Jewish Heritage

The Prince of Egypt

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 score and Stephen Schwartz's songs work well--in fact the pop-ready, Oscar-winning "When You Believe" is one of the weakest songs. Kids ages 5 and up should be able to handle the referenced violence; the film doesn't shy away from what Egyptians did to their slaves. Perhaps Katzenberg could have aimed lower and made a more successful animated film, but then again, what's a heaven for? --Doug Thomas

Two brothers, one born of royal blood, one an orphan with a secret past, grow up the best of friends. But the truth will ultimately set them at odds, as one becomes the ruler of the most powerful empire, the other the chosen leader of his people.
Genre: Feature Film Family
Rating: PG
Release Date: 10-APR-2007
Media Type: DVD

Joseph - King of Dreams

As the millennium turns, the crazed trend to produce direct-to-video sequels swells. Very few of these sequels are inspired, although most do not harm their origins. One might understandably pick up something labeled "from the makers of The Prince of Egypt with trepidation. Happily, the makers leave Moses alone and tell the tale of another Bible star, Joseph, known for his coat of many colors and a fantastic destiny. Joseph (voiced by Ben Affleck), his father's favorite son, is sold into slavery by his jealous half-brothers. After years of struggle, Joseph rises to be the Pharaoh's trusted adviser when his gift for interpreting dreams pays dividends. The 78-minute feature is rich in color and features several strong songs ("Better Than I" is the standout) written by newcomer John Bucchino. The film's religious elements are secondary, yet its heart is in the right spot--a most agreeable stance for a wider audience. Prince was designed as an "event" movie and suffered in the hype and marketing. With lower aims, Joseph is a more satisfying film and even invites the unexpected: we're ready for the next "sequel." --Doug Thomas

From the filmmaker of the Academy Award winning box office hit The Prince Of Egypt comes an all-new animated epic Joseph: King Of Dreams. One of the most critically acclaimed films of the year this inspiring musical adventure retells the classic story of a boy (Voiced by Ben Affleck) with an extraordinary gift of seeing the future through his dreams. Winner of the Film Advisory Board Award of Excellence Joseph: King Of Dreams is a timeless treasure for every generation with five memorable new songs sparkling animation and "storytelling at its best" -Alice O Neill Los Angeles Feature Syndicate. This family favorite is "destined to join the Prince Of Egypt and The Lion King as an instant classic" Bruce Kluger Us Weekly.System Requirements:Running Time: 74 Min. Color. This film is presented in "Widescreen" format. Copyright 2000 Universal Distribution Corp.Format: DVD MOVIE Genre: CHILDREN/FAMILY Rating:  UPC: 667068645224

The Prince of Egypt - DTS Edition

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 score and Stephen Schwartz's songs work well--in fact the pop-ready, Oscar-winning "When You Believe" is one of the weakest songs. Kids ages 5 and up should be able to handle the referenced violence; the film doesn't shy away from what Egyptians did to their slaves. Perhaps Katzenberg could have aimed lower and made a more successful animated film, but then again, what's a heaven for? --Doug Thomas

Debbie Friedman - Hanukkah Tales & Tunes / Miracles & Wonders

Celebrate Hanukkah with song, story, and puppetry. This 159-minute DVD features a 30-minute video program and an audio-only program by Debbie Friedman. In the video portion, "Hanukkah Tales & Tunes," K.J. the puppet wants to learn about Hanukkah. K.J.'s human friends introduce him to the stories of Antiocus Epiphanes, the miracle of the holy oil, and the dreidel through songs like "Miracles Aren't Just Magic," an enactment of "Galya and the Goblin," and heavily choreographed dances. Dan Crow and Fred Sokolow perform "The Dreidel Song" and Caren Glasser sings a "Hanukkah Medley." Debbie Friedman's "Miracles and Wonders: A Hanukkah Musical" and "A Purim Musical" (previously released on CD) comprise the audio portion of the DVD. Friedman's pure voice is pleasing and her music and lyrics bring Hanukkah traditions to life. The "Purim Musical" consists of songs written from the points of view of five major Purim figures. This DVD is both entertaining and educational. (Ages 3 to 8) --Tami Horiuchi