Holiday Gift Guide - Spiritual Movies from Lionsgate

The First-Ever Word-For-Word Adaptation Of The Biblical Gospel Of John, Telling The Story Of Jesus is now available On DVD, Digital HD And On Demand from Lionsgate Home Entertainment.  A truly unique production as the first-ever word-for-word unedited adaptation of The Gospel of John as recorded in the New Testament arrives on DVD (plus Digital), Digital HD and On Demand October 6th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. This stunning film brings a fresh perspective on one of the most sacred text’s in history, from the “ethnically sensitive casting to the beautiful scenery and the emotional performances” (Patheos.com).  The film was also recently approved (with caution due to the authenticity of the crucifixion scene) by The Dove Foundation in the faith based films category. The Gospel of John New International Version is narrated by leading British actor David Harewood (Showtime’s “Homeland,” Blood Diamond, The Merchant of Venice) and the King James Version is narrated by Brian Cox (Troy, The Bourne Identity). Shot on location in Morocco, The Gospel of John is the first-ever filmed version of the biblical text unedited. Using the Gospel narrative as its script — word for word — this profound and stunning film sheds new light on one of history’s most sacred texts. Beautifully shot, wonderfully performed, and informed by the latest theological, historical and archeological research, this film is something to be enjoyed and treasured. The Gospel of John DVD includes three different biblical text translations - the New International Version, the King James Version, and the 1960 Spanish Reina-Valera translation – and five behind the scenes featurettes looking at the making of the film. The Gospel of John will be available on DVD for the suggested retail price of $14.98.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*

•          “Deconstructing a Scene” featurette

•         “Building Jerusalem” featurette

•         “Composing the Gospels” featurette

•         “Filming the Gospels” featurette

•         “Narrating the Gospels” featurette

My Thoughts

This is a truly excellent adaption of the Kings James version of the Gospel of  John that stays very true to the stories in the bible. The actors even speak Aramaic, with an English narrator to help with the translation which really adds to the realism.  Jesus is very real, radical, and portrayed in a way that makes you understand why so many people chose to follow him and spread his word.  Even if you aren't Christian, you can't help but appreciate the attention to detail and the realistic costumes and settings.  This is a great historical film as well as a religious adaption.

 Experience the power of faith, courage and friendship in the moving drama Where Hope Grows, now on Digital HD, Blu-ray^™ (plus Digital HD), DVD (plus Digital) and On Demand from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. Receiving 5 out of 5 Doves from The Dove Foundation, Where Hope Grows is an uplifting tale of an ex-baseball player who finds salvation when he befriends a grocery-store clerk who has Down syndrome. Theatrically released in 2015, and written and directed by Chris Dowling (Rock Slyde), the heartwarming film features touching performances from a stellar cast including Kristoffer Polaha (TV’s “Ringer,” TV’s “Life Unexpected”), Billy Zabka (The Karate Kid), Brooke Burns (Shallow Hal, TV’s “Baywatch”), Kerr Smith (TV’s “The Fosters,” TV’s “Dawson’s Creek”), Michael Grant (TV’s “The Secret Life of the American Teenager”), Alan Powell (The Song) with Danica McKellar (TV’s “The Wonder Years”) and introducing David DeSanctis as “Produce.”

Calvin Campbell (Polaha), a former pro baseball player with a self-destructive streak, has his faith in God restored when he meets Produce (DeSanctis), an inspirational man with Down syndrome. As their friendship develops, Calvin is reminded that hope grows in the most unlikely places.

The Where Hope Grows home entertainment bonus material includes deleted scenes, plus two featurettes that look at the casting of “Produce” and a discussion of the “R-word,” along with an audio commentary from writer/director Chris Dowling and actor David DeSanctis.  The Blu-ray and DVD will be available for the suggested retail price of $24.99 and $19.98, respectively.

BLU-RAY/DVD/DIGITAL HD SPECIAL FEATURES*

·         Deleted Scenes

·         “Casting David DeSanctis” featurette

·         “Stop the R-Word” featurette

·         Audio Commentary with Writer/Director Chris Dowling and Actor David DeSanctis

My Thoughts  

Calvin Campbell is a professional baseball player who turned to alcohol to drown his sorrows. He neglects his teenage daughter who's dating an older man.  His life is going downhill fast until the day that he stops at a grocery store for his booze and meets a young man with Down Syndrome.  Ironically,  the boy's name is Produce and he works in the produce department. He wants nothing more than to be employee of the month, but he's always overlooked. This doesn't stop him from befriending his customers, including Calvin.  The two become fast friends, and Produce teaches Calvin the importance of family and never losing hope. This is a fantastic movie with a great message.  Highly recommended.