Church Libraries, Fall 2006

Unfortunately, only a few Old Testament stories – i.e., Daniel and the lion’s den, Noah and the ark – head the list for most children’s books and films. However, this DVD series, developed for ages 10-15, chose lesser-known stories like Gideon and Naomi and Ruth to show God’s interaction with His children. Raphael, a mysterious lighthouse keeper, has the ability to transport a group of young teens back in time to experience biblical tales firsthand. Often one of the “teen pack” is costumed and inserted into the story line while the rest merely observe. Filmed in Wales, where architecture and countryside do not resemble a biblical landscape, this production has adequate costuming and dialogue. An ensemble cast fills a wide variety of roles, albeit with British accents. Reproducible study guides are included on the DVDs, making them appropriate for Sunday school use. This vehicle for bridging the gap between biblical and modern times may not be accepted by some sophisticated teens today. In fact, children younger than the series’ target audience may enjoy these tales more than their older counterparts. Still, these DVDs would make a good addition to a church library’s DVD collection.

Video Librarian, Summer 2006

Jacob’s Ladder – a new series spotlighting stories from the Bible – introduces a group of adolescents who come upon a lighthouse and discover that its keeper, Rafael, is able to transport them back in time to witness pivotal events in the Old Testament firsthand. The first volume contains “Gideon, Reluctant Hero” and “Gideon, Warrior by Faith,” which tell the tale of the Christian hero Gideon (forever associated with a trumpet). Jacob’s Ladder does a fair job of relating the struggles faced centuries ago to contemporary issues, and while the intended middle school and junior audiences (ages 10-15) for these programs can be tough customers, the episodes are professional, engaging, and successfully bring the featured stories to life (although, rather oddly, instead of Middle Eastern sets and costumes, the recreations have the look of Middle Ages-era England). DVD extras include a behind-the-scenes segment and PDF study materials. Recommended.

Jacob's Ladder: Episodes 10 & 11 Study Guide