A.D.: THE BIBLE CONTINUES Shares Its Beauty on Bluray

The series begins with crucial moments in history with the story of Jesus (Juan Pablo Di Pace) and the Crucifixion and Resurrection. The apostles are in shock at the lose of Jesus as some wait for the resurrection and others are not sure what to do from that moment on. Peter (Adam Levy) is still reeling from the realization that Jesus predicted the denial of him. It would be Mary Magdalene (Chipo Chung) who brings them the news that Jesus is still with them!

That doesn’t bring good news for Pilate (Vincent Regan) or to Caiaphas (Richard Coyle) who is trying to keep the peace between the temple and Romans. Both believing that the crucifixion of Jesus solved their problems, they would discover quickly that that belief is so very far from the truth.

Now Peter comes together with John (Babou Cessay) and Mother Mary (Greta Scacchi) along with the other apostles to spread the word of Jesus no matter who stands in their way. Even Saul (Emmett J. Scanlan) who has sworn to take down Peter or anyone who is a threat to the temple would never have seen his life change in mere seconds.

The Pilate and Antipas (James Callis) are living in their own fear when Cesar and Caligula (Andrew Gower) visit letting them know that the trouble in their town will not be tolerated. As the Roman men fight for power, their women Pilot’s wife Claudia (Joanne Whalley) and Leah (Jodhi May) sometimes bring more problems than help to their power seeking husbands.

It is a wave of belief that can not be stopped!

What can be said about this cast that is truly amazing. Levy portraying Peter does so with such emotion. From the pains that Peter faces to the jubilation, Levy has the expressions to bring it all deep to the viewers heart. Chung as Mary Magdalene is a force to be reckoned with in that her beliefs are strong and nothing is going to get in the way of that - even a confrontation with the Romans!

Regan as Pilate is as scary as he wants to be. Trying to work with Caiaphas, Pilate is in the mix deeper than he could ever have anticipated. When Regan’s character becomes not only outraged but a little crazy, this actor puts on a face that would have me shaking in my boots. The piercing anger is only matched by his piercing blue eyes! Whalley as his wife Claudia is a woman who wants to do what’s right and tries to get her husband to do the same. But when it all begins to fall apart, Whalley’s portrayal is of a woman knowing she might have to go against Pilate.

Coyle as Caiaphas is a man who is a mixture of doing what is right for the temple and trying to keep the Romans happy. Coyle’s portrayal is one of a man who sometimes crosses the line doing both - and not in a good way. His decisions sometimes create more

problems than needs be. May as Caiaphas’ wife Leah is a woman who sees power but forgets that absolute power corrupts absolutely. I didn’t care much for Leah which goes to show you what an amazing job May does!

Scacchi as Mother Mary stays in the background much of the time but her presence means everything. Callis as Antipas is another actor that says allot with his facial expressions and playing this character it is equally true. His role isn’t a big one but big enough to capture my attention. Gower as Caligula is just frakken frightening to watch from the moment he steps into the storyline - well done!

The biggest stand out besides Levy is Scanlan as Saul. I mean absolutely WOW! Beginning as a crazed man on a mission taken off his mental leash by Caiaphas I couldn’t keep up with his insanity. Even when the change in his life comes, it is easy to see that his mistakes are hard for some to forgive yet his change of course is true. Watching his face go from total anger to being at peace, Scanlan makes it look easy, absolutely brilliant!

Other cast include: Chris Brazier as Reuben, Fraser Ayres as Simon the Zealot, Will Thorp (Cornelius), Ken Bones as Annas, Kenneth Collard as Barnabas, Kevin Doyle as Joseph of Arimathea, Francis Magee as Levi, Denver Isaac as James, George Georgiou as Boaz, Joe Dixon as Philip and Lonyo Engele as The Angel.

MGM has one of the world’s deepest libraries of premium film and television content and to see more of what they have to offer fans please visit www.mgm.com. United Artists Media Group is a venture with MGM, Mark Burnett, Roma Downey and the Hearst Corporation focused on bringing content to all platforms.

Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment brings amazing content to those wanting to expand their home media library. Each year they bring award-winning entertainment to DVD, Bluray, Digital HD and VOD. For more of what they have to offer fans please visit www.fox.com.

TUBS OF POPCORN: I give A.D.: The Bible Continues five tubs of popcorn out of five. What spectacular storytelling that is just stunning to watch. It takes a fleeting second before the viewer is whisked away to Jerusalem expediting the history that Downey & Burnett have brought to the screen. The costuming is nothing short of stellar and that, to me, truly brings a story to the point of believability (history or not!). The Roman soldiers are fitted to the hilt and the leadership wears the rich colors and gold of the era. The costuming for the followers of Jesus are draped in the woven fabrics of the people of the era. The women’s draping and dresses just bring everything together with the story that is being told.

Now, lets talk about the sets - how truly amazing are these sets? Epic is the right word and epic in so many ways. The amazing outside sets of the camps, the market, the temple and the house of Pilate are all so well done and add such a richness to the story being told. Seriously, I was in awe of what was done to bring A.D.: The Bible Continues to us all.

The Bluray includes Continuing the Bible - Roman Downey and Mark Burnett discuss their decision to create a sequel to THE BIBLE, how the project came to be, why it is different from THE BIBLE, how the story begins with Episode 1 and 2, and what the journey it. Also included is Casting A.D. - An epic miniseries means an epic sized cast, and we visit the actors on and off set as they discuss their characters, and share their stories of coming to the project. The Past Comes Alive visits the production of A.D. complete with footage driving through Morocco to set, extras being prepped, cameras and lights being rigged and then follow the filming of several key scenes of the series including the baptism of Saul, the elaborate arrival of high Roman officials and banquet feasts in Pilate’s palace and courtyard.

More of the Bluray has Touring the Sets discussing recreating the world of 33 A.D. Jerusalem, and showcase the massive sets build for the show which includes: Pilate’s Palace, Adam Levy who plays Peter takes viewers through the streets of Jerusalem and the safe house, Richard Coyle gives a tour of the temples exterior and the plaza, Pastor Charles Jenkins and his wife tour the streets, commenting on the authentic feel of sets and set dressing.

Finally, The Fabric of Time which explores the massive feat of dressing the cast and extras in the period costume. The elaborate details are shared with creating the garments as well. Recreating the Power of God shows the visual effects as Martin Davison discusses bringing the power of God to life in A.D. through practical and visual effects.

Having THE BIBLE, it makes sense to have A.D.: The Bible Continues sitting right next to it. I can not imagine having one without the other. Beautiful storytelling, amazing cast and stunning costuming and set design are just the beginning to this amazing Bluray.

In the end - this is a powerful and spiritual journey!