The King is Born
From SPARK
One-sentence summary
Video: "The King is Born" - The Animated Stories from the New Testament
Description
Category of video: Bible story in animation. 30 min, more or less, depending on whether you count 'advertisements' and extra song at end.
Considerations
Salient actor/narrator and setting characteristics:
The angel who appears to Mary would not look out of place as a surfer on a California beach, with a change of clothes (blond hair, blue eyes, rugged good looks). Joseph is a young, muscular, sensitive and understanding carpenter. Mary is a charming young girl working in a flower garden inside the yard. Red-haired innkeeper. Three wise men.
Limitations
Point of view of actor/producer/narrator:
Attempts to be faithful to biblical narrative, but adds touches of 'realism' and human interest.
Notable interpretation or contextualization of Scripture:
Based on gospel narratives. Dialogue does not come word-for-word from any specific translation. Story-form, which means many details are provided that are not in the biblical text. Begins with the annunciation to Mary, includes journey to Bethlehem, birth of Jesus in a stable, angel's appearance to shepherds, prophecies of Simeon and Anna, visit of wise men from the East, several appearances of Herod, killing of baby boys, flight to Egypt, return to Nazareth, ends with Jesus as adolescent carpenter-apprentice-son. Invents a 'bad guy' who serves as an informer to Herod about events in Jerusalem. Glosses over Joseph's initial doubts and plans as to what to do with Mary. Joseph and Mary laugh when she makes a joke about having to pay taxes for three instead of two if they don't get to Bethlehem before the baby is born.
Other noteworthy characteristics:
Begins with 'advertisements' about other videos in the series of New Testament, Old Testament, and 'hero' stories (eg, Christopher Columbus, George Washington, Benjamin Franklin). Interviews children and parents about how much they enjoy the Bible animated videos. Claims to be endorsed by church and denominational leaders around the world as "the most biblically accurate series of its kind."
"The Miracle of Love", a special music video, follows the feature presentation. Shows Jesus performing many miracles of healing. A number of details might not be understood by those unfamiliar with the gospel narratives, but overall it is clear that Jesus is healing individuals in one 'sentimental' scene after another. At one point, a woman removes her head covering as she kneels before Jesus and beseeches him. Words to music begin to appear across the bottom of the screen at this point like a karaoke sing-a-long.
Guidelines for Use
Type of audience for whom this video might be useful: A great "Christmas video" for groups who like Bible stories. Intended for young audiences ('your children and grandchildren'), but could be enjoyed by young and old.
Level of media sophistication required to understand video:
Ability to enjoy animation. Anyone who could enjoy Disney's 'Snow White' could enjoy this video.
Additional concluding remarks or recommendations:
Has a Disney 'feel' to it, with appealing, professional music, excellent animation, expressive characters with large, round eyes. I watched this with my 3 1/2 year old son. He was captivated, and asked questions throughout.
Where to Obtain
Link to Producer or Source Organization
- Retail establishments
- For overseas shipments from USA, consider buying/shipping via Vernacular Media Services (VMS)
Cost
Producer/Owners
Author/Artist/Producer
- Family Entertainment Network
- (Richard J. Rich -- former director of animation, Disney Productions)
Current copyright owner
Other Information
- "Companion coloring and activity books, music videos, audio tapes, and fully illustrated story books available with each video. For details, call 1-800-221-8751."
Reviewed by
- Steve Quakenbush, 16 May 2002
Date
- Entered SPARK 10/30/2007, by SPARK staff - Ron
