Customer Reviews

The Word of Promise: New Testament Audio Bible

5 star:		(114)
4 star:		(27)
3 star:		(12)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

Since I have now listened to the entire NT, I wanted to comment on the Word of Promise New Testament Audio Bible.

I'll preface by saying that I am a Christian who loves the Bible but who has been disappointed over the years with the various audio bibles available.

A brief survey.

In my opinion the greatest audio presentation to date by a single reader is Alexander Scourby's reading of both the King James Version and the Revised Standard Version (no longer available). Mr. Scourby's reading is effortless, beautiful, and he delivers the words of the bible with the right emotional weight almost without exception. A phenomenal performance.

Other single readers include Max McLean who has an odd way of emphasizing words/phrases at times that brings attention to himself and the oddity rather than realistically delivering the words in a believable manner. Marquis Laughlin does a better job but still tends to over dramatize too often when not called for by the text. James Earl Jones' great voice is alas trapped in a version with poor background music that is very distracting and artificial.

The "dramatic" editions of most audio bibles that feature a cast of speakers too often sound very amateurish. Dialog and narrative are not delivered well much of the time and the results frequently sound like a group of individuals taken from any number of Sunday School Classes around a community and placed before microphones. Well meaning attempts to be sure, but distracting for listeners who know what good performance artists can deliver and who want desperately to hear someone read the bible as it may have actually been spoken.

Which brings me to the Word of Promise.

Overall, the Word of Promise delivers the level of audio performance I have been waiting for decades to experience. The actors do what real actors do best -- they put you into the moment by successfully delivering their lines (dialog or narrative) in a way that is fundamentally believable. It is the "you are there and listening in" experience that recreates the moment.

Additionally, the original musical score and realistic sound effects enhance the spoken words effectively to further produce the greatest sense of time and presence of any audio bible to date. When Paul is writing/reading his letters, you hear the faint scratching of the dip pen in the background. At times he stops to pour a drink or shut a window or door, etc. All this is done as well as anything produced by the movie studios in terms of music and sound. It is difficult to imagine how this aspect of this production could be made better.

Now as to the performances.

Overall, the actors succeed in taking us back to the 1st century and allowing us to experience the people of the New Testament. A few examples are noted below.

Jim Caviezel (Jesus) - Mr. Caviezel succeeds overall, but not without some disappointment. Whether related to the range of his voice or other factors, he reads a number of passages with too little emphasis (flat), or with a choppy cadence that is monotonous. Several of his long teaching passages in Matthew, Mark, and Luke have this effect. It is not bad, not even distracting most of the time, it is just that one could have imagined him doing it a little better. On the other hand, his readings in the Gospel of John are breathtaking -- especially during Jesus' teachings at the last supper with his disciples. Just outstanding. So overall, Mr. Caviezel turns in a very good performance of Jesus throughout, and at times, superb.

Lou Gossett, Jr. (John) - The moment Mr. Gossett begins reading the first few lines of the Gospel of John, you know you are in for something special. His voice is full of all things awesome and mysterious. He brings you into the book and into his world completely. His reading also of the letters of John and Revelation is just as great. It is worth the price of the Word of Promise just to experience the Gospel of John in the hands of Mr. Gossett and Mr. Caviezel.

Ernie Hudson (Peter) - Mr. Hudson reads as Peter with obvious desire and earnestness, and so I appreciate his effort. But whenever he speaks he reminds me of the movie "Ghostbusters" (of which he was one of the stars). Sorry, but his vocalizations just do not convey a sense that you are listening to Peter.

Michael York (Narrator) - Mr. York introduces the books of the New Testament and also narrates. My comment here regards his reading of the book of Hebrews. I'm sorry to say it but his reading of Hebrews is perhaps the worst performance of the entire work. Normally, Mr. York's voice is one of the great voices in the entertainment industry. His reading of C.S. Lewis' "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe" is wonderful. The problem is that he reads Hebrews with the same "Once upon a time...." lilting voice that belongs more at home with children stories. The writer of Hebrews was an intellectual of the stature of the Apostle Paul. A voice similar to that of Mr. Keach would have been a better choice.

Stacy Keach (Paul) - Mr. Keach is outstanding as Paul. His voice and readings convey intelligence, conviction, sympathy, and strength. He has wonderful control of his voice and the producers made an outstanding choice in their selection of him for this very important role.

In summary, the actors overall are impressive in their roles (thanks no doubt to fine direction), and the team has produced a work that will be enjoyed by millions for many years to come.

Most people have said, "I wish I could read the bible cover to cover." Many have tried with limited success. A few who have spoken to me, when I have spoken at appearances. Some have suggested there should be a bible on audio.

There have been versions of the New Testament brought onto the audio format with such celebrities like Gregory Peck, Pat Boone, James Earl Jones and Johnny Cash. These people have done great narrating efforts in speaking of the gospels. Moreover, many who have been intriguing with these audio productions. A few have been honest and said these audios tended to drone on with one vocal talent. No matter how good he is in his rendition of the testament.

A few years ago, Carl Amari from Falcon Pictures group brought to the spoken word format, audio adaptions in a radio theater style of The Twilight Zone episodes. Before I received this production, I knew Carl was involved and knew this set was a project of quality.

And it is. The talent in front and behind the microphone showcases a excellence audio showcase that will not bore, even the casual listener. Jim Caviezel, who portrayed Jesus in Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ, does the vocal honors as Jesus. His vocals alone holds this project together . His gentle timbers shows a kind and a gentle man who was also a god of men.


The rest of the major cast is an A list of film and movie actors. Most are experts in audio books or audio theater. Such talents like Lou Diamond Phillips (Mark), John Heard (Matthew), John Schneider (James), Terence Stamp (The voice of God), Stacy Keach (Paul). Louis Gossett jr (John), Marisa Tomei (Mary Magdelene) and Luke Perry (Judas) make this audio presentation more of an event than just simple piece of spoken word. There are over 100 voice parts in this production, if you can not tell as well.

One would wonder, would I put the bible in a higher regard than a simple audio? I say yes and this bible delivers both as education and entertainment. The words are compelling. The actors know their craft and bring this testament to a life it has never known before on an audio format

It is a gift that anyone can enjoy with friends and family.It inspires. in its zealousness of recanting the story of Christ. It is a comfort that in a CD format this can be listened to anywhere.

So why aren't you listening to this yet?

Bennet Pomerantz AUDIOWORLD

I really had my doubts about this one. The use of mainstream actors and the "theater" concept gave me the impression that this was just another step in the fall of Christianity in America, as we continually try to make the message more appealing to the mainstream and sacrifice a lot of substance in the process. However, I was dead wrong. This is an incredibly powerful way to study the Word! Being a stodgy old man (okay, I'm in my 20's), I've really forgotten about the large difference between hearing and reading the Bible, but this was a reminder that faith comes by "hearing the word," and there is something truly inspiring about this production. As odd as it seems to me, I will be one of the first in line for the Old Testament.

As to the other reviewer's concern about a lack of "righteous anger," I really had the opposite view. In some places where Jesus was warning people in love, I felt the actor portrayed a more indignant or cold emotion. This just illustrates that they could have never decided on a script that everyone would agree with. The Word is what is is, though, and I truly appreciate this compelling format, regardless of a few potential stumbles or controversial intonations.

I am a Christian and Bible scholar who collects audio Bibles.

The most important textual readings in this production are delivered by its single weakest performer, James Caviezel. I assume the producers banked on star power from The Passion when they chose Jim Caviezel to read for Jesus. But his delivery in The Word of Promise is, in my opinion, almost a complete failure. His tone is inappropriate throughout most of the four Gospels. He often sounds petulant, which is a particularly inappropriate tone for Christ. It sounds as though Caviezel is unrehearsed, as though he just jumps into the text and reads it impromptu. He ruins some of the passages and fails to carry many others. Surrounded by such veteran and accomplished voice talent who deliver such excellent performances in this production, Caviezel seems to be out of his league. Because of Caviezel's poor reading the rendering of the Gospels is disappointing in The Word of Promise. But from Acts forward the listening experience is thoroughly rewarding.

There is an unfortunate phrase in the music. It is repeated again and again throughout the production. Around Acts 4, it suddenly dawned on me that this exact short musical phrase is a major motif in The Godfather II movie, and thereafter I couldn't help thinking about that movie whenever the phrase turned up in The Word. I would call that distracting!

I would recommend this audio Bible for the high technical quality and imaginative devices, and also for the excellence of most of the voice talent. Unfortunately, and surprisingly, the producers selected an inexperienced and unprepared actor for the most important role.

In my opinion this is one of, if not The finest audio Bibles
that I have ever heard! The voices were wonderful, and having
different readers for each of the epistles was pure genious!

The music and the sound effects were some of the best I've heard;
I really felt like I was there!

Now all Thomas Nelson has to do is make a Word of Promise
Old Testament and everything will be perfect!

If you struggle with keeping a Bible reading schedule, get an audio Bible!! And listen while reading. This has helped countless people (including myself) with consistency and focus.

Now about this product . . . A wonderful presentation of the New Testament. Engaging. If you are a fan of audio Bibles, you will be thrilled to include this recording in your library. I have Scorby, MacLean, Johnston. I believe this is the best I've heard. Great for commuting to and from work.

"The Word of Promise" brings the New Testament to life like never before! Done in the style of an old-time radio program, actors' narration are blended with sound effects and a stirring orchestral score to bring the listener to the Holy Lands when these events took place, bringing power and emotion to the Holy Scriptures!
Overall, the actors' narration is fantastic! Jim Caviezel is fantastic as Jesus, though he is hit-and-miss in some places. Stacey Keach is fantastic as Paul, lending his voice to a huge chunk of this production. Lou Diamond Phillips, Louis Gossett, Jr., Michael York, Marisa Tomei and many others lend their talents to this truly remarkable production!
"The Word of Promise" is brilliant listening; a remarkable interpretation of the twenty-seven books of the New Testament. Whether you're new to the Bible, or have read the scriptures all your life, you'll find "The Word of Promise" a truly powerful experience!
Grade: A+

This is an exceptionaly good dramatization of the New Testament. I've been disapointed with audio bibles in the past - I've tried the NIV dramatized Bible from Zondervan, and almost fell asleep from the reading, which was both too fast, and the background music seemed distracting to me. The Word of Promise, on the other hand, has very good voice acting, and sound effects to draw you in and keep your attention.
Before buying this, I compared it with The Bible Experience, and chose this both because of the translation (NKJV instead of TNIV), and also because The Bible Experience samples I heard had voice acting that sounded artifically passionate - it didn't sound natural at all, while this audio bible drew me right into the story of the Bible.
So, my advice to anyone looking for an audio bible - listen to samples of all the top audio bibles out there, and decide for yourself which one you would actually listen to. For me, this audio bible is fantastic, and I would give it ten stars if I could - can't wait for the Old Testament!

I have attempted to listen to several different audio versions of the Bible. I haven't have much success. I find that most are monotone and are not very inspiring. This version is VERY different. I love it. I have been listening to it in the car and look forward to every opportunity to turn it on. Wonderful background and supporting audio effects are only surpassed by the fantastic voices of actors I already know and love. Each seems to be chosen perfectly for the character they represent and for the first time the Bible has come alive for me. I can finally see these characters as real people and the passages for the first time make sense to me. I have purchased three copies to give as gifts. Worth every penny!

I received the Word of Promise from Amazon.com after hearing of its production some time last summer, and did a pre-order at that time. I am a Christian, and very well familiar with all kinds of Audio Bible series in various translations as well as older dramatised series of Bible audio for children. I also bought Gregory Pecks' reading of the King James Bible with some Mozart slipped in between his reading through the New Testament, dated nearly 20 years ago.

I looked forward to this series, and was quite excited not knowing what to expect, also being a Jim Caviezel fan. After watching the Passion which I had hoped there might some day be a furtherance of the Gospels or of the Resurrection following its release, and I had hoped that this might be take me back to the intense visuals of that amazing masterpiece.

I will tell you that I was not disappointed!!! In fact I was rather amazed at the visual impact this audio series has!!! I found myself taken right back to the visuals of the Passion but in an even more profound way. You can literally hear Jesus asking of the Father...'not My will but Thine'...and because it has that inmistaking quality and emotion in Jim's voice, I have found myself numerous times in tears with the direct reaching of my heart in those moments. This has happened time and time again to me in all of the Gospels. No matter whether it is Matthew, Mark, Luke or John narrating,(in different actor voices) this visual continuance and effect happens every time.
In some moments after listening, I was initially so overcome that I sat down and wept, especially after a few of the emotional passages in John.

The Prodigal Son in Luke is breathtaking not to mention the entire books read by Jim in the Gospels. I have literally found that the Word is touching my heart because it is read with emotion, and not forced or overdramatic, and yet when he is dealing with the Pharisees there is a definate command of Jesus that is fitting. Again I am visually brought back to the Passion...and I can 'see' the images of the film as I listen.

I have heard the book of Revelation and also The Acts, and some of St. Paul in Romans, so I will comment on these. I find Lou Gossett Jr. so amazingly wonderful. My husband has also been listening to Revelation nearly every day and is touched not only by his emotion but also powerful narration. It is wonderful to listen to, one cannot listen without being moved within. The sound effects are really stunning and the quality is superb.

The reading of St Paul and the Acts by Stacey Keach is also so moving...he seems so fitting as St. Paul, a man weathered by life's circumstances and used by God. Seems to me that Stacey Keach was also handpicked not to mention the other actors for their various roles. It is evident that all was really well thought out, down to the finest of details.

I have found each cd like a little treasure, one I cannot seem to stop listening to. To top it off, the final musical score by Michael W. Smith is like a symphony of Praise to God! I dont know how much more fitting it can be placed after Revelation. I also began to try to find reasons just to listen and carry the series around!

To me, the quality of this audio Bible dramatised is unmatched by anything I have ever heard. The musical accompanyment is beautifully orchestrated and is perfect because it doesnt distract from the words. The sound effects arent overdone but very fitting in sequence. The fact that chapter breaks are omitted is wonderful too because they can be distracting by past audio books Ive heard. And, by what I have heard, this is a masterpiece and picks right up where the Passion left off.

I am very happy with NKJV translation because its close to the original translation and word for word rather than condensed like some other audio books.

I will encourage all to buy this cd set....to me, its an amazing gift, and very reasonably priced!!!(Love the easy travel case too!)

I send my thanks and appreciation to Jim Caviezel and to all involved in this dramatic audio Bible series!

`Elizabeth Schnell`