Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6351 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-03-27
• Rating: Parental Guidance
• Aspect ratio: 1.33:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Full Screen, PAL
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 2
• Running time: 270 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
Originally made for TV in 1977, this in-depth version of Jesus' life is so thorough that the first hour is devoted solely to the story of his birth. The film doesn't skimp on some of the other landmark events of this famous story either. Director Franco Zeffirelli gives ample screen time each to the Last Supper and the Crucifixion. Passages of the Bible are quoted verbatim, the locations have a Palestine-like authenticity, and, aside from some of the principals (Robert Powell as Jesus, Olivia Hussey as Mary, and Stacy Keach as Barabbas), many of the non-Roman characters are actually played by Semitic-looking actors. Zeffirelli diligently provides the socio-political background that gave rise to Jesus' following and the crisis in belief it caused for the people of Israel (and one or two Romans). --Kimberly Heinrichs, Amazon.com

DVD Description

The Jesus Of Nazareth DVD contains a 270-minute feature length version of the eight-episode television miniseries of the same name. Edited from the original six-hour plus version, the feature plots the epic chronicle of the life of Jesus Christ--beginning with the arrangements for the wedding between Joseph and Mary, through to Jesus's birth, his encounter with John the Baptist, all the way up to the Crucifixion and Divine Resurrection. Directed by Oscar nominee Franco Zeffirelli ("Othello"; "Hamlet") the all-star cast in Jesus Of Nazareth includes: Anne Bancroft; Laurence Olivier; Michael York; James Mason; Rod Steiger; and Robert Powell (as Jesus). The beautiful filming and reverent performances by the international cast add depth and humanity to this very passionate and emotional production.

Synopsis
This epic chronicle of Christ begins with the arrangements of the wedding between Joseph and Mary, proceeds through Jesus' birth, his encounter with John the Baptist, and all the way to the grueling, transfigurative end. The all-star cast includes Anne Bancroft, Laurence Olivier, Michael York, James Mason, Rod Steiger, and Robert Powell as Jesus. As the beautiful locations, superb performances, and reverent portrayals reveal, Franco Zeffirelli (OTELLO, HAMLET) directed this six-hour-plus television miniseries with palpable passion.

Customer Reviews

No need for many words

This film does not need many words to describe it.

It chronicles the life of the Messiah and spreads the truth of His words. It is a wonderful film and Robert Powell portrays Christ in the most beautiful, uplifting way imaginable. It brought tears to my eyes on many occasions during the film.

This film should be seen by everyone, it is quite simply breathtaking.

What a let down!
I bought this expecting the original and theres the rub, i should have looked at the customer reviews and saved my money. The sound track is simply dreadful and the cut down version is an insult. When will someone do something about this and bring out a version with its original colour a lively lush soundtrack and its original length. I will pay a great deal to obtain this. Now i just feel ripped off.

Success lies within in its spiritual message
Thirty years on, this film seems less outdated than even the 3 year old 'The Passion'.It really is a landmark in cinema and even in a country such as Mauritius with a predominant non Christian majority, this film was a resounding success. Originally made as a 6 hour TV movie, it finally hit the cinema halls and probably typecast Robert Powell forever as the ephemeral Jesus Christ. Its success lies within in its spiritual message. Jesus should be viewed as a great person by mankind not just Christians - however lets stick to the review. The first hour is devoted to the events leading to the birth of Jesus and the final moments focus very much on the events leading and after the crucifixion. These are very poignant moments. Just imagine the billions of people who have read the Bible and the millions who watched the film and visualized what they read ? The phrase' He died for our sins' is aptly illustrated in the screenplay and not even 'ThePassion' which had a huge gore element recaptures Zefferelli's rendition.