Journey to Christmas is a fascinating new reality DVD series that invites you to explore Jesus’ birth through five modern-day explorers. Shot on ultra-high-definition film and packaged as a four-part DVD church curriculum, this unique study series chronicles the experiences of five very different people—a messianic Jew, a First Nations woman, a poet, a Christian radio personality, and an agnostic lawyer—as they journey through the Holy Land to discover the true meaning of Christmas. Guided by a local historian (Nizar Shaheen) with on-camera commentary from a team of Bible experts (astronomer Dr. Hugh Ross, ancient history expert Dr. Paul Maier, archaeologist and New Testament scholar Dr. Craig Evans, Biblical times culture expert Claire Pfann, and others), viewers will see the Christmas story unfold though the eyes of each member on this unique pilgrimage. Journey to Christmas lets you immerse yourself in the culture, places, and people surrounding the Nativity. Stunning photography, a reality show format, exotic locations, and fascinating commentary from a team of Bible experts make this an unforgettable Bible learning experience!
Ultimately captivating, the visual radiance in Journey to Christmas outshines many biblical documentaries to date. One is immediately in awe of the panoramic beauty of Israel. The elegant quality of the cinematography displaying the divine history of our Lord's birth is worth at least an initial viewing of this DVD. Scriptural specifications that the audience may already be familiar with become more vivid with this spectacular chronology through the Christmas story. Conceived as a fantastic idea of people with a myriad of spiritual beliefs and perceptions, as well as from diverse cultures, this actually becomes the film's downfall.
The disappointment of individuals that are chosen to embark on their collective, yet personal journeys through Israel are rather annoying despite their differences. Waiting to watch this with family during Christmas, we were taken aback by the ignorant behavior toward Israel and the Middle East both past and present and its sacred history. It is overwhelming by the lack of basic knowledge and, moreover, decency of respect for the culture. Their distinct spiritual and ethnic backgrounds aside, disrespectful, inane comments surface about the territorial desert winds and imperatively seeking Wi-Fi while temporarily staying in a Bedouin tent. They come across as a very spoiled generation and society, careless of this trip's objective.
Some moments are a bit unnerving to the point I nearly stopped the DVD to not waste any more of our time, but only to get reeled back in by the cinematographic splendor starkly contrasting the package of this film. Giving the benefit of the doubt and relying on a hopefully poignant ending, the latter is nil. Blasé at best. Other than the possibility of new friendships are formed and they will attempt to stay in touch, it is quite an unfruitful ending.
The only other thing to point out is that I would have liked to have heard more from Christian astrophysicist Dr. Hugh Ross, of whom I have been a fan for many years, who is advertised as one of the attractions for this film.
An 'A+' on the filmmaking (cinematography, direction, historical accuracy), but about a 'D' on the individuals selected. The only reason I could ever foresee viewing this again would be to experience the visual magnificence while fast-forwarding through all of the rest. This would be, without a doubt, an award-winning documentary if it went with another format or better casting.
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Journey to Christmas
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Windborne Productions is a seasoned team of accomplished film and video professionals committed to creating outstanding television and film productions. With more than 50 documentaries and hundreds of hours of human affairs, information and dramatic programming to its credit, Windborne excels at telling remarkable and compelling stories that reflect the rich palette of human experience. Windborne is recognized as a leader in quality, award-winning productions that speak to the mind, heart and spirit.
This book was provided free for review by Tyndale House Publishers
