The Bible: The Epic History Channel Miniseries 4 DVD Set

The Bible: The Epic History Channel Miniseries 4 DVD Set

Two humans in the garden, a man who built a boat, a burning bush, a parting sea, a city who's walls fall at the blowing of a trumpet. A giant falls beneath a tiny stone, a man survives a den of lions, a burning fire does not harm three men. A virgin gives birth to God's son. So, the stories of the Bible unfold. From executive producers Mark Burnett and Roma Downey, and the History Channel comes a ten-part epic miniseries that brings the Bible to life-- The Bible Miniseries. An all-star, international cast and astonishing special effects breathe new life into the true stories of God's word. Journey from Creation to the Cross, and then to Revelation as you experience the stories of history-- the stories of God's plan-- like never before.

Behind The Series

It is uncommon in today's Hollywood to find any film or series mentioning the Bible, Jesus, or Christianity in a positive light, let alone focusing an entire series or film on the subject. So, when Roma Downey and Mark Burnett announced they intended to create a miniseries about the Bible Hollywood was, not to mince words, shocked. After the initial alarm passed, they were told they should create the series without mentioning Jesus. Admirably they refused. And so, the beginnings of The Bible Miniseries were born. From the beginning, Downey and Burnett desired to make the series as Biblically accurate as possible, and many well known Christians, theologians, and historians were involved in the writing, producing, and filming process. Individuals from Campus Crusade for Christ, Young Life, Focus on the Family, and many more were directly involved in the process. Individuals from Catholic, Jewish, Episcopalian, Baptist, and Protestant, and Non-Denominational backgrounds, as well as many more, were pulled together to create a series that accurately portrayed the Bible. In addition, Downey and Burnett avoided casting well known actors that would distract from the truth and story, opting instead to choose high quality, less known actors that could powerfully portray the story of the Bible without drawing attention to their own careers or popularity. Throughout the entire process, from concept to release, the individuals behind The Bible Miniseries worked tirelessly to create a series that presented the truth of the Bible in a powerful, entertaining, life changing way without compromising truth or quality.

Episode One-- "Beginnings"

The first episode of The Bible Miniseries covers the first two books of the Bible, Genesis and Exodus. The beginning of the episode is narrated by Noah (David Rintoul) while he is on board the ark. From Noah viewers learn the story of Creation, Adam and Eve, the Fall, Cain and Abel, and the beginnings of Noah's story up to the point he is narrating from. The story then continues journeying with Noah and his family through the end of the flood. Next, the first episode of The Bible Miniseries tells the life of Abraham (Gary Oliver). Viewers will experience the Abrahamic covenant, Hagar and Ishmael, the birth of Isaac, Abraham's testing, and concludes his story with the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The last portion of the first episode is dedicated to the life of Moses (the Book of Exodus). Moses (William Houston), living in Pharaoh's house learns of his Israelite heritage, roots, and family. After accidentally killing a soldier, Moses flees Egypt and lives with the Midianites for several years until God speaks to him through the burning bush. Moses returns to Egypt, and through the ensuing ten Plagues, God frees the Israelites. Moses then leads them toward the promised land, parting the Red Sea and receiving the Ten Commandments on Mt. Sinai in the process.

Episode Two-- "Homeland"

The second episode of The Bible Miniseries covers the Biblical books of Deuteronomy through 1 Kings chapter 6. The first part of the story sees Joshua finally leading the Israelites into the Promised Land, conquering Jericho along the way. As Joshua's generation passes away, we see the Israelites fighting against the Philistines, including the story of Sampson. After the time of the Judges, The Bible Miniseries tells the story of the first king of Israel, Saul. Once again we find the Israelites fighting their old enemies the Philistines, and this time it is up to the young shepherd boy David to defeat their mighty foe, Goliath. Saul is consumed by jealousy, and though he does all he can to kill the young man, God's plan cannot be stopped, and eventually David is anointed king of Israel. David's life is the perfect example of a man who, though he be zealous for God, can also fall, but he also stands as an example of God's grace and forgiveness. The second episode of The Bible Miniseries concludes with the life of David's son Solomon-- the third king of Israel-- and the building of the temple in Jerusalem.

Episode Three-- "Hope"

Episode three of The Bible Miniseries covers the last portions of the Old Testament and begins the stories of the New Testament. The episode begins with the story of the exiled Israelites, covering the lives of Daniel and Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego. Eventually, the Israelites are allowed to return to their homeland and they rebuild their land. Fast forward a few hundred years and you find them once again under foreign rule, this time by the Romans. The last half of this episode of The Bible Miniseries tells the Nativity Story, and concludes with Jesus being baptized by John the Baptist.

Episodes Four and Five-- "Mission" and "Passion"

The last two episodes of the ten-hour Bible Miniseries tells the story of the life of Jesus. Viewers walk with him as he chooses and instruct his disciples, performs miracles, shares the last supper with his disciples, and is arrested. The story is not over, however, and the passion-filled final episode of The Bible Miniseries recounts his trial, crucifixion, and undeserved death on a cross. Three days go by, as his disciples experience a grief like never before, but on the third day he rises from the dead. After his appearances and ascension, the miniseries concludes with the Pentecost and Paul's life-changing experience on the road to Damascus. His story, however, will be told in the sequel series.

Conclusion

The Bible Miniseries is a powerful portrayal of God's Word. Brought to life, the stories remind viewers familiar with the Bible of the power, love, and plan of God, while new viewers will be humbled, amazed, and shaken by this story of God.

The Bible Miniseries has not been rated by the Motion Picture Association of America. This film received the "faith based" award from the Dove Foundation, with a caution for violence. Some topics and issues in The Bible Miniseries may not be suitable for younger viewers. As always, it is recommended that parents preview all content to determine what is suitable for their children.

If you enjoyed The Bible Miniseries you may also like The Son Of God, a film about the life of Jesus from the same producers and actors, as well as the sequel series A.D. The Bible Continues.