BIBLE COLLECTION (DVD/6 DISC/ABRAHAM/DAVID/JACOB/JOSEPH/MOSES/SAMSON & D) DVD

Abraham
This entry into TNT's lavish and acclaimed Bible Series follows the tale of humble shepherd Abraham (Richard Harris) as he leads his flock to the Promised Land despite great danger to both himself and the followers of Jesus Christ. When the voice of God himself tells Abraham that he must lead his family and a group of like-minded believers on a harrowing journey to the Promised Land, the travelers' faith is tested as they face famine, death, and war at every turn. Through all of their hardships, Abraham's flock is determined to make the journey no matter what the cost. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide

David
This made-for-tv relgious epic relates the life story of David, one of the Bible's most fascinating figures. David's life included a passionate affair with Bathsheba, an odds-defying defeat of Goliath, to a struggle with King Saul. This film, co-starring Jonathan Pryce, Leonard Nimoy, and Sheryl Lee touches upon these and many other aspects of his existence. ~ Perry Seibert, All Movie Guide

Jacob
The biblical story of Jacob explored in this made-for-TV movie starring Matthew Modine as the titular religious figure and Lara Flynn Boyle as his love Rachel. Set against the backdrop of Jacob's many trials from God throughout his life, Turner Pictures' production focuses on the romantic aspect to present what many consider to be the best love story in the Bible. ~ Jeremy Wheeler, All Movie Guide

Joseph
This television miniseries recounts the biblical story of Joseph, the 11th son of the Hebrew patriarch, Jacob. Joseph (Paul Mercurio) has an extraordinary gift: the ability to interpret dreams. He also enjoys the special favor of his father. One day, Jacob (Martin Landau) presents his son a splendid coat as evidence of his deep affection for him. Envious, his brothers sell Joseph into bondage to an Egyptian. But Joseph eventually rises out of slavery after he interprets a troublesome dream of Pharaoh (Stefano Dionisi) as a sign that Egypt will experience seven years of plenty followed by seven years of famine. Impressed by Joseph's strange powers, Pharaoh elevates him to the highest government position in Egypt next to Pharaoh's. Then Joseph wisely directs Egypt to store grain during the years of plenty. Finally, after famine strikes, Egypt sets bountiful tables as before, but other lands suffer severe deprivation. Jacob sends Joseph's brothers to Egypt for grain. After gaining an audience with the esteemed Joseph, they do not recognize him. So much time has passed, after all. And who could imagine that their own brother, a mere Hebrew slave, could have cast off his yoke and ascended to such heights of power? As the film moves toward its conclusion, viewers wonder whether Joseph will hold his brothers to account for their wrongdoing -- or reconcile with them and renew familial relationships. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide

Moses
The life of the reluctant Old Testament prophet is told in this made-for-television biblical drama. When the Pharaoh Ramses calls for the death of all Hebrew children, a mother puts her son Moses in a basket and sends him down the Nile to save his life. The baby is found by a princess and raised as the heir to the family throne. Called upon by God, the hesitant Moses (Ben Kingsley) accepts the challenge to lead his enslaved people out of Egypt for what becomes a 40-year journey into the promised land. This extravagant production was nominated for the "Outstanding Mini-Series" Emmy. ~ Bernadette McCallion, All Movie Guide

Samson and Delilah
British director Nicolas Roeg, best known for his films Walkabout and The Man Who Fell To Earth, helmed this made-for-cable adaptation of the epic tale from The Old Testament's Book of Judges. Starring Eric Thal as the legendary strongman Samson, Samson and Delilah also stars Elizabeth Hurley as the temptress Delilah, who ultimately seduces Samson and cuts his hair, robbing him of his strength. Originally airing on the TNT cable network, the film also features Dennis Hopper and Sir Michael Gambon. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide

Cast Richard Harris as

Crew Enrico Sabbatini - Costume Designer Nicolas Roeg - Director Michael Ellis - Editor Gerald F. Rafshoon - Executive Producer Roberto Malerba - Line Producer Ennio Morricone - Composer (Music Score) Marco Frisina - Songwriter Paolo Biagetti - Production Designer Raffaele Mertes - Cinematographer Lorenzo Minoli - Producer Alan Scott - Screenwriter Enrico Sabbatini - Costume Designer Nicolas Roeg - Director Michael Ellis - Editor Gerald F. Rafshoon - Executive Producer Roberto Malerba - Line Producer Ennio Morricone - Composer (Music Score) Marco Frisina - Songwriter Paolo Biagetti - Production Designer Raffaele Mertes - Cinematographer Lorenzo Minoli - Producer Alan Scott - Screenwriter Enrico Sabbatini - Costume Designer Nicolas Roeg - Director Michael Ellis - Editor Gerald F. Rafshoon - Executive Producer Roberto Malerba - Line Producer Ennio Morricone - Composer (Music Score) Marco Frisina - Songwriter Paolo Biagetti - Production Designer Raffaele Mertes - Cinematographer Lorenzo Minoli - Producer Alan Scott - Screenwriter Enrico Sabbatini - Costume Designer Nicolas Roeg - Director Michael Ellis - Editor Gerald F. Rafshoon - Executive Producer Roberto Malerba - Line Producer Ennio Morricone - Composer (Music Score) Marco Frisina - Songwriter Paolo Biagetti - Production Designer Raffaele Mertes - Cinematographer Lorenzo Minoli - Producer Alan Scott - Screenwriter Enrico Sabbatini - Costume Designer Nicolas Roeg - Director Michael Ellis - Editor Gerald F. Rafshoon - Executive Producer Roberto Malerba - Line Producer Ennio Morricone - Composer (Music Score) Marco Frisina - Songwriter Paolo Biagetti - Production Designer Raffaele Mertes - Cinematographer Lorenzo Minoli - Producer Alan Scott - Screenwriter Enrico Sabbatini - Costume Designer Nicolas Roeg - Director Michael Ellis - Editor Gerald F. Rafshoon - Executive Producer Roberto Malerba - Line Producer Ennio Morricone - Composer (Music Score) Marco Frisina - Songwriter Paolo Biagetti - Production Designer Raffaele Mertes - Cinematographer Lorenzo Minoli - Producer Alan Scott - Screenwriter

Abraham
(not reviewed)
 

David
(not reviewed)
 

Jacob
(not reviewed)
 

Joseph
This 1995 television adaptation of the Old Testament story of Joseph is surely among the finest productions ever made about the Book of Genesis. Skillfully blending forceful acting, strong character development, beautiful cinematography, and a script that pays meticulous attention to the biblical account, the production re-creates this famous story of enmity, suffering, and triumphal love in a way that is both moving and engrossing. Two previous Oscar-winners deliver outstanding performances -- Martin Landau as Joseph's father, Jacob, and Ben Kingsley as Pharaoh's chief steward, Potiphar -- helping to elevate Paul Mercurio (Joseph) and Vincenzo Nicoli (Joseph's envious brother, Simeon) to their high level of acting. Thanks to careful research, the film has the look, feel, and sound of the Bible era, at least as envisioned by modern scholars, even though it was filmed in south central Morocco on the Sahara side of the Atlas Mountains. But while achieving its sense of realism, the production avoids the glitter and pomp of past biblical epics; it is restrained, tasteful, true to life. Here is one film that biblical scholars, historians, and men and women of faith can all enjoy in their own ways. Director Robert Young deserves high marks for demonstrating that a television production can equal -- indeed, surpass -- the best of the big-screen religious productions. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
 

Moses
Ben Kingsley portrays a very human Moses in this worthy production about the Old Testament figure. Unlike the heroic Moses of Charlton Heston in Cecil B. DeMille's lavish 1954 motion picture The Ten Commandments, the Moses of Kingsley in this Roger Young TV miniseries is ordinary, flawed, even timid at times. He stammers before Pharaoh. He cringes before the burning bush. He begs God not to bind him to the task of liberating the Jews. He anguishes at the report that only he survived the slaughter of first-born Jewish males. But Moses carries on, summoning a resolve born of his faith, as Kingsley demonstrates convincingly. Kingsley's Indian and Jewish heritage works well for him in Moses. Bearded and dark-skinned, with jet black hair, he looks the part of a Middle Eastern holy man. That he lacks the sinew and stature of Heston only enhances his performance, for his deeds become all the more impressive by comparison to his appearance. Christopher Lee and Frank Langella, though both wholly occidental, make fine father and son pharaohs -- haughty, uncompromising surrogates of Egypt's supreme being, Ra. Perhaps their acting background (each having once portrayed Dracula) gave them special insight into the undercurrents of the soul that can capsize a man's humanity. For the most part, the rest of the actors also perform with distinction. Although the film eschews the pomp and splendor of the 1954 DeMille production, it does use special effects to advantage when the time comes to part the Red Sea or turn a wooden rod into a cobra. All daytime scenes are tinted in amber, like Egypt and the Middle Eastern landscape. Night scenes take on a bluish patina. But there is a similarity between the colorful DeMille production and this one: God speaks to Moses in a deep, resonant voice. Perhaps He liked this production just as much as the earlier one. ~ Mike Cummings, All Movie Guide
 

Samson and Delilah
(not reviewed)
 

Joseph - Film Awards: Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, Outstanding Miniseries (winner)

General Specifications: Language Options: English, Spanish Subtitle Options: English, French, Spanish Sound Processing: DD2: Dolby Digital Stereo DDS2.0: Dolby Digital w/ 4 channels of sound from a 2-channel stereo mix. DD1: Dolby Digital Mono Additional Features: cc DVD Aspect Ratio: 1.33:1: Pre-1954 Standard MPAA Rating: NR DVD Discs Included: 6 DVD Sides: 6 DVD DVD Region Code: 1 Content Length: 1011 min   DVD Chapters: Disc #2 -- Moses 1. Adopted (Credits) [8:59] 2. Hebrew Heritage [8:38] 3. Brave Egyptian [5:29] 4. New Family [4:02] 5. Mourning Pharaoh [1:32] 6. Burning Bush [6:13] 7. Chosen [6:28] 8. Words and Signs [8:06] 9. "Let My People Go." [4:13] 10. False Prophet? [4:44] 11. Stern Warnings [6:01] 12. Plagues [11:00] 13. Passover [5:31] 14. Exodus [4:22] 15. Deep Faith [3:01] 16. Parting the Waters [10:05] 17. Fiery Burden [:51] 18. Manna From Heaven [4:37] 19. Only One Man [6:15] 20. Mount Sinai [5:57] 21. Troubling Absence [10:34] 22. Vain Idolatry [5:31] 23. Broken Covenant [3:10] 24. Sanctuary [6:13] 25. Miriam [3:28] 26. Promised Land [5:01] 27. Losing Faith [10:33] 28. "Take Joshua." [9:41] 29. End Credits [10:20] Disc #3 -- Joseph 1. Potiphar [7:15] 2. Pious Slave [10:09] 3. Special Treatment [5:02] 4. Accused [6:48] 5. Innocence Lost [11:58] 6. Vengeance and Pain [11:44] 7. Reuben's Mistake [4:11] 8. Loyal and Deserving [4:19] 9. Joseph's Dreams [9:10] 10. Brotherly Hate [7:51] 11. Egypt or Death [4:10] 12. Promoted to Prison [9:21] 13. Prisoners [5:00] 14. Widower in Canaan [1:25] 15. The Interpreter [5:50] 16. Desperate Measures [5:55] 17. Pharaoh's Dreams [8:01] 18. The Savior [10:53] 19. Prosperity [8:56] 20. Famine [3:40] 21. Recognition [4:22] 22. Honest Men? [10:51] 23. Brotherhood [14:34] 24. Father and Sons [7:13] 25. End Credits [4:41] Disc #4 -- Jacob 1. Rivalry [8:17] 2. Mixed Blessing [11:37] 3. On the Path [9:58] 4. Working for Rachel [14:17] 5. Wedding Plans [12:36] 6. Wife and Mother [5:19] 7. Joseph [5:06] 8. Herding the Flock [5:09] 9. Stolen Gods [4:51] 10. Thicker Than Water [7:24] 11. Children of Israel [7:11] 12. End Credits [1:41] Disc #5 -- David 1. Reign [5:24] 2. Saul Anointed [9:05] 3. Defending Israel [3:07] 4. Commanded By God [7:36] 5. Son of Jesse [5:10] 6. New King [3:18] 7. 23rd Psalm [2:33] 8. Goliath [6:56] 9. War Hero [4:01] 10. Meaning Harm [6:06] 11. Helpful Traitors [5:23] 12. Reckoning [5:08] 13. Samuel's Wishes [2:03] 14. Abigail Abducted [2:22] 15. Grave Message [5:38] 16. Saul's Battle [5:44] 17. New Regime [3:43] 18. Bathsheba [6:46] 19. Uriah's Orders [5:00] 20. Mourning Proposal [3:38] 21. Laws and Sins [4:42] 22. Repentance [8:03] 23. Amnon and Tamar [4:53] 24. Family Disgrace [2:06] 25. Judgment [7:57] 26. Absalom's Anger [6:23] 27. Protecting Israel [6:38] 28. Conflicting Counsel [4:14] 29. Father and Son [4:07] 30. Listening to God [14:42] 31. End Credits [11:13] Disc #6 -- Abraham 1. Fertility (Credits) [6:00] 2. Paying Twice [5:52] 3. The Midwife [7:22] 4. False Gods [4:11] 5. Departure [12:05] 6. A Slave No Longer [6:16] 7. Land of Promise [6:26] 8. Abandoned [9:17] 9. Pharaoh's Laws [5:30] 10. Royal Mistress [12:51] 11. Afflication [9:29] 12. Peaceful Neighbors [4:46] 13. A New Foe [2:28] 14. Many Voices [3:31] 15. Night Attack [7:58] 16. King of Sodom [3:16] 17. Descendants [5:49] 18. Friend in Worship [3:39] 19. Surrogate Servant [3:34] 20. As Agreed [10:22] 21. Ishmael [3:43] 22. Father of Nations [8:59] 23. Lot and His Wife [5:44] 24. Young and Old [8:45] 25. Sibling Rivalry [6:11] 26. Separation [2:29] 27. The Lord Provides [4:20] 28. Teach and Learn [3:43] 29. Burnt Sacrifice [9:47] 30. End Credits [1:26]