Customer Reviews
happy camper 
2008-08-13
This is one of my all time favorite movies. I'm very pleased with the purchase. Seller was accurate in discription and speedy in delivery. Would not hesitate buying from them again.
Good compilation of Gospels 
2008-06-08
The story is a compilation of several Gospels and encompases the whole of his life (per documented accounting in the bible). It is an awesome movie - despite the droning musical soundtrack. :)
This Jesus is lovely to look at, but sometimes he seems possessed and dead or wooden rather than peaceful. But, he does do wonderful justice to his peaceful, merciful and loving nature and does display some of his passionate nature.
This was my favorite all time Jesus movie until I saw the Gospel of John of the Visual Bible series which I totally recommend (narrated by Christopher Plummer)- That movie presents a Jesus who was alive, enthusiastic and had fire in him in a 100% accurate account of the Gospel.
Being an Atheist, I still adore this film 2008-06-05
As a child, no TV image comes out as clearly and emotional as Robert Powells eyes and glances during the whole length of his scenes during this production; is truly bewitching and one must admit, Zeffirelli distilled pured genius when designing the character... Jesus is in fact DIVINE.
Overall, I find this -being an Atheist, i've always had a fascination for Christian/religious films- the finest adaptation to what in my eyes, could have been the life of christ. However shot it Morroco and Tunisia, the earth smells of Palestine and the people rick of classical judaism -if one may say such thing-. All in it is remarkably well done. Special grantes given to Olivia Hussey for her likewise divine representation of what in the directors eyes, was the mother of God. The older I become, the more fanatic I turn for this work and the more fascinating I find it each time i see it.
Quite simply, this is the type of film experience that turns unbelievers into zealous fanatics. I recommend this film to ALL desenfranchised atheists and also, Zeffirelli fans would find many features familiar.
A must have.
Masterpiece of Television Filmmaking 2008-05-15
Many have allready noted the positive elements of this movie and I am only reverberating their comments. This movie is a masterpiece. In my opinion no actor has portrayed Christ as human and mystical as Robert Powell. He gave a trully sublime performance. Although this role may have type casted him in the states, he still had a very fruitful career.
The Casting was exceptional, and although this is made for TV miniseries, it still holds up after all these years for many reasons. Anne Bancroft's portrayal of Mary Magdalane was also very inspirational. One of the strengths of this production was it's minimalism. The soundtrack and main theme were great and memorable as well.
The only negative I would give on this DVD production is that it was not re-mastered. The copy on this DVD appears to have scratches that have transferred from the film itself and color balance could be better.
Perhaps the real studio master is lost, who knows, but I suggest they uncover it and completely re-master the video. Also, there are no extras. It would be great to have an interview with Robert Powell and perhaps other actors from the movie.
The Platinum Standard for Religious Movies 2008-05-08
This film has it all. It is absolutely splendid and uplifting. Great care has been taken with the biblical verses and with period costuming, as well as geographical setting. Though filmed in Tunisia and Morocco, the landscape and buildings in this movie are consistent with first century CE Judea. The chracters are wonderfully type-cast, and the cinematography is excellent. It does not completely follow Scripture, and a few fictional characters do appear-- for example the sinister scribe Zerah-- but my only complaint about it is that the unnamed woman who washed the feet of Jesus with her tears is, per tradition, depicted erroneously as Mary Magdalen. However, this is a small quibble for the absolutely best cinematic life of Jesus filmed so far, and one well worth buying for the family or church film library. You might think that in this film, Robert Powell was actually divinely inspired in his portrayal of Jesus. It's that good a performance.
The Best Movie About Jesus EVER! 2008-04-19
Beginning before the Nativity and extending through the Crucifixion and Resurrection Jesus Of Nazareth brings to life all the majesty and sweeping drama of the life of Jesus (portrayed here by Robert Powell) as told in the Gospels. A star studded international cast featuring Michael York Sir Laurence Olivier James Earl Jones Anne Bancroft Olivia Hussey Rod Steiger and Anthony Quinn adds depth and humanity to the roles of the saints sinners and ordinary people who walked in the footsteps of the Lord. The film provides the setting and background for the birth childhood baptism teaching and many miracles of the Messiah culminating in the Divine Resurrection. Directed by Oscar nominee Franco Zeffirelli and acclaimed by critics and religious leaders worldwide Jesus of Nazareth tells the greatest of all stories with tremendous emotion and splendor.System Requirements: Running Time 382 MinFormat: DVD MOVIE Genre: DRAMA Rating: NR UPC: 012236128113 Manufacturer No: A012811
Awe-Inspiring! 2008-04-16
I am a "Jesus Movie Junkie" and have watched ALL of them time and time again. But there are three that I watch more than all of the others combined:
Jesus Christ Superstar - I admit that I watch this one for the music and to get to stare at Ted Neeley.
The Passion of The Christ - a brutal reminder of His sacrifice. Jim Caviezel should have won an award for this film!
Jesus of Nazareth - THE ultimate movie on the life of Christ. Robert Powell takes my breath away! The subtleties in his portrayal, the peace, love, understanding and acceptance in his eyes. He alone makes this movie the absolute BEST of the Best.
Jesus Of Nazareth 2008-04-05
This movie is so well done. That it makes a person believe they are actually watching the real Jesus. Robert Powell gave an excellent performance. Some of the details weren't quite how the Bible described the situation. But, the point still gets across. I would highly recommend this movie for all ages.
A True Masterpiece 2008-04-03
This is by far the best and most moving movie of Christ ever made in my opinion. Until I bought this I had never seen the whole thing I enjoyed it so much that I actually watched both disks on the same night.
I was a bit put off that the special features are repeated on both disks but then again this film is 31 years old but the message is timeless so it still got 5* from me. I already have family members wanting to borrow it to share with their children.
IT'S A KEEPER 2008-03-31
I can remember the controversy surrounding this mini series when it first came out. Then I watched the film, and found myself thinking; these sure look like miracles to me.
Most of the acting is fantastic. The script bogs down at times, live with it. It's a great reminder that the cardborad cutouts we learned about in Sunday school were living breathing human beings. It doesn't really matter that they may not have been named Matthew, Mark, Luke or John. In a way it doesn't matter if Jesus was really the physical son of God. A man came into the world. He had a message that shook the foundations of the power structures of his time. It's still shaking them.
I watch this at least twice a year. I'm still in tears when it's over, even though I know how it's going to end.
Something that I haven't seen addressed in other reviews I've read. It's Ian McShane's portryal of Judas as the believer who "just doesn't get it." His belief that Jesus needed to justify his message to a power structure that would be irrelavent (sp?) if that message were truly put into action is gut wrenching in the end.
