepared for it.

I gave this DVD 3 stars because, even though I thought Gibson was interesting and he stated his reasons for making the film with confidence, Sawyer was unimpressively consistent with the popular opinions of the day.

Also, a respectful note to the individual who addressed the issue that Gibson has his own private church. While you raise an interesting concern, you seem to be under the impression that because Gibson has his own church, it means that he has his own religion. That would be problematic, except the church he has on his property is a Catholic church, and the Mass that is said there is in union with the Roman Catholic Church, at least as far as I know. Therefore, I don't see the hypocrisy that you seem to be trying to point out. As far as where his money goes, Gibson, unlike other celebrities, doesn't publicize his donations, so who's to say how much money from the movie went solely into his own pocket? It wouldn't be very Christian of me to judge.

It's painful to watch Sawyer debase herself.......2004-08-31

Anyone who sees this review can see that it is extremely flawed for two reasons: First, Sawyer obviously knows very little about Christianity. How can you question someone about their religious beliefs when you haven't got a clue yourself? Second, it's painfully obvious that Sawyer was constantly attempting to bait Gibson into saying something "controversial." It's just awful to watch her do it; it's like watching someone you respect write profanity on a washroom stall; you just kind of feel sick to your stomach seeing them debase themselves. The very fact that they have packaged this television interview for sale on DVD is indication that their intent was commercial, not journalistic.

Mel and Diane.......2004-08-19

The mainstream media, so eager to crucify Mel Gibson for being an outspoken Christian and, therefore, not a hostage to the atheistic liberalism embraced by most film stars, isn't about to pass up an opportunity to cash in on his popularity. Hence, the release to home video of this episode of ABC News "Primetime."

When your audience is deserting you in droves for cable and the internet, you've got to find a way to make extra cash, but the only selling point is Mel Gibson whose popularity is soaring as ABC and Gibson's interrogator, the obnoxious Diane Sawyer, slide into irrelevance.

Such hypocrisy is not surprising, nor is it a revelation that Diane Sawyer is an embarrassment to her profession. This aging fluff chick's anti-Christian bias is evident throughout, but she never comes close to ruffling Mel's feathers. Unlike Sawyer, the superstar actor/director has a solid belief system and is not likely to be intimidated into muzzling those beliefs to accomodate the infidels of modern Babylon.

Although Mel holds his ground and makes quite an impression, and Sawyer makes a bigger fool of herself than she usually does, I can't justify buying this. Anyone who wanted to add this interview to their video library could have taped it from TV. They weren't likely to miss it since it was hyped in the same hysterical fashion that is network TV's stock-in-trade. Besides, Gibson gave a more in-depth interview to ETWN, the Catholic cable network that let him speak his mind without trying to trip him up, as Sawyer does, with stupid, insulting questions. Buying this video only puts money in the pockets of Sawyer and ABC. I gave up on ABC and the other broadcast networks long ago. I'm not about to support them now.

Brian W. Fairbanks

Money Mel and His Big Money Movie.......2004-07-20

First, the guy who ordered this thinking it was the "Passion" movie, you're an idiot. You got what you deserved for not paying attention.

This interview is a waste of time, Gibson is just promoting himself and I don't belive a word of his personal religous dogma. If anyone thinks Mel made 'The Passion' for any reason other than to make himelf richer, then you are a fool. If his inspiration was to spread "the word", why weren't the profits given to his beloved Catholic church? The money went in Mel's pockets and if you paid your hard earned dollars to see it you're fool, regardless of the quality of the story or your religious beelifs. Not one cent went to any religous entity of any kind. Except Mel's chruch of course. Did you know Mel started his own chruch? With private membership? I guess he decided not to tell you that part. He's a money grubbing egomanic and if you buy into his crap then more fool you.

Confident and Steady Mel Gibson.......2004-07-17

Gibson did very little press for The Passion, with this being the much-hyped primetime ABC interview. Sawyer asks the questions that would be expected, asking him why he didn't make a more politically correct version. Gibson should be commended for standing by his vision. His particular form of Orthodox Catholicism believes the brutal crucifixion is the singular most important moment in the life of Christ, and to understand the him, you must travel that last day with him and suffer ever blow.

Therefore, he felt his depiction of the death of Christ was the ONLY version he could ever produce (he tires to explain this to Sawyer who seems to suggest "well, why not change this story if people get mad?"). To him, anything else would be a compromise before God. You may not agree with his spin on the meaning of Jesus, but you have to admire his allegiance to his beliefs.

Amazon.com

In this account of Jesus Christ's suffering and death, Arvo Pärt has found appropriate material for his very popular minimalist style. The Vulgate Latin text, taken from the Gospel of John, relates the harrowing story of Jesus' arrest, trial before Pilate and Caiaphas, betrayal by Peter, and death on the cross with a matter-of-fact, straightforward simplicity that is perfectly matched by the calm detachment and slow-moving simplicity of Pärt's music.

This simplicity, reminiscent of medieval plainchant, is achieved through rather complex resources: two soloists--Michael George for the words of Christ, John Potter for those of Pilate; the remaining members of the Hilliard Ensemble singing the Gospel narrative in harmony; a small chorus for the words of the crowd and other characters; and a chamber ensemble (oboe, bassoon, violin, cello, and organ) to accompany the voices. The performance and cathedral ambiance are just right. --Joe McLellan

Description

Composer Arvo Part wrote "St. John Passion" in such a way that it recalls the purity and timelessness of the great musical Passions from the seventeenth century. Taken from Chapters Eighteen and Nineteen of the "Gospel According to St. John," the piece is sung in Latin and includes an introduction. Durham Cathedral, one of Europe's noblest medieval monuments, provides a fitting backdrop for the performance. Conducted by Paul Hillier.

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The Prophecies of the Passion
Director: Lad Allen
Manufacturer: Randolf Productions, Inc.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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The Promise and the Blessing: A Historical Survey of the Old and New Testaments
Courageous Faith: Life Lessons From Old Testament Heroes
How to Read the Bible for All Its Worth
The Case for a Creator
The Case For Christ's Resurrection

ASIN: B000BFXUVK

Product Description

Prophecies of the Passion is an extraordinary look at the Messianic prophecies fulfilled during the final week of Christs life on earth. The Gospels clearly describe Jesus betrayal, arrest, death, and resurrection. Remarkably, these events were foretold by Hebrew prophetsin specific detail... centuries before they actually occurred. An ideal companion to Mel Gibsons The Passion of the Christ, this unforgettable 58-minute documentary reveals Gods incredible plan for the redemption of humanity, and the eternal hope He offers to all who accept Jesus as the promised Messiah. "This film is a work of art. I believe many people will understand the full meaning of Christ's death and resurrection for the first time." - Lee Strobel Author of The Case for Christ

Glory and The Passion of Jesus, Book 1: Birth, Discipleship and Teachings

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Glory and The Passion of Jesus, Book 1: Birth, Discipleship and Teachings
Starring: Glory & Passi
Manufacturer: Vintage Home Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007CYEJE
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Description

Birth and teachings of Jesus.

Charlton Heston Presents the Bible: The Passion

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Charlton Heston Presents the Bible: The Passion

Manufacturer: GoodTimes DVD
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Charlton Heston Presents the Bible
The Passion
Jesus

ASIN: B000HDN9DA

Product Description

"Powerful...impassioned" (The New York Times). "An impressive accomplishment...a work steeped...in spiritual passion" (The Wall Street Journal). In the beginning...before there was a written language, the stories in the Bible were told, to people sitting around a campfire in the dark, listening to the tales of what had happened and what was yet to come. Now, Academy Award®-winning actor Charlton Heston (Ben-Hur) recaptures all the passion, the power, the drama, and the sheer beauty those first storytellers passed on to us with his own dazzling new exploration of the greatest stories ever told. THE PASSION dramatically presents the tragic and triumphant coda to the New Testament: The Passion, Crucifixion and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. You'll be present with Jesus and His disciples at the Last Supper and in Gethsemane, where Judas betrays Christ with a kiss. Witness the drama of His trial before Pilate and the crowds...the struggle of His walk with the cross...the moving power of His Crucifixion...and the joyful triumph of His Ascension. Shot on location in the Holy Land, this incredible production is more than great literature come to life. It is a walk through history itself. SPECIAL FEATURE: Charlton Heston: Behind the Scenes

The Glory and The Passion of Jesus, Book 2: Capture, Crucifixion and Resurrection

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The Glory and The Passion of Jesus, Book 2: Capture, Crucifixion and Resurrection
Starring: Glory & Passi
Manufacturer: Vintage Home Ent.
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B0007CYEK8
Release Date: 2005-02-08

Description

The trials and crucifixion of Jesus.

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