The Bible

Starring:Roger Beaumont, Ulla Bergryd, Angelo Boscariol, Stephen Boyd, Gianluigi Crescenzi, Gabriele Ferzetti, Ava Gardner, Richard Harris, Peter Heinze, Claudie Lange, Pupella Maggio, Franco Nero, Peter O'Toole, Michael Parks, Robert Rietty, Eleonora Rossi Drago, Zoe Sallis, George C. Scott, Maria Grazia Spina
Studio: 20th Century Fox
Product Type: DVD

Amazon.com

The Nativity Story is a remarkable, if frustratingly restrained, act of imagining the tale of Christ's birth as a flesh-and-blood drama actually set in Israel two millenia ago. Written by Mike Rich (Finding Forrester) and directed by Catherine Hardwicke (Thirteen), the film makes very strong impressions in a scene-by-scene way. Beginning with the slaughter (bloodlessly portrayed; this is a PG movie) of Bethlehem's innocents under orders from a paranoid King Herod (a dark and knowing Ciarán Hinds), the film then jumps back a year to the prophecy that informs Zechariah (Stanley Townsend) that his wife, Elizabeth (Shohreh Aghdashloo), will bear a child. Meanwhile, Elizabeth's cousin, the adolescent Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes), struggles with her family to make ends meet and is promised to the carpenter Joseph (Oscar Isaac). Soon comes word to Mary, via an angel, that she will carry, while still a virgin, the long-awaited Messiah who will liberate the Jews from Herod and his Roman benefactors. Thus begins a detailed account of Joseph and Mary's hard travel to Bethlehem, while three Magi spend months crossing the desert trying to rendezvous with some point below the convergence of three heavenly bodies in the night sky. Hardwicke and Rich anchor all this in period detail, though what proves most moving are relationship nuances, especially the friendship and trust that emerge between Mary and Joseph after he is told in a dream that she speaks truthfully about her miraculous pregnancy. While The Nativity Story should appeal to almost anyone as a straightforward narrative, it is far from a secular version of the familiar Biblical tale, and thus feels a bit stifled. It might have been nice if the film could have breathed a little more with imagination, but The Nativity Story makes up for it by ingeniously weaving hints of things to come, later in Christ's life, into the action. --Tom Keogh

Description

It was the cruelest of times. Under Herod's torturous reign, families struggled to survive and yet, in the midst of utter turmoil, a young woman's faith is put to the test. Join Mary (Keisha Castle-Hughes) and Joseph (Oscar Isaac) on an incredible journey of hope and discovery. Epic in its scope, yet intimate in it's portrayal of this historical family, this "wonderful film" (Bill Zwecker, Chicago Sun Times) is "a family feature that will be cherished for years to come!" (Greg Russell, WMYD-TV, Detroit).

Customer Reviews:

More than a story.......2007-07-05

I bought this for my daughter and her Pastor husband as a gift for the birth of their son. They watched it together after she got home from the hospital and THEY LOVED IT.

It is predominantly biblically accurate except that the script basically gives an account of the events occurring in 1 year which is why it is probably titled a "story". However, the acting and the production details are wonderful. It brings to mind the question, if you believe the account of Jesus' birth what are you doing about it in your life?

My daughter and I both fell in love with Joseph who appears always in the background in the Bible but you truly realize now how he would have been a great man. Kind, compassionate, a selfless giver, a strong leader and protector, loyal, filled with honor and integrity and a great teacher. Wow! You see he and Mary's relationship truly blossom while he and Mary are traveling that hundred miles over that rugged terrain. How many men would make that journey and take care of a girl who was not carrying his child? It's beautiful to see how these two people trusted God and are obedient to him.

With regard to children viewing, for those of you who actually monitor what your children see, the issues of Herod's slaughter of the Innocents can be bypassed (there are two). Herod and his son are played to perfection, as well as Elizabeth and Mary's parents.

And yes, I know all about the controversy over Keisha Castle-Hughes' out of wedlock pregnancy, but you know what ... I am not to judge.

Wish there were more movies like this!

DVD The Nativity Story.......2007-07-03

Saw this movie in the theatre, and it is the best rendition of the story of Jesus parents, and the events surrounding his birth---that I've ever seen. I bought a copy and had it sent to my God son---it is so good.

It's Like a Documentary.......2007-06-19

I know it's entertainment but it plays like a documentary, in a good way. This movie really takes you there; about the most authentic I've seen. I even loaned it to some folks who lived in Israel and they thought the same thing. If you've never been to the Holy Land but want to experience Christ's birth first hand, watch this movie. Very well done and good acting. Done with respect to the subject and the audience.

Blessed... to have seen this movie:).......2007-06-13

This movie is wonderful. From the very beginning you are captivated. The scenery, the struggles, the hardships and the characters touch us profoundly. Seeing Christ as a tiny baby, awes us. Goosebumps and tears overwhelmed me throughout this movie. A bit of humour, surprisingly enough, has also been incorporated. For example, when the Three Wise Men meet in the desert and one makes a comical remark. Their companionship is very believable. Hope and faith combine, to guide the characters , through their nearly impossible journey.

the Nativity Story.......2007-06-08

A wonderfully made film showing the birth of Christ so realistic! the scenes are beautiful and so authentic! Thanks for this great Christian film.

Average customer rating:

Oh, Grow Up...
"I aim to cure you of your wickedness"
Hot, Sticky, Slimy, Gooey
The Best Film I've Seen in 2007
Different and Refreshing

Black Snake Moan [HD DVD]
Starring: Jr. John Cothran , Samuel L. Jackson , S. Epatha Merkerson , Christina Ricci , and Kim Richards
Director: Craig Brewer
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: HD DVD

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ASIN: B000Q6GUWU
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

The lurid scenario--a nymphomaniacal white trash nymphet (Christina Ricci) is held prisoner by a bitter bluesman (Samuel L. Jackson)--gives way to an affecting tale of redemption in Black Snake Moan, writer/director Craig Brewer's follow-up to the acclaimed Hustle & Flow. Lazarus (Jackson, Jungle Fever, Pulp Fiction) finds Rae (Ricci, Monster, The Ice Storm) beaten unconscious on the road in front of his backwoods house. After bringing her inside, he learns of her wanton ways and decides to exorcise his own demons by curing Rae of her sexual compulsion. Black Snake Moan could have been terrible, but Brewer takes his story seriously enough to dig into the genuine emotions of such a situation (though along the way he certainly flirts with sexploitation overtones--several scenes look like they were plucked straight out of a hitherto unknown 1970s trash classic). Ricci, Jackson, and the supporting cast (including pop star Justin Timberlake, giving a surprisingly good performance as Rae's boyfriend) treat the characters with respect, honesty, and humor. The result is off-kilter and maybe a little too fond of its sleazy cinematic forbears to truly hit the emotional notes it's after, but Black Snake Moan has considerably more substance than its marketing would suggest. --Bret Fetzer

Beyond Black Snake Moan

The Soundtrack
More Music Stars on DVD
More DVDs with Samuel L. Jackson

Stills from Black Snake Moan (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Oh, Grow Up..........2007-07-04

It's like a bright 12th-grader, having read a little Welty, O'Connor and Faulkner, somehow snagged a budget for a Hollywood film. The images are all there, but there's no feeling for what they really mean, so it's all surfaces, explicaton and cliches. We get Nobody Grows Them Butterbeans Like Ol' Lazarus, Who Don't Play Them Blues No More, and a gaggle of characters wanting to seem deeper than they really are.

Just for starters, Samuel L. Jackson is a foot taller than Christina Ricci. One of his button-down shirts would cover her up, but that doesn't happen for more than an hour, because this is a film, landscapes only go so far, and there needs to be some eye candy to set against all that preachin' and standin' around. Okay, fine, it's a fable--I mean, after all, that chain is over the top, and it would never, ever happen that way--but then in the extras, Craig Brewer, the writer/director, asserts that the radiator is a metaphor for basic values that ground us.

Um, no. Mixing fable with dirty realism isn't new, but it doesn't work here, because Brewer hops lazily between the two genres rather than fusing them together. Brewer might have wanted more, but to the viewer, the radiator is just the radiator, and for all the staging, the attempt at a story of love and redemption really doesn't lift beyond a fairly creepy madonna/whore redemption fantasy. For better examples of what Brewer was trying to do, take another look at two Jim Mangold films: Walk The Line, which merged fable and biopic, and Heavy, which essentially takes Black Snake Moan north to New York state, and packs a bigger punch.

Lots of aspirations in Black Snake Moan, some good acting, and very good cinematography, but immature writing kills the film.

"I aim to cure you of your wickedness".......2007-07-04

Read it an weep, and with that one line of absolution spoken by Sam Jackson, Black Snake Moan takes you on a journey of faith, salvation and redemption of the two main characters Lazarus and Rona, two people who have suffered and endured hard times throughout their lives. Lazarus is trying to come to terms with his wife of 12 years leaving him for his younger brother. Rona is a woman who has suffered unmentionable sexual abuse since her childhood and therefore acts out the part for others to prey upon her. One night after a night of hard, careless partying she is beaten and left for dead on the road near Lazarus's house. Not knowing what to do but help her, Lazarus takes it upon himself to bring Rona back to health, only to discover that she has far deeper scars and problems than the physical ones left on her face. He is then determined to make her well, and through faith and the belief that "God saw fit to have us cross paths" he does so the only way he knows how. The two ultimately develop a friendship under unusual circumstances, and through music which Lazarus has sworn off for so long, the two heal one another unknowingly. The cords struck by Sam Jackson playing "Black Snake Moan" will resonate through you and send chills down your spine, which also turns out to be the turning point between the two characters in the film. This was a fantastic film I thoroughly enjoyed with Sam Jackson and Christina Ricci. My only disappointment was that Justin Timberlake was cast in this film, but fortunately with his roughly 10 minutes of screen time I can tolerate it. The soundtrack is phenomenal, and if you are as big a blues fan as I am, both the soundtrack and DVD are well worth purchasing. Black Snake Moan delivers superb acting by Jackson and Ricci, a fantastic and originally written story with a soundtrack to carry it every step of the way. I highly recommend this film, seeing is believing.

Hot, Sticky, Slimy, Gooey.......2007-07-04

"Black Snake Moan" is a sticky, gooey, sizzlingly hot erotic mess that doesn't make a lot of sense, but its raw sexuality is so rare in movies that it's damned welcome. This is a movie that brings new meaning to the expression "Chain her to the kitchen".
Samuel L. Jackson has to fight the temptation to guzzle demon whiskey and play even more demonic slide guitar, Christina Ricci has to fight the temptation to bang anything in pants and Justin Timberlake has to fight the temptation to act badly.
I enjoyed the silly Jim Thompson-styled pulpy vibe of the film and loved the dirty electric slide guitar playing in the bar scene. Jackson isn't a bad blues singer, not bad, he's alright. I thought this was one of the best films with blues taking center stage. Excellent!

The Best Film I've Seen in 2007.......2007-07-03

From the writer/director of "Hustle & Flow" comes "Black Snake Moan," the best film I've seen in 2007. It's a unique film that features two terrific performances by Samuel L. Jackson and Christina Ricci, both delivering their best performances in years. It also features another star-making performance by Justin Timberlake (who recently impressed me in "Alpha Dog"). The film stars Ricci as Rae, that girl that lives in every city in America and is usually referred to as "the town slut." After her boyfriend Ronnie (Timberlake) leaves her for a stint in the Army, she begins getting more and more destructive; eventually, she is almost raped, beaten, and tossed out in the road. Lazarus (Jackson) has recently been left by his wife for his brother and when he finds the young girl lying in the road he takes responsibility for curing the "sickness" she has.
So, naturally, he chains her to his radiator. When she finally wakes up, she's shocked at first but eventually grows to love Lazarus...And soon, they realize that Lazarus is not just helping her but they're helping each other. This is a great film and, as a result, it's been hailed around the world as such...But it hasn't quite garnered commercial attention and this is sad. It may not sound like the kind of movie that will appeal to a massive audience, but it's a movie that I think people will find themselves enjoying. It's a fable about love, redemption, and sex...The story could've gone in many different directions, but writer/director Craig Brewer keeps it all together and takes what could've been a completely meaningless story and makes it almost life-affirming. Jackson is an actor who never fails to impress, but he's an actor who has made more bad movies than good ones. Here, I'm not going out on a limb by saying it could be his best performance (and maybe even his best film) since "Pulp Fiction." Ricci has always been an actress that's impressed me, but she hasn't done much worth noting over the past 5 years. That makes her comeback here all the more impressive. She combines all the right notes of vulnerability and sexual animosity to make this performance incredibly believable. As for Timberlake, he didn't impress me as much here as he did in "Alpha Dog" but he definitely leaves me asking where he got his acting chops? If he chokes a pretzel and ruins his vocal cords or something, acting could definitely be a fall back for him. Brewer is quickly joining the ranks of great writer/directors and his 2nd film is even stronger than his first.

GRADE: A

Different and Refreshing.......2007-07-03

Black Snake Moan sure has a weird hook. Setting: Deep South. An older black man who plays the blues keeps a white nymphomaniac on a chain to cure her of her horniness. About half-way through, my husband turned to me and said "And why exactly did you think I would like this movie?" I winced and said I thought it would have blues as more of a central theme. But guess what, he stayed around and pronounced it a good movie after all! His summary is the best: "everyone has their struggles, and you are never really free of them."

The performances are exceedingly strong, the setting of Tennessee bucolic and beautiful. You really feel as if you are in this small, rural town where everyone knows each other.

Black Snake Moan is bold, and really gives you a sense of empathy for the different characters. Most importantly, it provides hope that if you have your own struggles, someone will be out there for you as well, not to judge you or cure you, but to love you.

Average customer rating:

An Uplifting Film
Fabulous!
A good adaptation of the book
The Last Sin Eater
Dark and disjointed

The Last Sin Eater
Starring: Louise Fletcher , Henry Thomas , Liana Liberato , Soren Fulton , and A.J. Buckley
Director: Michael Landon Jr.
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000NVI0DU
Release Date: 2007-05-15

Amazon.com

Part of the new wave of Christian filmmaking, The Last Sin Eater appeals to a broader family audience as well--and perhaps film lovers seeking, simply, more soul in their cinema. The film, directed by Michael Landon Jr., has more than a bit of homage to Little House on the Prairie as its story unfolds through the eyes of its young heroine, Cadi, a Welsh immigrant whose family has settled deep in Appalachia, bringing superstitions and rites from the Old World and melding them with those from the new. Cadi is played by Liana Liberato with gravitas and knowingness that evokes the young Anna Paquin. Cadi's turmoil begins at the deeply disturbing nighttime funeral for her beloved Granny, when a shadowy figure creeps in and chants, "For your earthly sins, woman, I pawn my own soul!" Cadi, warned her own soul would be in peril if she looked upon the sin eater, can't help turn around and lock eyes with the wretched man. And so begins Cadi's own journey of the soul. As tragedy and evil plague the plucky settlement, Cadi is driven to understand her own life and religious choices. "Would I have to live to be Granny's age to be forgiven for my sins?" a bleakly discouraged Cadi wonders in a voiceover. The costumes are sumptuous (perhaps a bit too much so for such a hardscrabble existence in the 1850s), as is the lovely but unforgiving landscape. Cadi's journey is rewarding, yet not at all predictably so. Terrific supporting appearances by Henry Thomas and Louise Fletcher flesh out a very moving tale. Extras include some deleted scenes, and some cool behind-the-scenes footage. --A.T. Hurley

Description

10-year-old Cadi feels responsible for her little sister's death, so she searches out the one man she feels can take away her sin: The Sin Eater. But in her quest for redemption, Cadi uncovers a secret that threatens to divide her family and community in this heartwarming, inspirational tale for the entire family. Based on the novel by best-selling author Francine Rivers.

Customer Reviews:

An Uplifting Film.......2007-07-03

this is a very spiritual and uplifting movie it's a good story about forgivness and faith this movie was excellent.

Fabulous!.......2007-06-29

The only negative reviews I saw were the soul of the book (the darkness of life without a Real sineater) and at times the Welsh dialogue did make it hard to understand. It is an awesome tribute to Ms Rivers book,, very well cast and written. If that didn't make you cry for a world without Christ I wonder if anything would!!OUTSTANDING!

A good adaptation of the book.......2007-06-27

I am a huge fan of Francine Rivers books so when I heard that one of my favorite books was being made into a movie, I was both excited and skeptical. So many times, a story doesn't live up to what the book before it did. But this was an exception. Michael Landon, Jr. did it justice. The feel of the book, kind of a dark, mystical existance for these people came through on screen to perfection. There was some disappointment in the building of certain characters, like Cali's mother but only so much can be done in a 2 hour movie when the book was so meaty. For those who haven't read the book, it may take a couple of viewings to pick up on all the details of the story but this is a very good film and watching it over and over, shouldn't be a problem.

The Last Sin Eater.......2007-06-27

We enjoyed The Last Sin Eater. The sound was rather difficult to hear at times, especially during whispered conversations. This is a moving story of a young girl's search and discovery of faith in Christ.

Dark and disjointed.......2007-06-25

This movie is like a horror version of Little House on the Prairie.

Warning: Do not show this film to young or sensitive children, especially those who struggle with guilt, depression and suicidal thoughts. There are many scenes of death in this movie, and at least two where Cadi balances on a slippery log over a high chasm and contemplates suicide as the just consequence of her perceived guilt. For those who are prone to excessive guilt or depression, the movie will be very unpleasant at best and perhaps life-threatening at worst.

A great drama may include some very disturbing elements but will weave the seeds of a satisfying ending all through so that the ending, when it comes, feels natural and logical. By contrast, several plot twists in The Last Sin Eater, especially its ending seem pasted in, unnatural, and abrupt. Would all the adults of a village really abandon their pagan beliefs, shed their guilt, and turn from cruelty to kindness just because a girl informed them that they had it wrong? I believe in the saving power of Jesus, but even as a sympathetic viewer, I couldn't suspend my disbelief when a character changed abruptly for no apparent reason.

Therefore, the ending adds to the dark, sinister feeling of the movie instead of being redemptive as it is supposed to be. It's almost like the villagers turn into zombies or are controlled by some dark force pretending to be light.

I wonder if the plot disconnects were due to the director or the editor?

I want more films which reflect Christian values. But being a Christian doesn't make me into a movie-going Mikey (give it to Mikey, he'll eat anything!). I've been disappointed by several "Christian" movies in the past year. Give me movies which tell a great story and are well written, acted, directed, and produced.

I do give this movie two stars, not one. I liked the acting by the children, particularly Liana Liberato as Cadi Forbes and Soren Fulton as Fagan Kai. Thea Rose as Lilybet was appropriately angelic, but would have been much more interesting if her character had been developed some more. As it was, she was a cute messenger girl for God, little else. That's not her fault, of course.

I also liked the cinematography, which richly conveyed the beautiful location and simple lifestyle of the residents.

Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)

Average customer rating:

Christianity Meets Rock & Roll. Does It Get Any Better?
Best Rock Musical Ever
Fabulous
For the Ages
JC Superstar revisited

Jesus Christ Superstar (Special Edition)
Starring: Ted Neeley , Carl Anderson (II) , Yvonne Elliman , Barry Dennen , and Bob Bingham
Director: Norman Jewison
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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Jesus Christ Superstar

ASIN: B00028HBIO
Release Date: 2004-08-31

Amazon.com

Ted Neeley makes for a wimpy looking Jesus in Norman Jewison's screen adaptation of the Andrew Lloyd Webber-Tim Rice "rock opera," which was a smash on stage in the early '70s. Jewison (Other People's Money) adds some good exterior settings in the desert, but Lloyd Webber and Rice's dialogue-free story (everything is sung, as in a real opera), with its quasi-profundities about the inner demons of principal figures in the life of Christ, is the real hook. Yvonne Elliman sings the show's best-known song, "I Don't Know How to Love Him." --Tom Keogh

Customer Reviews:

Christianity Meets Rock & Roll. Does It Get Any Better?.......2007-07-03

I have loved this movie ever since I first saw it in the theater oh so many years ago. And it gets better with age. If you have not seen this movie and have even the slightest inclination to do so, DO SO! I have seen Superstar live on stage several times and this movie equals those productions. Ted Neely IS Jesus Christ Superstar and the supporting cast is superb. And, of course, the music simply ROCKS! Do yourself a favor and own this movie. You will find yourself watching it again and again.

Best Rock Musical Ever.......2007-07-03

First movie to be made from a 2 album Broadway soundtrack and last movie to be filmed in Todd-ao vision. This sensational movie boasts songs and lyrics of Andrew Llyod Webber and Tim Rice, and incredible musical execution by Ted Neeley, Carl Andersen and a host of others. Ted Neeley protrays the most believable Jesus ever. Movie was filmed on location in the Holy Land and has some of the most stark, miminalist and beautiful scenery ever used. Coomentary by Director Norman Jewison and Ted Neeley is fascinating, and recounts many unexplicable events that occurred while movie was being made. Should have definitely been included in AFI's top 100 films.

Fabulous.......2007-06-27

This edition is exactly the way i remembered it. I was inspired to purchase this after seeing Ted Neeley live. Believe me.........he still has it. Returning to the movie brought back found memories of this old favorite. The music is timeless.

For the Ages.......2007-06-04

This one is for the ages. I first heard the "brown album" as a teen and was blown away by every character except for the Jesus character. Then I saw this movie. Wow! Mr. Neeley's performance certainly brought that character to life. It ignited a passion in me which is still with me today. You could say that it was this movie and Mr. Neeley's performance that awakened my slumbering spirituality. It is wonderful!

Don't miss the commentary. Mr. Jewison is especially endearing when, even after 30 years, he still seems scandalized by his actors' dismissal of his warnings to be careful on dangerous sets. Most DVDs offer extras but this commentary by Mr. Jewison and Mr. Neeley went far beyond what an audience could expect. It was a simple, generous offering. It is a gift.

JC Superstar revisited.......2007-05-30

I saw the movie originally when I was in college and was moved by it. My daughter and I just saw Ted Neeley's farewell tour of JC, so I bought this for her 13th birthday. She loves it.

Average customer rating:

Great Movie
Immpressive!

Black Snake Moan [Blu-ray]
Starring: Jr. John Cothran , Samuel L. Jackson , S. Epatha Merkerson , Christina Ricci , and Kim Richards
Director: Craig Brewer
Manufacturer: Paramount
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: Blu-ray

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ASIN: B000Q6GURU
Release Date: 2007-06-26

Amazon.com

Beyond Black Snake Moan

The Soundtrack
More Music Stars on DVD
More DVDs with Samuel L. Jackson

Stills from Black Snake Moan (click for larger image)

Customer Reviews:

Great Movie.......2007-07-02

If you love Samuel L Jackson you'll love this.
The music is fantastic & the whole cast even Justin Timberlake surprised me. The Blu Ray format gives a fantastic picture & the extras are worth watching too.
What you waitin for BUY IT !!!

Immpressive!.......2007-06-30

Black Snake Moan is not just a great movie but it looks fantastic on blue-ray. Anyone who owns a blue-ray player or ps3 should buy this film!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Average customer rating:

terrific!
Donny is awesome ... and that's pretty much it.
Not Appropriate Family Entertainment
The Best
Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat
Starring: Donny Osmond , Maria Friedman , Richard Attenborough , Joan Collins , and Christopher Biggins
Director: David Mallet
Manufacturer: Universal Studios
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: 0783240287
Release Date: 2000-03-28

Amazon.com essential video

Following the successful 1998 video release of Cats comes another Andrew Lloyd Webber blockbuster musical, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and it's a savvy choice. It hasn't been represented on film before, it's short enough (78 minutes) to present without cuts, and it has the star power of former teen icon Donny Osmond, who played over 1,800 performances across North America. Rather than record a live performance, Cats director David Mallet conceived Joseph as a film, though one that is based strongly on codirector Steven Pimlott's 1991 London revival and relies more on camerawork than venturing beyond its stagelike sets.

Lloyd Webber's first project with lyricist Tim Rice was originally written in 1968 as a school cantata; accordingly, this film uses a framing sequence of a school recital, with an audience of clapping, singing kids and members of the faculty playing the roles. The Old Testament tale of Joseph and his coat of many colors gets a splashy, vigorous treatment with an energetic cast, Las Vegas-style glitz, and catchy, eclectic songs, including "Any Dream Will Do," "Close Every Door," the peppy "Go, Go, Go Joseph," and various bits of country, calypso, and Elvis. Osmond is perfect in the title role, with a strong voice and winning persona, while London stage veteran Maria Friedman performs well in the central role of the narrator. Richard Attenborough appears (and sings a little) as Jacob, and Joan Collins makes a brief, nonsinging cameo.

Joseph certainly isn't revolutionary musical theater, but if you view it as a kids' show, it's a silly good time (though there are poignant moments too). Parents should note, however, that this production might warrant a little discretion due to one suggestive scene and some risqué costumes. --David Horiuchi

Customer Reviews:

terrific!.......2007-06-18

my kids and I have viewed this MANY times since we received it. my only complaint is the variability in sound quality - very hard to hear the first part.

Donny is awesome ... and that's pretty much it........2007-05-23

Make sure you read the Amazon Ediorial Review of this product before you buy it. This is not a typical stage production of this musical. Instead of filming a live stage production as it was performed, it was filmed more like a movie. This is not a negative part of my review, just one to be aware of.

Donny Osmond's does a fabulous job as Joseph, which is the main highlight of the DVD.

I didn't rate it more than three stars for two main reasons. The sound quality is very poor, for one. However, my main complaint is risque Potiphar scene. I was warned beforehand and watched that scene before allowing my kids to. I'm glad I did, because I'd never want my kids to see that scene. The costumes the women wear make them look naked. I bought the DVD because my kids and I are doing this musical at our church and because I have always loved Joseph's story. Yet I'm saddened that Hollywood had to make something Biblical into something so risque that no child should ever see. Potiphar's wife did try to seduce Joseph, so I have no problem with telling that part of the story. It just doesn't have to be portrayed the way it was in this DVD.

Not Appropriate Family Entertainment.......2007-05-15

Let me start by stating this is perrenial favorite of mine. I've attended several productions of this from Tuacahn to high school productions. My daughters drove me nuts playing the soundtrack. I finally broke down and bought the DVD.

Let me also state that we have high Christian standards. This did not meet those standards. My wife and I both flinched several times while viewing this version.

Some of the costume are very risque' and some of the behaviors are very inappropriate. The Potipahr's wife scene was just short of brazen nudity and overly sexual.

The narrator was not up to the caliber of other performances I've seen and Richard Attenborough did a mediocre job as Jacob. Donny Osmond played Joseph well and continues to deliver the level of vocal performance he was known for in the 70's.

I liked the sets and the creativity, although a 'for film' version would have been nice.

The sound was poor. We had to adjust it several times during our viewing, especially in the beginning.

Minus one star for inappropriate material. Minus one star for poor sound. My wife and I rate this at PG-13, drifting slightly towards R.

The Best .......2007-05-14

This is the best version of Joseph ever. The DVD is almost as great as the live performances!

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat.......2007-05-13

We had this movie before and wore it out watching it. I had to buy another one. It is still the best movie I have seen in a long time. Wish I had seen it in person.

Average customer rating:

Not one of Mel Brook's best but still funny and entertaining.
Una de las Peliculas Mas Comicas de Todos los Tiempos
Mel Brooks at his best!
Still as funny as it was 20-something years ago
Funny, but I probably wouldn't watch it twice

History of the World Part I
Starring: Mel Brooks
Manufacturer: 20th Century Fox
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000G6BLRE
Release Date: 2006-09-05

Amazon.com essential video

Mel Brooks's 1981, three-part comedy--set in the Stone Age, the Roman Empire, and the French Revolution--is pure guilty pleasure. Narrated by Orson Welles and featuring a lot of famous faces in guest appearances (beyond the official cast), the film opens well with Sid Caesar playing a caveman, then moves along to the unlikely but somehow hilarious juxtaposition of Caesar's soldiers (the other Caesar, not Sid) with pot humor, and ends on a dumb-funny note in the French bloodbath. This is a take-it-or-leave-it movie, and it works best if you're in a take-it-or-leave-it mood. --Tom Keogh

Description

Mel Brooks' uproarious version of history proves nothing is sacred as he takes us on a laugh-filled look at what really happened throughout time. His delirious romp features everything from a wild send-up of "2001" to the real stories behind the Roman Empire (Brooks portrays a stand-up philosopher at Caesar's Palace), the French Revolution (Brooks reigns as King Louis XVI) and the Spanish Inquisition (a splashy song-and-dance number with monks and swimming nuns.) It's Mel and company at their hilarious best.

Customer Reviews:

Not one of Mel Brook's best but still funny and entertaining........2007-06-08

An anthology of three generations through time from the dawn of man, to the time of Moses (Mel Brooks) to the Roman empire with the story of Julia Caesar (Dom DeLuise) and Christ (John Hurt) to the Spanish Inquisition and finally the French Revolution with King Louis XVI (Mel Brooks).

Highly entertaining and funny parody of history and the bible that has some of the charm of Mel Brooks but it's not as good as his "Young Frankenstein", "Blazing Saddles", "Spaceballs", "The Producers" or even "Robin Hood: Men In Tights". There is a good supporting cast such as Madeline Khan, Sid Caesar, Jackie Mason, Gregory Hines, Cloris Leachman, Harvey Korman and narrated by Orson Welles with Mel Brooks playing multiple roles, the real showstopper of the movie is the funny musical number called "The Spanish Inquisition".

The DVD has excellent picture and sound with one extra that is a trailer, still it's a must have if you like Mel Brooks.

Una de las Peliculas Mas Comicas de Todos los Tiempos.......2007-05-29

Esta pelicula la ví desde que tenía aproximadamente 13 años de edad y desde ese entonces marcó para mi el conocer y enteder el humor desde otro punto de vista diferente al latino. Mel Brooks, gran genio, nos ha hecho reir de muchas formas y lo único que hay que reclamarle, es que nos haya dejado solo con la primera parte, quedando pendiente una segunda, tercera y así hasta que la historia lo permita.

Mel Brooks at his best!.......2007-05-27

I recently bought this film remembering the funny moments such as "run with mucus" and "ping pong" also "the Inquisition" and especally the "roman red" scene oh this was hilarious in its day. but alas, as we get older this just doesn't seem as funny as it used to. however, if you haven't seen this then you might want to have a needle and thread near you while watching it in case you split your sides because this is comedy at its old days best! from the dawn of man, through the roman empire, and even into space! this fantasy/comedy will delight all those age 17+ perhaps even a little younger as this might seem quite a bit more tame by todays standards. there are a few comments/scenes in this I really wouldn't want kids to hear/see other then that its a really funny film.
lost a star because some of the jokes may seem a bit dated. 4 stars
mel brooks should have made a sequel.

Still as funny as it was 20-something years ago.......2007-05-14

Mel Brooks has been one of the greats in comedy for decades--if you're looking for pure comic entertainment, don't miss this film! I only wish he had actually made [might make?] a "History of the World, Part II."

Funny, but I probably wouldn't watch it twice.......2007-05-10

I bought this not long ago. I thought it would be one of those comical movies I could watch over and over when nothing good was on TV. It was amusing, but, I couldn't sit down and watch it again. It's one of those "Napoleon Dynamite" movies, you either love it or hate it.

Average customer rating:

A worthy edition to the Bible series / faithful adaptation to the Bible
Another Good One
Love the Bible Collection
One of the best
very good but still I want a better price

The Bible Collection
Starring: Nathaniel Parker , Jonathan Pryce , Leonard Nimoy , Sheryl Lee , and Ben Daniels
Director: Robert Markowitz , Joseph Sargent , and Peter Hall
Manufacturer: Turner Home Ent
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000BI0WKY
Release Date: 2005-11-15

Product Description

Includes:

Abraham

David

Jacob

Joseph

Moses

Samson And Delilah

Format: DVD MOVIE

Customer Reviews:

A worthy edition to the Bible series / faithful adaptation to the Bible.......2007-06-20

This movie is a faithful adaptation from the biblical account of David and it gives a positive portrait of him.

A. The acting

Nathaniel Parker does a commendable job of portraying David as a reverent yet flawed servant of God. There is an interesting contrast in the earlier David versus the latter David. The earlier David was very focussed on God and was very assertive and focussed. The latter David, while dependent upon God, was hesitant about his actions, prone to failures and needed constant encouragement.

Sheryl Lee was very believable (and beautiful) as Bathsheba -- as this movie portrays her, she is David's favorite wife and constant source of encouragement in his latter years. She is constantly at David's side (during the 2nd half of the movie).

Jonathan Pryce played the role of Saul as a tragic man who was rejected by God and who could not escape his doom. Saul's tragic end at the hand of the Philistines (along with his sons) was very heartbreaking to watch.

Leonard Nimoy does a great job of portraying the godly prophet Samuel. Franco Nero is very believable as the loyal prophet Nathan.

The actor who played Joab looked way too old to be David's nephew. He did a great job but he looked like David's uncle. Joab is portrayed in a much more positive light in this film than in the biblical account, which describes him as a power hungry and ruthless man.

B. The account of David

This film is the most complete account of David captured on film. This film is the only one on David that shows David's rescue of his wife Abigail from the Amalekites, Absalom's hatred toward David and his conspiracy toward David / the rise and fall of Absalom, Amnon's rape of Tamar, and God's covenant promise to David regarding his kingdom and his future descendants who will build the temple.

One word of caution for family viewers: there are some scenes in this movie that might be too intense for younger viewers: a lot of people get stabbed in the battle scenes, several people commit suicide (Saul, Ahithophel), and the witch at Endor is pretty scary looking as she conjures up the spirit "Samuel".

C. What could have been improved

a) The close relationship between Jonathan and David could have been better depicted. In this film, David's friendship with Jonathan seems more detached. In the Bible, David describes his friendship with Jonathan as surpassing that of the love of women.

b) The fight between David and Goliath could have been better portrayed. Goliath was a towering giant -- the Goliath in this movie was just a tad taller than David (and bears somewhat of a resemblance to Sylvester Stallone). Also, Goliath met David with his armor bearer -- this movie had Goliath meet David alone. This movie shows Goliath throwing a rough stone at David, which David then uses to strike Goliath with his sling. In the biblical account, David carefully chooses 5 smooth stones to bring with him to the battle.

The fight between David and Goliath was a bit cheesy in the acting. However, to its credit, this movie shows David telling Goliath that he came to Goliath not with spear and sword but in the name of the Lord of Hosts. David tells Goliath he will strike him down so the whole world will know there is a God in Israel. I enjoyed that part.

c) The Absalom character sometimes seemed more like a buffoon than a real threat to David.

Conclusion:

In spite of this, I thought this movie was a very good adaptation of the biblical description of David. It made me want to read the biblical account all over again. It is a very worthy edition to the Bible series collection, and it is one of the better movies on King David on film. It is much more accurate than the dreadful "King David" with Richard Gere.

Another Good One.......2007-05-15

The story of King David is a natural for cinematic production and there have been many attempts. This is another of the good ones which is to be expected since TNT's Bible collection has set a high standard.

This account takes a long view, from the time when David was a shepherd boy all the way through the pinnacle of power. Like the scriptural story itself, David is portrayed as a good, but not perfect man. The warts are in there as well. David does some things that are not too admirable.

A big part of this production is David's friendship with Jonathan, the son of the prior king. In his relations with Saul, Jonathan and even his faithless wife, David keeps the faith.

It is a good but not perfect story that is well done.

Love the Bible Collection.......2007-05-12

I purchase this set for my brother,He once mentioned how he would like to have the bible in movie format, so he could understand them better. He is a visual Person as well as I am so i decided to buy this set. Hoping they would be close to Biblical Scriptures. and he loved them and on weekends i see his friends coming over to watch the movies. The stories make it easier to understand the bible because now there is a picture to go along with.

One of the best.......2007-05-12

This is definitely one of the best Bible story collections ever done, with excellent acting and drama, full of life and not bland or plain, like many Bible story movies have been. Awesome job.

very good but still I want a better price.......2007-05-08

I'm very satisfied and I would recomend these set of movies to anyone who wants to know more about the bible's stories.
I thank for the quick service and fast shippped. Still I want a better price if you can.
God bless you all

Average customer rating:

Great Movie!
A Most Worthwhile Story!
Awesome animation with an inspirational storyline!
The prince is king
Timeless Story for a New Audience

The Prince of Egypt
Starring: Val Kilmer , Ralph Fiennes , Michelle Pfeiffer , Sandra Bullock , and Jeff Goldblum
Director: Brenda Chapman , Steve Hickner , and Simon Wells
Manufacturer: DreamWorks
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00000JGOQ
Release Date: 1999-09-14

Amazon.com

Nearly every biblical film is ambitious, creating pictures to go with some of the most famous and sacred stories in the Western world. DreamWorks' first animated film was the vision of executive producer Jeffrey Katzenberg after his ugly split from Disney, where he had been acknowledged as a key architect in that studio's rebirth (The Little Mermaid, etc.). His first film for the company he helped create was a huge, challenging project without a single toy or merchandising tie-in, the backbone du jour of family entertainment in the 1990s.

Three directors and 16 writers succeed in carrying out much of Katzenberg's vision. The linear story of Moses is crisply told, and the look of the film is stunning; indeed, no animated film has looked so ready to be placed in the Louvre since Fantasia. Here is an Egypt alive with energetic bustle and pristine buildings. Born a slave and set adrift in the river, Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) is raised as the son of Pharaoh Seti (Patrick Stewart) and is a fitting rival for his stepbrother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes). When he learns of his roots--in a knockout sequence in which hieroglyphics come alive--he flees to the desert, where he finds his roots and heeds God's calling to free the slaves from Egypt.

Katzenberg and his artists are careful to tread lightly on religious boundaries. The film stops at the parting of the Red Sea, only showing the Ten Commandments--without commentary--as the film's coda. Music is a big part (there were three CDs released) and Hans Zimmer's sc