Passion of the Christ - Director's Cut
For many people watching Mel Gibson's The Passion of the Christ forms part of their Holy Week observance. Yesterday the new double-DVD Director's Cut came through my letterbox and, unlike the previous edition, contains loads of special features. This is definitely a good investment for priests, teachers and catechists - there are features on the history of crucifixion, for instance, or what happened to the main characters after the passion, which could be used in classes.
Most amazing is the fact that this movie blockbuster has, amongst its options, a 'theological commentary.' This is provided by Fr William J. Fulco, S.J. of Loyola Marymount University, who translated the script into Aramaic and Latin; Fr John Bartunek, L.C., a former actor and author of Inside the Passion; and Gerry Matatics, who describes himself on his website as 'Founder and President of Biblical Foundations International, an apostolate that demonstrates to Catholics and non-Catholics alike the scriptural case for Catholicism and provides a critique of the sham neo-Catholicism that has captured the hearts and minds of so many contemporary Catholics.' I only listened to a short part of this commentary and the panel were explaining how the Real Presence is demonstrated by John 6 - so, it's unlike any other movie DVD I've come across! I'd be interested to know what effect it might have on non-Catholics.
The perfect DVD companion to the drama of the Sacred Triduum...
Most amazing is the fact that this movie blockbuster has, amongst its options, a 'theological commentary.' This is provided by Fr William J. Fulco, S.J. of Loyola Marymount University, who translated the script into Aramaic and Latin; Fr John Bartunek, L.C., a former actor and author of Inside the Passion; and Gerry Matatics, who describes himself on his website as 'Founder and President of Biblical Foundations International, an apostolate that demonstrates to Catholics and non-Catholics alike the scriptural case for Catholicism and provides a critique of the sham neo-Catholicism that has captured the hearts and minds of so many contemporary Catholics.' I only listened to a short part of this commentary and the panel were explaining how the Real Presence is demonstrated by John 6 - so, it's unlike any other movie DVD I've come across! I'd be interested to know what effect it might have on non-Catholics.
The perfect DVD companion to the drama of the Sacred Triduum...
posted by Fr Nicholas at 6:41 pm
5 Comments:
I received my copy on Monday. I am so pleased with it! It is absolutely amazing. In fact, I've already watched ALL the special features, including the whole theological commentary. I should point out that Gerry Matatics (an ultra-trad version of Scott Hahn, and his contemporary) didn't say anything 'extreme' on the commentary, but impressively quoted lots of bible verses which will push protestant listeners towards a fuller understanding of the faith. Like Scott Hahn, a converted protestant minister, he is particularly gifted in that regard. The only trad assertions are a brief mention about the 'pro multis' issue and the complement of the inclusion of 1 John 3:15 to rebuke false ecumenism. You certainly wouldn't guess he is a sedevacantist, which is an unfortunate development which will segregate him from making any impact on mainstream catholicism.
Also the main feature includes the option to view the Passion 'Recut' which removes 6 minutes of particularly gory features, reducing the rating to 15 equivalent. This is an excellent feature for the more squeemish, or younger viewers of course.
Yes, Matatics is a loon. I'm glad he didn't say anything outrageous, Matt. I once heard him talking at the Chartres pilgrimage about birth control in a way which was not at all in accordance with the Church's teaching... and, dare I say it, he came accross rather self-righteous.
This looks like a really good DVD, though.
Thanks for the recommendation, Fr. Nicholas. I will try to acquire this DVD set as soon as I can.
Gerry Matatics is a friend of my husband's and yes, Gerry has at times been extreme, just like Mel Gibson. But he is a brilliant Scripture scholar and it is fascinating to listen to him.
Fabulous... I'd heard that it was available as a 15 rather than an 18, but hadn't seen it anywhere!!
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