Biblical Epics get the Blu-ray Treatment

Gone are the days of the biblical epic films that graced our wide silver screens, but they are making a grand comeback this Easter with blu-ray and digitally remastered editions.

Topping the charts is the Academy Award winning newly re-release of Cecil B. Demille's 'THE TEN COMMANDMENTS' on DVD and first time release on blu-ray.

The Blu-ray/DVD Combo gift set comes packaged in a stunning limited edition box featuring an image of the Red Sea that parts when the box is opened to reveal two tablets, which encase all six discs in the set. The set also includes a commemorative photo and archive book, a new 75-minute, in-depth documentary about the film and its impact, original costume sketches, the 1923 silent film The Ten Commandments (also available for the first time on Blu-ray), international premiere photos, production notes from Cecil B. DeMille, correspondence from Charlton Heston, feature commentary and more.

'The Ten Commandments' has never looked better then it does right now on blu-ray and an HDTV wide screen TV. The colors are bolder and the image is sharper than ever, the characters appear to leap right off the screen and into your living room. If your a fan of biblical epic films, this is a MUST HAVE for any home video collection.

Also just released on Blu-ray for the very first time is John Huston's 'THE BIBLE' which tells the Old Testament stories from the awe-inspiring creation of man, to the remarkable story of Noah's ark, to the mind-blowing destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. Again, just like 'THE TEN COMMANDMENTS', 'THE BIBLE' is newly remastered for the ultimate high-definition experience.

Other Easter classics are being released on blu-ray this season, 'THE KING OF KINGS' and 'THE GREATEST STORY EVER TOLD' will soon be hitting your local shelves. Add these to your home library along side 'THE PASSION OF THE CHRIST', 'QUO VADIS' and 'THE ROBE' and you'll be set for the ultimate Epic Biblical High Definition movie marathon.

Suing the Devil (Coming Soon)

SUING THE DEVIL
Starring: Malcom McDowell, Corbin Bernsen, Tom Sizemore & Rebecca St. James

What if you sued Satan for $8 trillion dollars?

Luke O'Brien, a washed-up janitor turned night law student, decides to sue Satan for $8 trillion dollars. On the last day before Luke files a default judgment, Satan appears to defend himself. On Satan's legal team are 10 of the country's best trial lawyers. The entire world watches on Legal TV to see who will win the Trial of the Century.

In theaters August 11, 2011. Subscribe to this blog for updates and release information.

Visit the website at http://suingthedevil.com/
Read more at OneWayFilms.net

The 5th Quarter (Now Showing)

THE 5th QUARTER

Starring: Aidan Quinn (Legends of the Fall, Benny & Joon), Andie MacDowell (Groundhog Day, Multiplicity) & Ryan Merriman (Pretty Little Liars, Final Destination 3)

Sometimes a movie comes out of nowhere that cannot be ignored.  So it is with THE 5th QUARTER, written, directed and produced by Rick Bieber (Radio Flyer, Flatliners). 

Based on the inspirational true story of 15-year-old Luke Abbate, who died in a tragic car accident due to irresponsible teen driving just two days before his sixteenth birthday.  His death left his family broken as they struggled to put the pieces back together.  After a long struggle to overcome his grief, Luke's brother, a gifted football player at Wake Forrest University, decided to honor his brother's memory by dedicating the 2006 season to him and leads his team to their greatest season ever. 

Now showing in select cities with more coming soon.  Check the web site for a complete list of theaters at the5thquartermovie.com

Subscribe to our blog and keep updated for future DVD/Bluray release.
Talk about The 5th Quarter at OneWayFilms.net

COURAGEOUS (Coming Soon)

Sherwood Pictures, the moviemaking production team at Sherwood Church in Albany, Georgia, that brought us FIREPROOF and FACING THE GIANTS, are teaming up again with Provident Films and Affirm Films to present their fourth soul-inspiring film, COURAGEOUS.

Four men, one calling: To serve and protect.  As law enforcement officers, Adam Mitchell, Nathan Hayes, and their partners are confident and focused. They willingly stand up to the worst the world can offer. Yet at the end of the day, they face a challenge that none of them are truly prepared to tackle: fatherhood.

While they consistently give their best on the job, good enough seems to be all they can muster as dads. But they're quickly discovering that their standard is missing the mark.

When tragedy hits home, these men are left wrestling with their hopes, their fears, their faith, and their fathering. Can a newfound urgency help these dads draw closer to God ... and to their children?  Protecting the streets is second nature to these law enforcement officers. Raising their children? That will take courage.

Courageous ... honor begins at home.  Courageous is set to be released in theaters nationwide on September 30, 2011.  Subscribe to our blog for updates and check out the main web site for Courageous at http://www.courageousthemovie.com/

Read More at
OneWayFilms.net

CUTBACK (Coming Soon)

CUTBACK
(On DVD April 5)

In the tradition of Soul Surfer, CUTBACK is making it's way to it's DVD release after winning BEST FEATURE FILM at the San Diego Christian Film Festival.

High School senior Luke Harris has only one thing on his mind...pro surfing, and see's his big chance when a single spot opens up on the local surfing team, but he has two major obstacles: the new surfer in town who also wants that spot and his parents who have other plans for his life. After a devastating tragedy strikes, Luke is forced into making some life-changing decisions with the help of his new friends and his youth pastor.

CUTBACK will be available on DVD only (no blurays being announced at this time) at local Christian bookstores and ChristianCinema.com on Tuesday, April 5th.

Visit CutbackTheMovie.com for more information.

JERUSALEM COUNTDOWN (Review)

JERUSALEM COUNTDOWN
Starring David A.R. White, Stacy Keach, Randy Travis, Jackie Velasquez & Lee Majors.


You might think we've had enough rapture/apocalyptic films recently, but to see one loosely based off of John Hagee's book of the same name, which is filled with updated information that reflects our most current headlines, it is a welcomed addition to the growing list and makes it all the more realistic and attention grabbing.

Muslim terrorists have smuggled nuclear weapons into America in an attempt to create a distracting disaster so that Israel can be attacked without our interference. A smart move from the terrorists, if it can be carried out.

Senior FBI Agent Shane Daughtry (David A.R. White) is faced with the challenge of finding the weapons before they are detonated with the help of a washed up arms dealer (Lee Majors) and a hardened CIA Director (Randy Travis). The race is on to save America and foil the greatest threat to America since 9/11.

Jerusalem Countdown may not have an enormous budget, but they make good use with what they have. My screener copy wasn't a finished product, several of the special effects were incomplete, but it was enough to let me know that they will be on a much larger scale than previous films from Pure Flix Entertainment, the production company founded by David A.R. White and partners.

Much of the budget was used on the ensemble of great actors which in many cases, can make or break a film. In my opinion, having David White as a lead can never hurt any movie, only give it creditability, as he is the best actor of any Christian film of this generation. We are blessed to have his talents on our side, serving God through Christ-centered and faith-affirming films like this one.

Other cast members include the always professional Stacy Keach, who has worked with David Before (Mercy Streets), Randy Travis who is also no stranger to Pure Flix Entertainment (The Wager), Jackie Velasquez, Carey Scott, another close friend to Pure Flix (In the Blink of An Eye, Hidden Secrets, The Wager) and Lee Majors.

The first half of the film does a great job of setting the story even if it is a bit slow-paced in getting started, but the action picks up in the second act and maintains it's audience with great suspense and unexpected reveals.

Many films are put under the microscope once it's labeled as a Christan movie. Christians from all denominations are keen to picking the gospel message apart and either supporting it or casting legalistic stones. Several films marketed to a Christian audience seem afraid to mention the Name of Jesus, or to clearly present a gospel message of salvation, but that is clearly not the case with Jerusalem Countdown.

While not bringing the storyline to a complete stop to preach, it cleverly weaves it's bold evangelistic message throughout and leaves no doubt who or where our hope lies in. I have always admired Pure Flix Entertainment for taking such a bold stance in their films, while not appearing to cram it in our faces. The balance between the inspirational message and entertainment is a perfect blend that leaves a refreshing hope in your spirit.

And while the Gospel message is clear, the film doesn't end on such a positive note for a world that has just encountered the rapture of the saints. The films climax will leave you wanting more and with high hopes for a sequel. If Pure Flix Entertainment can maintain this budget and quality of production and follow Jerusalem Countdown with another installment, picking up where this one left off, then we may have a new end-days series to rival the popular Left Behind.

Due to it's apocalyptic theme, it's not as family friendly as The Walton's, you can expect some violence, suspense, explosions and gun play to come into play, but it's not graphic or bloody. Recommended for teens and adults.

"Exciting and Thrilling. A timely message of hope wrapped up in a tale of suspense."
- OneWayFilms

Read more: OneWayFilms.net

David A.R. White (Interview)

I once had a short interview with David A.R. White, star of the recent Christian films 'HIDDEN SECRETS', 'IN THE BLINK OF AN EYE', and several others. Since I just finished an early screening of 'JERUSALEM COUNTDOWN', his soon-to-be-released action-thriller, which is based on the book by John Hagee, I thought I would pull it out here and share it with all of you. This interview took place in May of 2006, right after he began his stand-up comedy show "HOLYMAN UNDERCOVER.'

OneWayFilms: Thank you David for your time. Can you start by telling us about how you came to know Christ?

David White: I was 4 years old, my sister lead me down the isle at one of my dad's altar calls.

OWF: Wow, I didn't know your dad was a preacher. Who influenced you the most to achieve your dream of acting?

David: I just always loved movies/tv. I was fascinated by them. I was a dreamer as a kid, I loved story telling through that medium. I watched Kirk Cameron on Growing Pains and always thought I could do that as well.

OWF: So how DID you get started in Christian films?

David: I was attending college in Chicago, and did an internship for Edward McDougal when I was 18 on 'Geronimo' and 'Across the Lines'. Ed gave me my first line in 'Geronimo'.

OWF: I remember that film. I still have a copy of it on DVD. Wow, that one goes way back. Since then, What do you look for before choosing what projects you are offered?

David: Something original in the script. A character that I'm interested in playing.

OWF: Alot of Christian filmmakers seem to have different ideas about what a Christian films really is. Exactly what IS a Christian film to you and what is NOT a Christian film?

David: A Christian film is a film that has a message of redemption and hope found only through Jesus Christ. What is not a Christian Film is every other film.

OWF: I like that, simple and sweet. What is your personal goal as a producer and as an actor in each project that you take on?

David: From a producing point of view, to tell a story that is moving and artistic. From an acting point of view, to be true to the authors intent through my performance, to be interesting and try to bring something unique to the role.

OWF: I see you're working on a new project, this time a comedy. Can you tell us about HolyMan Undercover? What is it?

David: Yes, It is a one man comedy show about a kid from Kansas who is on his way to Guam to save the world, but his plane ends up crashing in LA. It is about all the crazy characters that he meets along the way. It is about a kid getting caught up in the fast lane, but by God's grace finding his way back to the real meaning of Life.

OWF: That sounds interesting. Which film in your filmography is your personal favorite and why?

David: Mercy Streets is my favorite. both for the acting challenge of playing two brothers. It was a passion project that my buddy writer/director Jon Gunn and I were on for a long time.

OWF: I love that film and thought it was very well done. At OneWayFilms.net, we have alot of aspiring actors and filmmakers looking to get a break, What would you say to someone who is just starting out in Christian films and is feeling discouraged?

David: Take hope. Become the best at what you do. Learn to create projects and just go do it.

OWF: Any other tips?

David: Learn about producing. Bottom line, it takes a lot of perseverance. Don't stop, we need you.

OWF: David, thank you for your time with us today.

David: Thanks, Let me know if you want me to do this again sometime, I would be glad to do it. God Bless you in your endeavors.

David A.R. White

Read more: OneWayFilms.net

SOUL SURFER (Review)

SOUL SURFER
Based on a True Story.

Starring: AnnaSophia Robb, Hellen Hunt, Dennis Quaid, Craig T Nelson, Kevin Sorbo & Carrie Underwood

Based on the true story of Bethany Hamilton, a 13 year old competitive surfer with big dreams and a courageous spirit. Coming from a family of surfers, riding the waves is all Bethany can dream about. But her dreams turn into a nightmare after a sudden shark attack takes her left arm and her hopes of ever surfing again.

Soul Surfer is an inspirational film for the entire family about overcoming obstacles and turning tragedy into triumph.

Filmed entirely in Hawaii, it offers some gorgeous cinematography and wonderful surf-action shots and features an all-star cast including Helen Hunt, Denis Quaid, Craig T Nelson and AnnaSophia Robb as Bethany, the teen titan with a heart of gold.

Soul Surfer is a well produced film, that leans heavily on it's soul-lifting story, stellar acting and a rocking soundtrack on a moderate budget. It's encouraging to see such big Hollywood names doing such inspirational family fare without the inflated-sized salary demands.

Helen Hunt and Dennis Quaid actually seem to be enjoying themselves alongside the rising talents of the young cast members, most notably AnnaSophia Robb, best remembered for her role in Bridge to Terabithia, Jumper and Because of Winn Dixie. AnnaSophia delivers a powerful and gripping performance that is sure to win your heart and leave you breathless as she struggles to overcome all odds. Carrie Underwood seems a bit misplaced as the youth pastor who comforts and encourages Bethany, but while her screen time is short, she proves that singing may not be her only talent.

For a film based on a true story, I got caught up in the action and well paced story-telling. I found myself entranced by and caring for each of the characters. When the shark attack scene unfolded, I found myself holding my breath and completely taken in by the film. A rare victory few films can achieve.

I admired the way the film presented Bethany's family and their Christian faith, being faithful to church and being such positive role models. But I was disappointed in the failed opportunity to present more biblical truth to a secular audience. Like many recent films being marketed to a Christian audience, the presented faith in Soul Surfer was played a bit too safe and generic to arouse any converts since it lacked in any gospel message, but if viewed with a Christan who knows how to use the film as a topic starter, it can be a great tool or ice breaker.

Another refreshing bonus was the lack of any profanity or sexuality, making it completely suitable and safe for viewing in a church or youth group setting.

I highly recommend this entertaining and uplifting film for the entire family.  Set to be released in theaters nationwide April 8th.

- OneWayFilms

http://www.soulsurferthemovie.com/

Read more: OneWayFilms.net