Educational Media Reviews Online

This program is a wonderful presentation of the various sites around Israel that are discussed in the Bible. It seems that every site that is significant in Christianity is included in this beautifully shot video. There is a narrator who describes each site and then the appropriate Bible passage about that site is read. The scenes are taken from modern-day Israel and many views are shown of popular tourism sites, not just historically significant ones. The footage overall is striking in its beauty.

Included in this program is footage of large land areas and/or geological sites, places where miracles were performed, and also specific locations where Bible personalities lived or worked. Some of the most notable land areas shown are Mt. Sinai, the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea, the Mt. of Olives and Mt. Carmel. Other sites are shown in roughly chronological order in relation to the life of Jesus. Locations in Bethlehem, Nazareth, Caesarea-Philippi, Masada, Megiddo (Armageddon) and Jerusalem are shown. Many shrines and churches are built in these areas and the interiors are shown with some footage of traditional ceremonies. At times, paintings which depict well-known scenes are included (i.e. the nativity.)

Other important areas included in and near Jerusalem are the Wailing Wall, the Dome of the Rock Mosque, Gethsemane, and the place of the Ascension. Aside from the historical sites, another enjoyable aspect of this program is the view of modern-day life in Israel. A Bedouin marketplace is shown, along with famous resort and port cities along the Mediterranean such as Haifa, Tel Aviv, and Hebron. The views of Mediterranean beaches are some of the prettiest of the program. The place where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found, a kibbutz, and the nearby Negev desert and its wildlife are also presented.

The film overall was professionally done; with modern camera techniques and music. The background music added to the visual experience but at times was shoddily edited. The viewer will probably be able to catch each place where the musical passage changed, usually with the description of a new scene. These transitions could have been blended more professionally.

Video Visits: Bible Lands is highly recommended for all ages who are interested in tourism and Israel, especially those who are avid armchair travelers. Collections in tourism, religion, history, and general studies will be enhanced with this video.