Customer Reviews

Visual Bible:Acts [VHS]

5 star:		(42)
4 star:		(10)
3 star:		(4)
2 star:		(4)
1 star:		(8)

 

 

I bought this after watching the Visual Bible version of Matthew, and I have not been disappointed. The producers do not play with the NIV text, sticking to it word for word. This certainly must not have been an easy task to accomplish, but I so appreciate that these videos are, for the most part, not "Hollywoodized" and the established text was not tinkered with. I'm sure the producers would have liked to have had more freedom, but it comes off very good and accurate too (which is what I so much appreciate). My young children also enjoy watching this series, and it sure beats having them read the text by themselves. This acts it out, making it not only educational but entertaining. Christians, you ought to have this set in your video collection.

This 1997 word-for-word depiction from the New International Version Bible of The Book of Acts is a wonderful addition to any Christian film library; directed by Regardt Van Den Bergh, it uses historically accurate costuming, and has the feel of what it must have been like in the time of the apostles, in their journeys throughout the Mediterranean countries.
It makes a great Bible study tool, and can be used either just to watch, or if you have a NIV Bible, to read along as the chapters unfold; also useful are the chapter and verse numbers on the lower right hand corner of the screen when each verse changes.

The acting overall is very good, but special mention must be made of some:
As narrator and protagonist, Dean Jones as Luke is absolutely superb; he is not just acting, but living the words. It is a remarkable, unforgettable performance.
Henry O. Arnold as Paul is excellent, with a physical energy and passion that is very believable.
Francesco Quinn (who looks so much like his father Anthony in his younger years) is a convincing Stephen, in a performance that touches the heart.

Tape I: Chapters 1:1-8:3. Jesus ascending to heaven, Pentecost, Peter heals the crippled man and is brought before Annas and Caiphas, the miracles of Stephen, his discourse to the Sanhedrin, and his brutal murder, which is a wrenching scene, and very moving. Running time 46 minutes.
Tape II: Chapters 8:4-13:52. Philip's journeys, Saul/Paul's conversion, the receiving of the Holy Spirit among the gentiles, and the travels of Barnabas and Paul. Running time 42 minutes.
Tape III: 14:1-20:38. Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Timothy; their travels, teachings, persecutions. Running time 50 minutes.
Tape IV: 21:1-28:31. Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, presenting his defense to King Agrippa, his perilous journey to Rome and shipwreck in Malta, and then his two peaceful years in Rome.
There is a short epilogue that joins Luke and Paul that makes a lovely ending to this marvelous biblical book that gives the early history of Paul and the apostles as they "plant the seeds of change at the heart of the civilized worlds". Running time 53 minutes.

cast:
Luke: Dean Jones
Paul: Henry O. Arnold
Stephen: Francesco Quinn
Barnabas: Wilson Dunster
Philip: David Clatworthy
Paul: James Brolin
Jesus: Bruce Marchiano
Lydia: Jennifer O'Neill
Music by David Mines
Cinematography by Tobie Swanepoel

This live-action dramatization of the book of Acts, using only the word-for-word text of the NIV as a script lends new life and meaning to a book people often think they already "get." Nothing is taken away from the story and so much more is made available through seeing the events described take place before you. Even if the message of the text is somehow missed, the manner in which it is told should give anyone insight into how Acts came to be written -- through Luke's witness and collection of people's recollections, multiple stories and viewpoints combined to make a whole picture rather than one person's monogram. If you'ld rather view or hear than read, or if you want a new perspective on how the Bible was put together, Acts in particular, this is the video set for you.

After seeing "The Visual Bible: Matthew" which was absolutely fantastic mainly due to Bruce Marciano's outstanding performance,I had low expectations-boy, was I wrong!!

The Visual Bible: Acts is a wonderful, very realistic movie, that is quite a big production due to the many themes necessary-shipwrecks, Roman governors, kings, trips all over the Mediterranean, imprisonments, miraculous escapes, Jesus' ascension, etc.
Many, many extras, wonderful locations that look as if time has stood still, wonderful costumes, and excellent performances from all the many actors.
It was one thing to read Acts, quite another to see this long book truly brought to life "word for word" from the Book of Acts. What a great way to not only bridge the 2000 year gap (because it took me back there), but also to learn so well all the things that fill the book of Acts with action and emotion.

I hope The visual Bible brings us more movies like Matthew and Acts, because they are the two very best Biblical movies ever-after seeing these two, the big Hollywood productions don't look so good or so real anymore.

Word by word dramatization of the Book of Acts. After watching first The Gospel of John I must say that this Acts is not half as good. In what sense? Picture quality, the image is not as crisp and clear as in John. And the acting: The actors should have put some more nerve or life into their roles. At times it seemed they were reading. Some have an American accent and some British, this was a little distracting. The angels -of course everyone may have different ideas about their looks- weren't that awesome either. Their voice was disappointing, just as the voice of the Lord when speaking to (I think it was) Barnabas was like the voice of a teenager or a very young man: not very appropriate, I would say.

Not much to say about extras. There is no foreign language audio, and only English subtitles.

But putting away these little inconveniences I would say it is a very interesting and rewarding way of "reading" the great Book of Acts. The exteriors, sets, costumes, number of extras employed, etc are witnesses to a great production effort. I liked Luke, the narrator, he gave the right tone and was a good guide. Thanks Encompassed Runner for recommending me this one.

TO follow along word for word with ones own Bible is such an inspiration! Helps so many things come to life and to understanding! Although its producer's other movie The Gospel of Matthew is my favorite, this one is def. right close behind! And i am so excited The Gospel of John will be out in Spring 2000, can't wait! How exciting! Don't miss any of these spectacular wonderful movies!

The book of Acts is a book of power! Sadly, this is what is lacking in the DVD presentation. The minute I began watching I knew it was going to be a weak (acting) rendition of the story. Thankfully, it is word for word from the Bible, which is why I gave it two stars. Reading through the book of Acts one can almost feel the electricity of the Holy Spirit working in and through the lives of the Apostles and believers. All of that is lost in the DVD presentation.

I would not recommend this DVD. Stick to the Book instead.

I enjoyed these films. The acting is, for the most part, excellent. The "Acts" films are a blow-by-blow account from the NIV bible. They took little literary license, as it was very straight forward and, obviously, as accurate as the NIV is.

Now the "Healing Touch", which is part of the actual film titled "Jesus, the Christ", on the other hand is where they took the literary liberties, and done quite well. Again the acting is good and the story is pretty accurate.

Bruce Marchiano portrayed Jesus. Although he is, at times, refreshingly humorous as Christ, most of the time it was over the top.

I also own the Matthew series and the same holds true in those films as well. Again the "Matthew" films are a word for word account of the NIV. Of coarse Jesus is by and far the most used character in the Matthew films, which could cause you to loose some interest.

"Falling Fire" is the bonus film in the "Matthew" series and it too is a well-done film where literary license is taken. Only problem: Bruce Marchiano began to get on my nerves by the end of the three films. Again just a little over the top with the "happy guy".

Unlike "Jesus" played by Jeremy Sisto, where they struck a wonderfully believable balance of Jesus as a normal human being. The Jesus in The Living Bible Series was a difficult person to accept as Christ. He seemed a bit more like a comedian than a Savior.

The Visual Bible "Acts" set of tapes is a beautifully made, accurate recreation of the book of Acts. The set is in four volumes on VHS, and the quality of the tapes and the production are both excellent.

Taken from The New International Version (NIV) of the Bible, the four tapes follow precisely the events and words of the Bible. The acting, cinematography, costumes, and direction are all first rate, and the locations and sets make you feel like you are actually watching the events of the Bible. This is a visually dazzling, though not overblown, production that perfectly uses period costumes, mannerisms, and customs, and blends them with verbatim dialogue from Acts to produce a magnificent portrait of the early Church.

An added feature is the chapter and verse being always displayed in the lower right corner of the screen. This greatly helps in following along, and the process of being able to visualize the events of Acts greatly assists in comprehension of this vital book. This is a beautiful set, and any Christian (or interested non-Christian) would be well served by viewing these tapes. I know it helped my understanding, and I am very grateful for that. Highly recommended in every way.

I never thought that seeing a movie which followed faithfully a book would make such a difference. But it does. Its a brand new experience to read the Acts in one go. Its great!