The Visual Bible: Acts [VHS]

The acting overall is very good, but special mention must be made of some:
As narrator and protagonist, Dean Jones as Luke is absolutely superb; he is not just acting, but living the words. It is a remarkable, unforgettable performance.
Henry O. Arnold as Paul is excellent, with a physical energy and passion that is very believable.
Francesco Quinn (who looks so much like his father Anthony in his younger years) is a convincing Stephen, in a performance that touches the heart.

Tape I: Chapters 1:1-8:3. Jesus ascending to heaven, Pentecost, Peter heals the crippled man and is brought before Annas and Caiphas, the miracles of Stephen, his discourse to the Sanhedrin, and his brutal murder, which is a wrenching scene, and very moving. Running time 46 minutes.
Tape II: Chapters 8:4-13:52. Philip's journeys, Saul/Paul's conversion, the receiving of the Holy Spirit among the gentiles, and the travels of Barnabas and Paul. Running time 42 minutes.
Tape III: 14:1-20:38. Paul, Barnabas, Silas and Timothy; their travels, teachings, persecutions. Running time 50 minutes.
Tape IV: 21:1-28:31. Paul's arrest in Jerusalem, presenting his defense to King Agrippa, his perilous journey to Rome and shipwreck in Malta, and then his two peaceful years in Rome.
There is a short epilogue that joins Luke and Paul that makes a lovely ending to this marvelous biblical book that gives the early history of Paul and the apostles as they "plant the seeds of change at the heart of the civilized worlds". Running time 53 minutes.

cast:
Luke: Dean Jones
Paul: Henry O. Arnold
Stephen: Francesco Quinn
Barnabas: Wilson Dunster
Philip: David Clatworthy
Paul: James Brolin
Jesus: Bruce Marchiano
Lydia: Jennifer O'Neill
Music by David Mines
Cinematography by Tobie Swanepoel


Dramatized Bible brings not only the words but ideas alive   September 1, 2000
21 out of 22 found this review helpful

This live-action dramatization of the book of Acts, using only the word-for-word text of the NIV as a script lends new life and meaning to a book people often think they already "get." Nothing is taken away from the story and so much more is made available through seeing the events described take place before you. Even if the message of the text is somehow missed, the manner in which it is told should give anyone insight into how Acts came to be written -- through Luke's witness and collection of people's recollections, multiple stories and viewpoints combined to make a whole picture rather than one person's monogram. If you'ld rather view or hear than read, or if you want a new perspective on how the Bible was put together, Acts in particular, this is the video set for you.


Wonderful work!!   April 26, 2006
open ears (California)
20 out of 22 found this review helpful

After seeing "The Visual Bible: Matthew" which was absolutely fantastic mainly due to Bruce Marciano's outstanding performance,I had low expectations-boy, was I wrong!!

The Visual Bible: Acts is a wonderful, very realistic movie, that is quite a big production due to the many themes necessary-shipwrecks, Roman governors, kings, trips all over the Mediterranean, imprisonments, miraculous escapes, Jesus' ascension, etc.
Many, many extras, wonderful locations that look as if time has stood still, wonderful costumes, and excellent performances from all the many actors.
It was one thing to read Acts, quite another to see this long book truly brought to life "word for word" from the Book of Acts. What a great way to not only bridge the 2000 year gap (because it took me back there), but also to learn so well all the things that fill the book of Acts with action and emotion.

I hope The visual Bible brings us more movies like Matthew and Acts, because they are the two very best Biblical movies ever-after seeing these two, the big Hollywood productions don't look so good or so real anymore.



Good set to own!!   August 14, 2003
James E. Hilton (Bartlett, IL USA)
23 out of 28 found this review helpful

I enjoyed these films. The acting is, for the most part, excellent. The "Acts" films are a blow-by-blow account from the NIV bible. They took little literary license, as it was very straight forward and, obviously, as accurate as the NIV is.

Now the "Healing Touch", which is part of the actual film titled "Jesus, the Christ", on the other hand is where they took the literary liberties, and done quite well. Again the acting is good and the story is pretty accurate.

Bruce Marchiano portrayed Jesus. Although he is, at times, refreshingly humorous as Christ, most of the time it was over the top.

I also own the Matthew series and the same holds true in those films as well. Again the "Matthew" films are a word for word account of the NIV. Of coarse Jesus is by and far the most used character in the Matthew films, which could cause you to loose some interest.

"Falling Fire" is the bonus film in the "Matthew" series and it too is a well-done film where literary license is taken. Only problem: Bruce Marchiano began to get on my nerves by the end of the three films. Again just a little over the top with the "happy guy".

Unlike "Jesus" played by Jeremy Sisto, where they struck a wonderfully believable balance of Jesus as a normal human being. The Jesus in The Living Bible Series was a difficult person to accept as Christ. He seemed a bit more like a comedian than a Savior.