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Specifications: - Region 1 - Run time: approx. 1 hr, 14 min. - Subtitle: English - Scene selection: Full motion - Package: Keep case
Video Features:
Audio Features: - English: Dolby Digital 5.1 - English: Dolby Surround
Bonus Materials: - Read-along - Sing-along songs - Interactive trivia game - Storyboard commentary - Theatrical trailer - Production notes (3-page spread) - Cast & crew bios
DVD-ROM* features: - concentration / memory game - Web links**
Release Dates: Theatrical Release: N/A DVD Release: 11/07/00 Review Date: 11/13/00
List price: $ 26.99 On-line price: $ 18.89 Pre-order price was: $ 18.89
*DVD-ROM features require DVD-ROM drive on your PC with certain minimum system requirements
**web links require internet access
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| Joseph:
King Of Dreams Special Edition |
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Starring
the voice talents of:
Ben Affleck, Mark Hamill,
Director: Robert Ramirez & Rob LaDuca
MPAA Rating:
NR (direct to DVD & home video
release) Genre: Animated - Family Studio: DreamWorks
Pictures |
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Movie: B+ Video: A- Audio: B+ Extras: B
Summary:
"Joseph: King of Dreams" is a
full-length animated movie from the
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The Story
"Joseph: King of Dreams" is a direct-to-DVD (and home video) release of the latest animated movie from the filmmakers of "The Prince of Egypt" (1998). This full-length animated feature spent nearly three years in production, and is loosely based on the biblical story of Joseph from the book of Genesis. DreamWorks claims that while "artistic and historical license has been taken", they believe that "the film is true to the essence, values, and integrity of a story that is cherished by millions of people worldwide". You can read the New International Version (NIV) of the biblical story here.
The story begins with Rachel (voice talent of Maureen McGovern), the seemingly barren wife of Jacob (voice talent of Richard Herd), giving birth to Joseph (voice talent of Ben Affleck). Jacob impatiently waits outside their tent home with his son, Judah (voice talent of Mark Hamill), who up to this point has earned his position as the most precious son in the family. Judah and the other brothers adore their baby half-brother Joseph from the day he was born, even as Jacob and Rachel bestow upon Joseph as the miracle child from God.
As Joseph grows up, he is taught to read scrolls and encouraged to pursue academic endeavors, instead of working in the field like his half-brothers. To glorify that Joseph is born as a "miracle child", Rachel makes him a beautiful coat. Although his brothers love him very much, they begin to despise Joseph for the preferential treatment he receives from their parents. Jealousy grows and consumes the older sons who feel that their father Jacob has unfairly given their half-brother the life of luxury and intellect.
One night, Joseph begins to have dreams that told of the future. This gift makes his brothers more insecure. One of Joseph's dreams even tells of his brothers bowing down to him. When Joseph told his family about this, it put the brothers over the edge and they begin to plot his demise. All right, I'll stop there so you can enjoy the movie. The film is faithful to the biblical story in the respect that it tells about family love and the ability to forgive as part of that love.
While
"Joseph: King of Dreams" was never released theatrically and
is directly released to DVD and home video, the production is generally
first rate. There are a number of three-dimensional pans and fly-around camera angles are
incorporated into the hand-drawn animation. Other scenes use the
stenciling animation technique that debuted with "The
Prince
of Egypt". The balance is a mixture of hand-drawn and computer
generated images that are simply stunning. DreamWorks has set a
new standard for animation quality of direct-to-DVD (and home video)
releases. The same can be said for the all-new songs introduced in
this movie. I particularly liked the songs entitled "More Than You Take"
and "Better Than I".
The read-along and sing-along features are excellent for young children, who love to read again and again, and sing along with the beautiful songs. In the trivia game, the questions are narrated so young children can play even if they are not reading well yet. This is a nice feature since it also encourages young children to read.
The storyboard feature is very interesting and aims towards older children (of all ages). It is neat how the animators use these storyboards to plan for their animation. Directors Ramirez and LaDuca were very thorough in their explanation of the "Market Place" and "Meet the Pharaoh" scenes.
The DVD-ROM feature entitled "Family Fun" include a concentration (memory) game, printable coloring page of Joseph in his beautiful coat, puzzles, and online web events.
Video & Audio
The image quality of this anamorphic widescreen DVD is first rate. The colors are accurate and saturated, paying tribute to the beautiful animation. The Dolby Digital 5.1-channel surround sound is well balanced and effective. The dialogue is clear and the beautiful musical score greatly enhances the mood of the movie.
Recommendation
"Joseph: King of Dreams" is a wonderful biblical-based story that instills honest-to-goodness values. As a direct-to-DVD release, DreamWorks has significantly raised the bar for such releases. (It's good to know that there's a studio out there that takes direct-to-video releases very seriously.) I recommend this title, along with "The Prince of Egypt" which is re-released on the same date (11/7/00) with a DTS soundtrack, for families seeking wholesome, quality entertainment.
Buy
the "Joseph: King Of Dreams" DVD at: |
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Rent it at NetFlix.com
(Sign up for
NetFlix.com "Unlimited" DVD Rental Service Visit the "Joseph: King of Dreams" movie web site and the DreamWorks web site.
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