Feature Films

The Bible Series Box Set

King Solomon led a grand life, thus rating this epic movie told in two parts, averaging 86 minutes apiece. Director Roger Young chronicles the king's rise from the weakling mama's boy of Bathsheba to a ruler known for his wisdom, international alliances, construction of the Jewish temple, and oh yes, those thousand wives--concubines included. Part 1 spends the first hour tracing the rivalry of Solomon (Ben Cross) with half-brother Adonijah, before and after the death of their father King David (Max Von Sydow in a brief appearance). It then makes a 10-year leap to dramatize his famous method of divining the true mother of a contested infant. In Part 2, the filmmakers embrace the legend that Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Vivica A. Fox) had a romantic as well as political alliance, suggesting that they were the star-crossed loves of each other's life and introducing some soft-focus nudity. With the queen's departure, Solomon descends into materialism and idolatry. The performances are strong and the script, penned by Bradley Winter, artfully weaves in background information to give the viewer helpful historical context. --Kimberly Heinrichs

The Last Temptation of Christ - Criterion Collection

It isn't difficult to imagine why this 1988 retelling of the Crucifixion story was picketed vociferously upon release--this Jesus bears little resemblance to the classical Christ, who was not, upon careful review of the Gospels, ever reported to have had sex with Barbara Hershey. Heavily informed by Gnostic reinterpretations of the Passion, The Last Temptation of Christ (based rather strictly on Nikos Kazantzakis's novel of the same name) is surely worth seeing for the controversy and blasphemous content alone, but it's difficult to find in skittish chain video stores. But the "last temptation" of the title is nothing overtly naughty--rather, it's the seduction of the commonplace; the desire to forgo following a "calling" in exchange for domestic security. Willem Dafoe interprets Jesus as spacy, indecisive, and none too charismatic (though maybe that's just Dafoe himself), but his Sermon on the Mount is radiant with visionary fire; a bit less successful is method actor Harvey Keitel, who gives the internally conflicted Judas a noticeable Brooklyn accent, and doesn't bring much imagination to a role that demands a revisionist's approach. Despite director Martin Scorsese's penchant for stupid camera tricks, much of the desert footage is simply breathtaking, even on small screen. Ultimately, Last Temptation is not much more historically illuminating than Monty Python's Life of Brian, but hey, if it's authenticity you're after, try Gibbon's. --Miles Bethany

At last, Martin Scorsese's most personal masterpiece can be seen outside of the controversy it engendered, and be seen for what it is: a l5-year labor of love. Nikos Kazantzakis' landmark novel comes to breathtaking life in this moving and spiritual film. The all-star cast includes Harvey Keitel, Barbara Hershey, Harry Dean Stanton, David Bowie, and Willem Dafoe as Jesus. Criterion is proud to present this cinematic treasure in an exclusive Director Approved special edition.

The Bible - Esther

Following the conquest of Babylon the King of Persia gives a banquet for his people at which he requests the presence of his wife Vashti. As she refuses the King's demand Ahasuerus disowns Vashti and goes in search of her replacement. In his harem he meets the young girl Esther who immediately captivates him with her charm and beauty. Unaware of her Jewish heritage King Ahasuerus falls in love with Esther. Esther then reveals to Ahasuerus that she is Jewish and asks him to show her people mercy because of a planned genocide of the Jews by the King's right-hand man Haman. In doing so she saves the lives of many innocent people and paves the way for their return to Jerusalem.System Requirements: Running Time 91 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 031398745525 Manufacturer No: VM7455D

The biblical story of Esther, the Jewish woman who saved her people when they faced annihilation, is told in this production featuring British actress Louise Lombard in the title role and F. Murray Abraham as Mordecai, Esther's cousin and foster father. As a girl living under Persian rule, Esther was essentially kidnapped and taken into the harem of the king, Xerxes. The king, taken by her beauty, made her his queen, and as dramatized in the film, she found herself involved in a delicate balancing act between the ruling Persians and her own Jewish people. While this is a fairly elaborate production with a solid supporting cast, it proceeds at a relaxed pace and never quite takes off dramatically. But it does provide a solid telling of Esther's story, and if considered as something of a docudrama, it's successful. The story is clearly told of how the king's chief minister, Haman, had hoped to see the Jews annihilated, but thanks to Esther's intercession the Jews were able to defend themselves and destroy their enemies (events which are celebrated at the Jewish Feast of Purim). The production does provide much of the period flavor of ancient life, and the major facets of the story and portrayals of the characters coincide with biblical accounts. --Robert J. McNamara

The Bible - Jeremiah

Jeremiah tells the story of the prophet who abandons his family and the woman he loves in order to relay God's message in Jerusalem. Although he is persecuted and branded as a traitor for warning others of the destruction of the Holy City he continues fearlessly with his mission. When his prophecy is fulfilled he experiences first-hand Jerusalem's destruction by the Babylonians.System Requirements: Running Time 96 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 031398745723 Manufacturer No: VM7457D

The overwhelming conclusion of this 94-minute movie is that being a prophet is tough. Jeremiah (Patrick Dempsey) is repeatedly imprisoned and beaten, dropped into a muddy well face first, and forced to witness the stabbing death of his fiancée. And all for repeating messages from God, most of them urging the Judeans to submit to Babylon's King Nebuchadnezzar (Klaus Maria Brandauer). Dempsey gives an earnest performance, ably assisted by a strong supporting cast. Writer-director Harry Winer spends the first part of the film on Jeremiah's formative years of visions, moving on to his contentious relationship with King Zedekiah, who ultimately--and tragically--listened to his general (Oliver Reed) rather than the prophet. This bleak film ends with the fall of Jerusalem to the Babylonians and Jeremiah's self-comforting thought that the city will rise again. Parents should be aware of some disturbing violence: in addition to Jeremiah's fiancée's murder, Zedekiah sees his sons fatally stabbed before he is killed. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Jesus

The Bible - Solomon

Defeating his older brother Solomon is crowned King of Israel and rules the land with love peace and respect. While visiting the city Solomon meets the beautiful Queen of Sheba and falls in love at first sight. When the time comes for her to return to her homeland Solomon is unable to convince her to stay. Bereft of her beauty and companionship he falls into a deep depression departing from his idyllic world of peace and luxury while his kingdom threatens to collapse.System Requirements: Running Time 172 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 031398745327 Manufacturer No: VM7453D

King Solomon led a grand life, thus rating this epic movie told in two parts, averaging 86 minutes apiece. Director Roger Young chronicles the king's rise from the weakling mama's boy of Bathsheba to a ruler known for his wisdom, international alliances, construction of the Jewish temple, and oh yes, those thousand wives--concubines included. Part 1 spends the first hour tracing the rivalry of Solomon (Ben Cross) with half-brother Adonijah, before and after the death of their father King David (Max Von Sydow in a brief appearance). It then makes a 10-year leap to dramatize his famous method of divining the true mother of a contested infant. In Part 2, the filmmakers embrace the legend that Solomon and the Queen of Sheba (Vivica A. Fox) had a romantic as well as political alliance, suggesting that they were the star-crossed loves of each other's life and introducing some soft-focus nudity. With the queen's departure, Solomon descends into materialism and idolatry. The performances are strong and the script, penned by Bradley Winter, artfully weaves in background information to give the viewer helpful historical context. --Kimberly Heinrichs

Vanished

Without warning millions of people suddenly vanish from the face of earth. Chaos and anarchy reign. Everyone wonders what happened. Globally respected author and preacher, Pastor John Hagree has the answers. This riveting docudrama eplains what the Bible predicts, shows what is to come and gives hope to all.

Objects Of Wrath

Steve (Dan Arthur) has always felt there was more to life then his dead end job and boring life. But he doesn't know how to go about changing it. When past dreams are remembered Steve begins to pursue them. But, his addiction to TV begins to grow stronger and his life begins to fall apart. He starts to become desperate for a change and prays to God for help. God answers his prayer and Steve begins a new life that is both difficult and unfamiliar. Join Steve as he journeys down a new road and not only sees a change in his life but also helps others along the path.

Mercy Streets [DVD]

Ancient Secrets of the Bible: Moses' Ten Commandments / Red Sea Miracle