The Bible: Now on DVD

Posted on April 1, 2013 at 10:29 pm

The hit television series is now available on DVD.

“Audiences embraced The Bible in numbers and with passion we never could have anticipated,” producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett said the morning after the finale aired on Easter. “What a great statement for American television viewers to make for the last five weeks: More than 100 million of them chose stories of God’s deep and sacrificial love for all of us over anything else on cable or broadcast networks. It proves once again why the Bible is called the greatest story ever told.”

Featuring hours of never before seen behind-the-scenes footage and making-of featurettes in a stunning high bit rate HD transfer and immersive 5.1 audio, the Blu-ray and DVD exclusively feature an all-new cut of the miniseries.

Narrated by Emmy winning actor Keith David, The Bible features an international cast including Portuguese actor, Diogo Morgado as Jesus Christ and producr Roma Downey as Mother Mary. And for the first time since their award winning collaboration on Gladiator, Oscar and Grammy-winning composer Hans Zimmer reunites with acclaimed vocalist Lisa Gerrard to create the musical backdrop for this epic production.

The four-disc Blu-ray and DVD set dives deeper into the making of the series and features a behind-the-scenes look at how the groundbreaking docudrama came together. Interviews with producers, directors, and cast illustrate creative collaboration on-set and off and show how the remarkable Moroccan scenery was transformed into the world of the Bible.

Special features include:

· The Bible: Genesis – With Mark Burnett and Roma Downey as guides, we discover how the team approached the daunting task of filming the stories of the Bible

· The Cast of The Bible

· The Bible: Creation – A three-part journey through the making of the miniseries

o Creation I: The Vision, The Look – Discover the vision of producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett in this behind-the-scenes look at how it was created.

o Creation II: Production Stories – An exclusive behind-the-scenes look at the challenges faced by the production – including the supernatural experiences with snakes on set – plus Diogo’s approach to portraying who he has called the most complex figure in human history

o Creation III: Crucified & Resurrected – A deeper look into the emotional filming of the crucifixion, resurrection and the last days in Morocco

· Scoring The Bible – A rare look into the recording session for the soundtrack

· Believing in Miracles – The cast and crew tell their stories

· The Bible: Visual Effects

Veggie Tales: The Little House That Stood

Posted on March 5, 2013 at 9:47 pm

Bob and Larry bring humor and wisdom to a classic story sure to delight kids and their families in The Little House That Stood, an Easter-themed story inspired by “The Three Little Pigs” and the parable of the wise and foolish builders (Matthew 7:24-27).

When The Three Pigs roll into town looking to build some new houses, they meet one builder with a plan and two without a clue! Larry builds with hay, Mr. Lunt builds with bricks, but only Bob builds his houses on a firm foundation – following the wise plans from the “Master Builder’s Handbook!” Each pig has very particular ideas about what they want for their houses, but will their choices be good ones when the rains come tumblin’ down? Find out in this pig’s tale that shows kids that when we follow God’s blueprints, we can make the right choices! PLUS: Ever wonder what happened before Humpty cracked? Humpty (Bob the Tomato) is the mayor of Gooseville, a quiet little town filled with a bunch of lively characters! From Jack & Jill’s missing crayons, to the Three Bears’ lawn problems, all the way to Little Bo Peep’s lost sheep, Mayor Humpty is literally driven up the wall with this pickled pack of problems! Now far away from the gripes and complaints of his neighbors, Humpty declares “with all these neighbors in need, I’m better helping just me!” Will all the town’s heroines and all the town’s men help bring Humpty to his senses again?

Filled with the Veggie’s sunny charm, this story is a lot of fun and it has some important lessons to teach about what we need to think about in making wise choices. There’s a “Give Your Kids a Solid Foundation” discussion guide for parents and teachers, activity pages, and of course a new silly song, as well as some behind-the-scenes glimpses.

I’ve got a gorgeous prize package to give away! Send me an email with “House” in the subject line and tell me your favorite vegetable. Don’t forget your address! (US addresses only). I’ll pick a winner at random on March 12. Good luck!

Unconditional

Posted on March 5, 2013 at 10:57 am

This faith-based drama stars two top performers who give its fact-based story the sweetness and spirit that is sometimes lacking in the heartfelt but uneven script.

Lynn Collins (“The Merchant of Venice,” “John Carter”) plays author Samantha Crawford, who is devastated by the shocking death of her husband, killed in an unsolved shooting. Feeling that she has no reason to live, she resolves to kill herself on the spot where he was murdered. Just as she is about to pull the trigger, she sees a young girl hit by a car. She runs over to help her, and at the hospital she runs into a close friend from her childhood she had not seen in years, Joe Bradford (Michael Ealy of “Barbershop” and “Think Like a Man”). They are very happy to be reunited and Samantha learns that Joe is a beloved community activist, caring for the poor and neglected children in the inner city.

Samantha is drawn to join Joe in helping the children. But she has another reason for visiting him in the projects. She thinks she may have a clue to finding the man responsible for killing her husband. As she thinks about the time she spent with Joe when they were in school and learns more about where he was and what he learned that made him the kind and patient man the kids love and rely on, she feels her soul healing and expanding.

Parents should know that there are some violent scenes and some sad deaths.

Family discussion: What did Joe learn from his time in prison? Why were Joe and Samantha friends? Were you surprised by what Samantha discovered about the night her husband died? Who do you know who is like Joe?

If you like this, try: “Touchback”

Exclusive Clip from “Bless Me, Ultima”

Posted on February 12, 2013 at 4:06 pm

Be sure to check out our exclusive clip from the film “Bless Me, Ultima.” Set in New Mexico during WWII, the the film is a beautiful coming of age story about a young Chicano boy and how his life is forever changed when an old woman comes into his life and introduces him to the power of faith. It expands nationwide on February 22.

http://vimeo.com/56061123

New Aspire Series About African-American Faith Leaders: The Scroll

Posted on February 6, 2013 at 8:00 am

The Scroll is a new series from director Parrish Smith shown on Magic Johnson’s Aspire Network featuring intimate, inspiring interviews with more than 50 African-American clergy.

Some of the faith leaders featured in the documentary are: Bishop T. D. Jakes, Rev. Al Sharpton Jr., Rev. Bernice A. King, Dr. Calvin O. Butts III, Rev. Dr. Jamal Bryant,Bishop Noel Jones, Pastor Floyd H. Flake, Bishop Kenneth Ulmer, Bishop Charles E. Blake, Rev. Dr. Della Reese Lett, Bishop Paul S. Morton, Pastor A.R. Bernard, and Bishop Joseph L. Garlington.

Smith generously took some time to talk to me about the series.

What surprised you most about making “The Scroll?”

How long it took to make it! It was supposed to take one year, but it took three years to get access to the ministers, to get through their staff. We got rejected, we would fax and call and and email and talk to assistants and they would say “who are you?” We got no’s for a long time. After a while, the yeses started to come through but the process took a long time.

What made them reluctant to participate?

Ministers and pastors have bulls eyes on their backs. People have bad intentions and want to exploit them. A lot of people see pastors as crooks. One pastor gets caught in a scandal and all of a sudden all pastors are bad. So many ministers are protective. And there’s the scheduling problem as well. They have traveling ministries and the scheduling is difficult. But the primary problem is they don’t know who you are, and that’s understandable.

Were some of them concerned that revealing too much about themselves would interfere with their ministry?

Not necessarily. We interviewed a few people we did not use because they weren’t being open and forthcoming. But mos of them were.

What makes somebody a great preacher?

A minister told me that “a great sermon is the one you need at that particular time.” A great preacher is subjective. But perhaps he tells a story about how he overcame obstacles. And perhaps you are sitting in the congregation going through something and it hits you at that time and hits other people at that time. A great preacher is someone who can deliver a great message and a timely message from the heart. But it comes from God; it doesn’t come from them. They move themselves out of the way and let it flow through them to the congregation.

What is the importance of music in the church?

Music is a form of ministry, another form of prayer. I know some people who really don’t get much out of church or out of the sermon, but they do from song. Particularly in an African-American church, that tradition of music is historical in our culture. Old gospel spirituals, old hymns, have been with us for a long time. It’s a huge element in church.

Is humor important in ministry?

Yes and no. Humor can help deliver a message. But some people just want a strong, powerful message, very direct. Some people think if it’s humorous, it’s not too strong. I like it. I think it helps to ease what they’re saying. I know ministers who use humor and some who don’t.

What do you think about congregations taking advantage of new technologies to reach people?

If you stay home and watch church, you’re missing the fellowship. If you’re at home watching it online you’re missing the camaraderie that you get in church. But you have to change with the times. You have to evolve and transcend the technology. You can reach people who can’t come to church. They can watch and still get the message.

How can churches reach out to younger people?

Some churches and some denominations are more traditional, like many AME churches. They can lose the younger audience. But if the pastor is young and the service is more upbeat, they can appeal to a younger crowd. I was raised in a church that was very traditional. I got very bored with church. I went to college and didn’t go to church. It wasn’t until I heard Kirk Franklin and more modern gospel that it brought me back to church, a church that wasn’t as structured and traditional, with shorter services. The message was still there but the organ was replaced with more upbeat music. That brought me back.

What do you want people to take away from watching this series?

It’s all about faith and hope. We all go through trials and tribulations in life. Hurricane Sandy, Katrina, the shooting in Connecticut, natural disasters and personal challenges. “The Scroll” is about faith to help us Ministers are often unsung heroes. We are distracted by the small percentage who are in the media for their mistakes instead of focusing on the good that most of them do. Ministers are very smart, they’re great orators, and they give so much. We don’t see them teaching children and going to hospitals and inspiring people every day, all the things that they do. We see them on Sunday but they do so much more. And “The Scroll” is a homage to my father, who was a pastor.

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