Running Time 180 Min
Format: DVD MOVIE
Amazon.com
Fans of Dan Brown's The Da Vinci Code should prepare to have their minds blown all over again watching The Da Vinci Code Decoded, a mesmerizing documentary featuring several authors whose research provided the basis for Brown's bestselling novel. Henry Lincoln (Holy Blood, Holy Grail), Dan Burstein (Secrets of the Code), and Margaret Starbird (The Woman with the Alabaster Jar) are among interviewees who can tease from Da Vinci's few paintings sometimes spooky references (e.g., the disembodied, knife-wielding hand in "The Last Supper") to the artist's heretical convictions about Christ. Much evidence is presented to support the view that Jesus was married to Mary Magdalene, and that the latter's flight to France with Christ's child is the real basis of the Holy Grail legend. Exciting, persuasive stuff, shrouded in mystery and possible conspiracies. --Tom Keogh
Customer Reviews:
Disappointing. Nothing revealed, nothing decoded.......2007-05-07
This was a poor attempt at capitalizing on the success of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. The book, which is wildly successful and has sparked controversy throughout the world, and the movie, which is milder but still controversial both attract a lot of attention. This DVD simply tries to take that attention and turn it in to profit for the producers.
There is nothing profoundly interesting about this DVD. There is no new information and the DVD fails to truly point at the myths and facts from the book/movie. It merely states what the book says and why the book says it or what the book is based on without any corroboration.
Truly disappointing to a conspiracy theorist at heart. I expected more.
Interesting Information, Yet..........2007-01-21
Update as of 4/3/07 (See below for update.)
I have watched this DVD several times after borrowing from my local library. I give it three stars because I think it's worthy of at least looking at one point of view regarding the Da Vinci Code phenomenon, yet right now I have a few issues with it.
First, I personally do not agree with Dan Brown's assertion that (and I'm paraphrasing here) since the beginning of recorded time, history has ALWAYS been written by the winners. I suppose it's because I'm very cautious about writing in "absolutes" as I've often found that new information will come along to disprove what was thought to be absolute.
As well, some of the transitions between interviews left me feeling annoyed at times because it appeared that the interviewee(s) may have had more to say. This makes me wonder if the editing was done to serve the purpose of the subject of the DVD instead of presenting a more objective point-of-view.
I found it very interesting that Henry Lincoln, one of the co-author's of "Holy Blood, Holy Grail," stated that his book had absolutely had no validity at all. (I have the book, but haven't read it yet.) In any case, my initial thought was then, "Well, why write the book at all?" Perhaps being an artist is where my confusion is stemming from. What I mean is that in producing a work, to me it's valid to me, it's coming from some place inside of me that believes in what I'm doing. So, I'm a bit perplexed here and if anyone has insight in regard to this, I'm open to hearing it.
I do personally agree with Lincoln that anyone can write any sort of document, but that doesn't constitute it's validity. He also states that whatever we do know is based on heresay, guesswork and interpretation. I'm still undecided about my thoughts on that.
In any case, I'll probably watch the DVD again and update my review as I let things sink in and continue my research.
That all being said, I think the DVD is worth watching. I like to look at all sides of an issue and this is just another side to be taken into account and considered whether you agree with it or not.
UPDATE:
I am in the middle of reading, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." Hence, I can understand a bit more where Henry Lincoln is coming from when he states his book, etc. has no validity at all. I do wonder if the statement is his way of getting off the hook at having written a book which, when you see, "The Real DaVinci Code" DVD proposes (and with a good deal of sense, although I don't like the interviewer's sarcasm) that the whole basis of the book is based on a hoax. Ultimately, whether or not the "facts" were a hoax...I have absolutely no idea. But I do tend to lean more on the side of the DVD "The Real DaVinci Code" after seeing it many times. That being said, I'd look into all the info and determine for yourself.
A breath of fresh air.......2006-06-21
This dvd does not claim to contain a debate about the origins of Christianity; it discusses an alternate viewpoint (as Dan Brown reminds us "the winners write the history books")This dvd is a nice antidote to all the oppressive ideas we have been raised with; esp. the idea of God as male, and the idea of women being unworthy of church leadership. This dvd includes interviews with Dan Burstein, Henry Lincoln, Martin Lunn, Lynn Picknett, Clive Prince, Dr. Karen Ralls, Dr. James Robinson, and Margaret Starbird. I particularly liked Margaret Starbird's interviews - she describes how when she first read "Holy Blood, Holy Grail", she found it blasphemous because she had been raised a loyal Catholic. But afterward, she had religious experiences regarding the content of that book which lead her to research Mary Magdalene and write "The Woman with the Alabaster Jar". She comes across as very rational, sensible and even heroic. It takes courage to contradict the dearly held beliefs of the majority. I thought Dan Burstein also made some very good points with his discussions about the lives and customs of Jewish people during the time Jesus lived. I think this dvd is an important reminder that just because you have been taught something all your life - that doesn't mean it is necessarily the truth. To be truly alive is to continue to search for the truth as long as you live.
Deceptive cover box: this is a pro-Dan Brown DVD, not an opposing view.......2006-05-28
Like most people, before I spend money on a DVD, I read all the cover descriptions first.
The back cover starts with a breathless announcement about Dan Brown's book. Then it lists a series of questions by the book's detractors.
Based on the cover description, I honestly thought this DVD was going to be a reasoned "second opinion" regarding the historical information that Dan Brown uses as part of his novel.
I had no idea that the DVD was actually just a rehash of the same theories minus the mystery-thriller context. I'm guessing the marketers deliberately meant to ensnare people of faith into thinking they were purchasing an opposing view.
This DVD should be called: "The Da Vinci Code," Part Deux.
See 'Breaking Da Vinci's Code' for the actual facts.......2006-05-07
'Da Vinci Code Decoded' is merely an uncritical rehash of the same, supposed, 'facts' that Dan Brown attempts to put forth in his book, much of which was co-opted from 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' (as Mr. Brown himself attributes in his book). The many fabrications and outright frauds he puts forth are effectively debunked in the far superior video 'Breaking Da Vinci's Code' where actual, reputable scholars dubunk his numerous errors.
The pseudopigraphical writings known as the Gnostic (so-called) Gospels have been known to history since the 2nd Century and did not come to light for the first time at Nag Hammadi, although this cache of writings from that Egyptian city did increase our understanding of Gnosticism. But the fact remains that these writings come from the 2nd century while the New Testament writings are demonstrably from the 1st century and carry the weight of Apostolic Authority, something the Gnostic writings never had. By far the majority of mainstream historical and theological scholarship still rests on the side of the New Testament as the legitimate historical writings of the Christian Church, despite the efforts of a minority of Gnostic advocates, like Elaine Pagels.
It should also be clearly understood that the claims put forth in 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' and 'The Da Vinci Code' are entirely rejected by mainstream scholarship, both liberal and conservative. This is primarily because both books suffer from the same fatal flaw, that is the so-called 'Priory of Sion' and the 'Dossier Secret' claims advanced by these authors are known and establshed FRAUDS. These are the fabrications of a circle of anti-semitic French nationalists (and certifiable nut-cases) who revolve around the figure of Pierre Plantard - who was a primary source in 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' (as readers of that book should be aware). This is established by the excellent video 'Breaking Da Vinci's Code' as well as CBS's 60 Minutes, which did an investigative report into Mr. Brown's 'facts' and came to the same conclusions as above (this was aired most recently on April 30th). Many other researchers have done reviews of the 'facts' of HBHG and DVC and come to the same conclusions.
As a former Bible Seminary student and historical researcher, I can attest from my own research on these matters that the Da Vinci code is entirely a work of fiction and shouldn't be understood in any other light. As far as 'Holy Blood, Holy Grail' is concerned, even it's own authors admit to it's highly speculative nature, not the type of writing one is going to draw serious historical or theological conclusions from.
The bottom line, don't be taken in by the light-weight, air-thin 'research' as presented in 'Da Vinci Decoded' or the two books that inspired this current mania into the long debunked Gnostic writings. By far the great weight of history and scholarship rest on the New Testament as the legitimate and authentic history of Christianity.
Average customer rating:
- Da Vinci Code Decoded Box Set: Totally Decoded
- Decoding DaVinci
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Da Vinci Code Decoded Box Set: Totally Decoded
Starring: Dan Brown (VI) , Dr. James Robinson , Henry Lincoln , Margaret Starbird , and Clive Prince
Director: Richard Metzger
Manufacturer: Disinformation
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Similar Items:
- The Real Da Vinci Code
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ASIN: B000DZID88
Release Date: 2006-04-04 |
Description
Origins of the Da Vinci Code
Dan Brown's novel The Da Vinci Code sparked a cultural phenomenon which has led millions of people to explore the mysteries of the isolated hilltop village of Rennes-le-Château. Behind the fiction of the novel is a wealth of detail originally uncovered by Henry Lincoln in his book Holy Blood, Holy Grail. Origins of the Da Vinci Code, sets out to explore these mysteries in detail
Exploring the Da Vinci Code: Henry Lincoln's Guide to Rennes-le-Château
PRESENTED BY HENRY LINCOLN, CO-AUTHOR OF HOLY BLOOD, HOLY GRAIL, The Original Source of The Da Vinci Code 's Fascinating Storyline
Thousands of people climb to the isolated hilltop village of Rennes-le-Château each year, inspired by Dan Brown's novel, The Da Vinci Code and drawn by the mystery surrounding the priest Bérenger Saunière and his unexplained riches.
What was the secret Saunière knew that could bring down the Catholic church? What is behind the mysterious symbolism carved into the church itself? What is the coded message left behind by Saunière that so inspired Da Vinci Code author Dan Brown? Is this the true location of the Holy Grail? Did Mary Magdalene flee to this remote part of France carrying the bloodline of Christ?
Now you too can discover the wealth of fascinating detail hidden in this mystical village and the "treasures" of the surrounding countryside, in the company of the man that started it all, Henry Lincoln. For many years he used to take small groups to visit the key locations, explaining first hand "all the history and mystery that have made the village world famous." Henry guides you through all his favorite places, including Carcassonne and Montségur, and introduces the "eighth wonder of the world", the Rennes-le-Château Pentacle of Mountains and the incredible geometrical landscape of this remote part of southwestern France.
THE TRUTH BEHIND THE NEW YORK TIMES #1 BESTSELLER
The definitive documentary exploration of Dan Brown's thrilling novel The Da Vinci Code, answers the questions everyone is asking!
What exactly was Leonardo da Vinci trying to tell us in his coded paintings?
Was Jesus married to Mary Magdalene?
Who were the Knights Templar?
What is the secret of the mysterious church at Rennes-le-Château?
What is the Priory of Sion?
What secret did the real life Saunière know that threatened the Church?
What are the Gnostic Gospels?
Did Roman emperors rewrite the New Testament to control the population?
This DVD Exclusive Production is essential viewing for all readers of The Da Vinci Code, clearing away fact from fiction and revealing the hidden history and shocking revelations that have made Dan Brown's novel the most controversial and popular adult fiction of the 21st century. Featuring all the key authors and researchers on the many fascinating topics in The Da Vinci Code, including:
Dan Brown - The Da Vinci Code
Dan Burstein - Secrets of the Code
Henry Lincoln - Holy Blood, Holy Grail
Martin Lunn - Da Vinci Code Decoded
Lynn Picknett & Clive Prince - The Templar Revelation
Dr. Karen Ralls - The Templars and the Grail
Dr. James Robinson - The Nag Hammadi Library
Margaret Starbird - The Woman with the Alabaster Jar
Also features original location photography from The Louvre, Temple Church, Westminster Abbey, Rosslyn Chapel and Rennes-le-Château - all shot especially for this production.
Customer Reviews:
Da Vinci Code Decoded Box Set: Totally Decoded.......2007-02-07
Although some parts are redundant, I feel I received much needed information on this subject. Many confusing points I had previously were made clear through watching these DVD's. In all, if you want an in-depth explanation on this topic, especially if it is completely new to you, this box set will enlighten you.
Decoding DaVinci.......2007-01-13
This set of videos was interesting to watch. It does tend to be repetitive through the duration of the separate videos. Although this can be expected to some extent, it does lead one to wonder if the cost was worth it since there is very little additional information provided within each of the videos that isn't already provided within a single video. Two of the videos are essentially dedicated to the expertise of Henry Lincoln. One of the videos does use several "experts" to provide arguments to support the ideas and theories presented. Beware that the ideas and theories presented can be offensive to anyone who is a hardcore Christian. I thoroughly enjoyed the presentations as I have an open mind and have interest in hearing and learning information that could be viewed as heretical. I don't personally see them as heresy, but again, I am a spiritual person who was raised Christian, but I am not a religious person and don't support mainstream Christendom. The questions provided and the associated subject matter will make one think and potentially reconsider the philosophies that they were brought up believing. The benefit to be gotten from these videos can be the need to do some independent research. That is always healthy, especially if one is willing to go about that research unbiased and open to possibilities that defy their religious upbringing. Much of the information that was provided sparked my interest and desire to learn more.
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