Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #63071 in DVD
• Released on: 2000-10-30
• Rating: Universal, suitable for all
• Aspect ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 1
• Formats: Animated, PAL, Widescreen
• Original language: English
• Subtitled in: English
• Number of discs: 1
• Running time: 90 minutes

Amazon.co.uk Review
This animated feature-length life of Jesus boasts a stellar pedigree. Originally a BBC Wales production, it showcases the voices of some of Britain's finest actors in any medium: Ralph Fiennes as a brooding and humble Jesus, Miranda Richardson as Mary Magdalene, Richard E. Grant as John the Baptist and David Thewlis as Judas. The lovely, flute-heavy score is by Oscar-winner Anne Dudley (The Full Monty). And clearly a lot of expense has gone into the Claymation-like animation. But while it's hard to find fault with the rendering of this familiar story--it is respectful and definitely done, you might say, by the Book--it would have been nice if there had been a tad more joy, if it walked a bit lighter in its sandals. As it is, all the characters seem consistently subdued, whether they are expressing angst, rage, terror or bliss--none of which is helped by the figures' blank-eyed stares (if animators are becoming ever more sophisticated, why can't they get rid of those creepy blank gazes once and for all?). Still, the weight of having such formidable actors play these familiar roles lends the production a certain credibility, and parents looking for good religious videos that won't insult their kids' intelligence will be thrilled. --Anne Hurley

Special Features
1.77 Wide Screen
English
English
Region 2
Dolby Stereo English
Dolby Stereo
Interactive Menus
Scene Access
Trailer
Featurette
Small Miracles
Cast And Crew Interviews
English

Synopsis
A mother and father in search of help for their sick daughter cross paths with an extraordinary carpenter named Jesus, who has devoted his life to spreading God's word. An amazing miracle brings to light the true meaning of Christ, and the sacrifices he endured for the deliverance of mankind. A compelling story of faith, trust, and devotion. A full-length feature delivering stunning state-of-the-art 3-D clay-animation and a star-studded cast of voice talents including Ralph Fiennes (THE ENGLISH PATIENT, SCHINDLER'S LIST) as Jesus, William Hurt (THE ACCIDENTAL TOURIST, THE BIG CHILL) and Julie Christie (DOCTOR ZHIVAGO, FAHRENHEIT 451.) Originally broadcast on ABC television.

Customer Reviews

A Masterpiece
This animated version of the story of Jesus is as moving as any film. The attention to detail, the quality of the animation, the simplicity of the story, all are combined to make The Miracle Maker the best animated film ever. It is simple enough for a child to understand, yet profound enough to revive an adult's childhood memories of the man called Jesus. Absolutely wonderful.

The Miracle Maker
I was completely enchanted when I saw this version of the Jesus story. It's a film I can come back to every now and then, and part of it will always choke me up. Whether it's Jesus Baptism, the crucifixion or especially the closing scene following the resurrection. I end up with a dented heart and a lump in my throat.

The characters are very 3 dimensional and are well rounded. All the main points behind the Gospel message are there. The animation, as with the forerunning TV series "Testament" (regarding 6 different Old Testament stories). Different animation techniques are used to emphasize different parts of the story, and this helps maintain interest. I would thoroughly recommend this to all age groups, and people of all backgrounds: this is an inoffensive and very emotional way of portraying the Gospel. It will be interesting to compare this with the live action film "Passion" which is also being made by Icon productions (Mel Gibsons production company).

I would recommend this to teachers - throw away the text books for one afternoon, and let the kids watch this instead... just before the Good Friday/Easter break. It should make for some good and interesting discussion that will heavily benefit childrens education I am sure.

I don't hesitate in recommending this at all. Snap it up, it's a bargain!

Very creative and engaging.
I bought the video for my children but ended up spellbound by it and had to watch it again! It is very original in that it varies in animation types (from 3D clay animation to various types of 2D cartoon animation).

It remains true to the Gospels without blandly following them and also brings in the view of a child, Tamar, whos miracle blends in beautifully with the flow of the story.

The only thing I wish there had been more of is of emotion in the characters but what there was was well done and at times I forgot I was watching an animation and at times tears did come to my eyes!

Well done! I'd heartily recommend it.