Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #6705 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Originally made for TV in 1977, this in-depth version of Jesus' life is so thorough that the first hour is devoted solely to the story of his birth.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

On the UK version: avoid this print of a great film
This is a great film and deserves all the praise it gets here. But don't buy the Carlton version on sale from the UK website. The've stolen the colour from it! The film looks as if it's been left in a bucket of bleach for a day. If your DVD player supports Region 1 Encoding, try to get the US version from Artisan (Fox video). Running length is also an issue: Carlton's runs 270 minutes, Artisan's 382 minutes--nearly 2 hours less! This is such a wonderful film, it's worth the effort to get it from Amazon US. The Amazon.com is also cheaper, might help offset the extra shipping cost!

Still great, but this version is disappointing
I own a set of this on video and always loved the majesty so imagine my delight to find this on DVD! I was, however, disppointed to discover that nearly 90 minutes have been cut out of the original.

One of the most known stories of Christ's life is that of His birth, and the quest to find room at the various inns of Bethlehem. This entire scene has been cust amongst others that, to my mind are integral to the story.

It is a multi disc set, and I, for one would gladly have paid a little extra to have had the entire original version. There are, also, no features on this set, which is a pity.

Still, the whole is still every bit as enjoyable as the original and I still feel that Robert Powell is powerful as Jesus. The all star cast is superb and the majesty of the whole is not totally lost and still has something to give to new viewers.

I WILL still enjoy the whole each time I view it but will regret the loss of the various bits that have been cut.

JESUS OF NAZARETH [1977]
This made for television version of the life of Jesus has never been bettered. Indeed, it is said that 'Jesus of Nazareth' is Pope John Paul II's favourite version of the Gospel story, sticking closely as it does to the Roman Catholic viewpoint concerning the key events from the life of Christ. With an international cast headed by Britain's Robert Powell as Jesus of Nazareth, and directed by Franco Zefirelli, this epic film will lift your spirits and encourage you to want to find out more about the life of Jesus Christ.