The Prince of Egypt

Amazon.com

Nearly every biblical film is ambitious, creating pictures to go with some of the most famous and sacred stories in the Western world. DreamWorks' first animated film was the vision of executive producer Jeffrey Katzenberg after his ugly split from Disney, where he had been acknowledged as a key architect in that studio's rebirth (The Little Mermaid, etc.). His first film for the company he helped create was a huge, challenging project without a single toy or merchandising tie-in, the backbone du jour of family entertainment in the 1990s.

Three directors and 16 writers succeed in carrying out much of Katzenberg's vision. The linear story of Moses is crisply told, and the look of the film is stunning; indeed, no animated film has looked so ready to be placed in the Louvre since Fantasia. Here is an Egypt alive with energetic bustle and pristine buildings. Born a slave and set adrift in the river, Moses (voiced by Val Kilmer) is raised as the son of Pharaoh Seti (Patrick Stewart) and is a fitting rival for his stepbrother Rameses (Ralph Fiennes). When he learns of his roots--in a knockout sequence in which hieroglyphics come alive--he flees to the desert, where he finds his roots and heeds God's calling to free the slaves from Egypt.

Katzenberg and his artists are careful to tread lightly on religious boundaries. The film stops at the parting of the Red Sea, only showing the Ten Commandments--without commentary--as the film's coda. Music is a big part (there were three CDs released) and Hans Zimmer's score and Stephen Schwartz's songs work well--in fact the pop-ready, Oscar-winning "When You Believe" is one of the weakest songs. Kids ages 5 and up should be able to handle the referenced violence; the film doesn't shy away from what Egyptians did to their slaves. Perhaps Katzenberg could have aimed lower and made a more successful animated film, but then again, what's a heaven for? --Doug Thomas

Customer Reviews:

Children's Version of the Story.......2007-08-21

Being animated, this is expectedly directed towards a younger audience. That does not keep it from being acceptable to older viewers, however. It generates enough interest to be worthwhile to all viewing ages.

It tells the story of Moses, born to Hebrew slaves and raised as a prince of Egypt. When he learns of his origins, he flees Egypt only to be called to return. He has been chosen by God to lead his people out of slavery.

While this tells the same basic story as the Charlton Heston epic, it focuses on different events and has, of course, a more childish approach. The crossing of the Red Sea is the undoubted climax but other than that, the whole tenor is different. It brings out some parts of the story left out of the classic. Moreover, it emphasizes a friendship between the young Moses and crown prince rather than a rivalry.

The songs seem a bit out of place but, for me, they always do in a musical. This once has an Academy Award winner, though, so I guess the music is good if you like your characters to break into song at the drop of a hat.

For those interested in the biblical content, its not too bad. There is not much emphasis on God but there are not any large scale contradictions of scripture either.

I prefer the classic version but the kids seemed to like this one.

Excellent Retelling of a Classic Story.......2007-08-03

When I first heard that Steven Spielberg and friends were making an animated version of the story of Moses and the Exodus, I was nervous that they would sanitize or reconstruct history or religiously neuter Moses. "Prince of Egypt" is the opposite: a wonderful, highly researched and magnificently filmed movie that is an animated version of the brilliant rabbinic tradition of midrash, the rabbinic literary device that answers questions and fills in gaps about stories in the Hebrew Bible. To my relief, the story stays true to the *Israelite* experience ... while freedom from slavery is obviously a universal value, this was - after all - a *Jewish* moment in history.

The characters are 3-dimensional (so to speak): Moses is the doubter who eventually must successfully confront his own fear and faith; Aaron, the peacemaker who frequently gets lost in the family dynamic; and - the biggest character treat for me - Miriam, the dynamo partially responsible for the infant Moses' survival: for the first time, a Jewish woman who actually looks like a *Jewish* woman (and no, I'm not talking stereotypical Eastern European - this Miriam is a blend of Ashkenazi and Sephardi).

The music is a special gift, especially the voice of Israeli singer Ofra Haza, who tragically died less than two years after making the movie. I was excited to hear real Hebrew Bible text.

The effects are spectacular - from the hieroglyphics that come to life during an especially frightening dream sequence to the sheer brilliance of the depiction of the plagues (the death of the Egyptian first born is especially harrowing).

We've happily come a long way from the wooden theatrics, pseudo-Jewish theology and cone bras of the Cecil De Mille classic. This "Prince of Egypt" is a wonder.

Movie Great DVD Lousy.......2007-07-05

We like to have language options on our films. There are no language options other than English on the DVD. Even the subtitles only come in English.

Great Movie!.......2007-06-21

I've always liked this movie. We had it on VHS, but my daughter wore it out. So, we got the DVD. I'm so happy we did - the quality is great, and we can watch widescreen, which is quite important to me. We're very happy!

A Most Worthwhile Story!.......2007-05-26

Although it is an animated-feature movie, the script is good and the story is very moving. So much of the historical accuracy has been maintained in this story. My family and I feel that it is time and money well-spent! I heartily recommend it to viewers of any age...

The Prince of Egypt / Joseph - King of Dreams

Average customer rating:

Inspiring:
Enjoyable for all
Two Great Classics
Prince is better than King
Prince of Egypt/Joseph - King of dreams

The Prince of Egypt / Joseph - King of Dreams
Starring: Ben Affleck , Mark Hamill , Richard Herd , Maureen McGovern , and Jodi Benson
Director: Rob LaDuca , Robert C. Ramirez , and Simon Wells
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Animated
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B000LC4C10
Release Date: 2007-02-06

Customer Reviews:

Inspiring:.......2007-05-15

These are a must have if you want your children to know bible stories. They are well done with top quality animation and a real heart toward the bible message. My wife and I watch them to lift up our spirits in tough times even if our granddaughter is not over for a visit.

Enjoyable for all.......2007-05-07

Bought this for the kids,but frankly the whole family enjoys watching together. Great lessons, and songs.

Two Great Classics.......2007-04-23

I watched these two movies years ago, and it still hasn't lost it's charm. Both movies bring out real emotion, values, and kids will have a wonderful time singing along to the songs and watching. I highly recommend these DVDs to people of all ages.

Prince is better than King.......2007-04-07

I bought this duo hoping that the quality I had seen in Prince of Eqypt would also be in King of Dreams. It turned out that Prince of Eqypt rates a 5, while the King of Dreams is ~3. My kids have enjoyed both movies though!

Prince of Egypt/Joseph - King of dreams.......2007-04-05

I received the product in Japan but am unable to play the DVD's because the sound frequency is not compatible.
Can I therefore recieve a refund?

Average customer rating:

Children's Version of the Story
Excellent Retelling of a Classic Story
Movie Great DVD Lousy
Great Movie!
A Most Worthwhile Story!

The Prince of Egypt
Starring: Val Kilmer , Ralph Fiennes , Michelle Pfeiffer , Sandra Bullock , and Jeff Goldblum
Director: Simon Wells , Brenda Chapman , and Steve Hickner
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

General | Action & Adventure | Genres | DVD | Video

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

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ASIN: B0002V7OMO
Release Date: 2004-10-26

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Children's Version of the Story.......2007-08-21

Excellent Retelling of a Classic Story.......2007-08-03

Movie Great DVD Lousy.......2007-07-05

We like to have language options on our films. There are no language options other than English on the DVD. Even the subtitles only come in English.

Great Movie!.......2007-06-21

A Most Worthwhile Story!.......2007-05-26

Average customer rating:

Children's Version of the Story
Excellent Retelling of a Classic Story
Movie Great DVD Lousy
Great Movie!
A Most Worthwhile Story!

The Prince of Egypt - DTS Edition
Starring: Val Kilmer , Ralph Fiennes , Michelle Pfeiffer , Sandra Bullock , and Jeff Goldblum
Director: Simon Wells , Brenda Chapman , and Steve Hickner
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Video
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004YNUN
Release Date: 2000-11-07

Amazon.com

Customer Reviews:

Children's Version of the Story.......2007-08-21

Excellent Retelling of a Classic Story.......2007-08-03

Movie Great DVD Lousy.......2007-07-05

We like to have language options on our films. There are no language options other than English on the DVD. Even the subtitles only come in English.

Great Movie!.......2007-06-21

A Most Worthwhile Story!.......2007-05-26

Dreamworks Animation Award-Winning Family Fun Pack (Spirit, The Prince of Egypt, Antz, Chicken Run, The Road to El Dorado)

Average customer rating:

Dreamworks Animation Award-Winning Family Fun Pack (Spirit, The Prince of Egypt, Antz, Chicken Run, The Road to El Dorado)
Starring: Matt Damon , James Cromwell , Daniel Studi , Chopper Bernet , and Jeff LeBeau
Director: Lorna Cook , Kelly Asbury , and Simon Wells
Manufacturer: Dreamworks Animated
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( D ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B0000CABEZ
Release Date: 2003-11-18

Average customer rating:

GReat for Adults Also!
A MUST BUY!!!!! EXCEPTIONAL
Great movies for kids!

Prince of Egypt/Joseph - King of Dreams
Starring: Ben Affleck , Mark Hamill , Richard Herd , Maureen McGovern , and Jodi Benson
Director: Rob LaDuca , Robert C. Ramirez , and Simon Wells
Manufacturer: Dreamworks
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

Animation | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video
ASIN: B000059H7A
Release Date: 2001-03-06

Customer Reviews:

GReat for Adults Also!.......2005-07-12

If you are a bible loving person, you will love how well the makers of these movies did with these stories! They bring tears to my eyes. Two of my favorite events recorded in the bible put together so accurately and full of life. They did and exceptional job with the story, the graphics, the mood, the drama, everything was perfect!

A MUST BUY!!!!! EXCEPTIONAL.......2004-03-02

My children LOVE these movies. They are so well done and it's too bad they haven't received the attention they deserve (in my opinion). This is a GREAT deal for both movies. You won't be disappointed!
I was not expecting Joseph King of Dreams to be as good as Prince of Egypt, but like the first review that I read, I think it is as good if not better than Prince of Egypt. The picture is vibrant and wonderful, the story is as close to the true story as possible, and the songs are absolutely WONDERFUL. My children loves this movie. It is a great story about forgiveness, love, and faith. I was suprised to find that Ben Affleck was the voice for Joseph. Although he is not my favorite actor he does a WONDERFUL job as the voice of Joseph. Much better than Matt Damon as the voice in Dreamworks movie "Spirit". Buy this movie, you will not be disappointed and your family will love it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I wish they had done more advertising for this movie and it had received more attention. It deserves it. I hope that Dreamworks does more films like this of the stories in the Bible!

Great movies for kids!.......2001-02-23

I really liked both of these movies. Although some historical/scriptural liberties are taken, in general the films are fairly accurate. The morals of the scripture stories they are portraying are evident and understandable even for young children with some parental explanation. The songs in the Prince of Egypt are very engaging. My daughter likes to sing along to them. Joseph--King of Dreams isn't quite the same caliber as the Prince of Egypt, but it is still a good film with an interesting story line. My children like to watch both of these movies over and over. They are great for parents who want to teach the values of faith and patience to their children.

Average customer rating:

GReat for Adults Also!
A MUST BUY!!!!! EXCEPTIONAL
Great movies for kids!

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video

Feature Films | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video
ASIN: B0000C9JCX
Release Date: 2003-10-21

Customer Reviews:

GReat for Adults Also!.......2005-07-12

A MUST BUY!!!!! EXCEPTIONAL.......2004-03-02

Great movies for kids!.......2001-02-23

Average customer rating:

Moses: Egypt's Great Prince [Region 2]

ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

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ASIN: B00004RYIP

Average customer rating:

The Prince of Egypt

Manufacturer: East West Entertainment
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

All Regions DVD

ASIN: B000KFURUI

Product Description

The Prince returns in more thrilling stories from ancient Egypt! This Biblical tale of power, destruction and a mother's love for her son. Can young Moses follow the order from god and lead the israelites out of Egypt before the Pharaoh's spies find him? An ispirational story for all. Includes bonus cartoon: EMPEROR'S NEW CLOTHES, THE KING'S EARS, JASPER IN A JAM, HOUSE CLEANING BLUES, & TO DUCK OR NOT TO DUCK.

Average customer rating:

The Prince of Egypt [Region 2]
Starring: Val Kilmer , Ralph Fiennes , Michelle Pfeiffer , Sandra Bullock , and Jeff Goldblum
Director: Simon Wells , Brenda Chapman , and Steve Hickner
ProductGroup: DVD
Binding: DVD

( P ) | Titles | Features | DVD | Video

Family Films | Kids & Family | Genres | DVD | Video

General | Animation | Genres | DVD | Video
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ASIN: B000059HL2

DVD:

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