Lent and Easter Video Bibliography

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LEVEL: P (Primary Grades K-3) I (Intermediate Grades 4-6) J (Junior High Grades 7-8) S (Secondary Grades 9-12)
A (Adult)

 A.D. Level J-A (240 min.) Gardner, Ava. Abridged ed. for religious education. Muskegon, MI: Gospel Films Video, [1985]. Note: Recreates the turbulent years following the death of Christ in Jerusalem, where people live under the oppressive rule of Roman soldiers. Part 1 begins 2 days after the Crucifixion. Includes the Emmaus story and what happened in the upper room with the disciples and Mary. Focuses on the characters of Stephen, Saul, Caleb and Samuel (zealots), Peter and Gamaliel, The Roman praetorium and the Jewish Sanhedrin in Jerusalem. part 2 continues with the ministry and subsequent martyrdom of Stephen; the persecution by and conversion of Saul; the events in Casarea, Rome, Samaria, Damascus, Caligula's maniacal rule over Rome; the marriage of Valerius and Sarah; the ministry of Peter; Claudius decrees the Jews must leave Rome; Herod Agrippa rules Palestine. Part 3 continues with Paul preaching in the synagogue in Antioch while Luke hears him and is soon baptized by him; in Jerusalem, peter is arrested & imprisoned, but escapes; and Paul outrages Jews when he tried to bring a Gentile into the Temple; growing discontent with Christians in Rome; Rome burns; Peter is crucified; Paul is executed.

The Angel's Lenten Lesson. Costello, Gwen. Level I-J  (14 min.) Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, [1995]. Note: Danny has a take-home quiz on Lent, and is not too confident about it: What is Lent? Why ashes? What are the Lenten prayers and observances? Why fast? Suddenly, his guardian angel appears and assists Danny's memory of what he's been taught about Lent throughout his life.

 The Best News Yet; The Mighty Convert. Level ALL (40 min.) United States: Christian Broadcasting Network, [1985]. Note: Chris, Joy & their toy robot Gizmo, are transported by the SuperBook into Jesus' last days, Agony in the Garden, Crucifixion and Resurrection and into the life of St. Paul.

Celebrating Christ's Splendor.  Level S-A (60 min.). Washington, DC: U.S.C.C, [1997]. Note: Filmed at St. John's Cathedral in Cleveland, this hour long Easter special is filled with the pageantry and spirituality of the holiest days in the Christian Church.

Celebrating the Church Year for Children: Easter. Level I (15 min.) Paulist Press, [1989].Note: As a community of believers, we celebrate Easter with numerous meaningful liturgical signs and family customs. The dynamism of Easter is communicated to children.

Celebrating the Church Year for Children: Holy Week. Level I (20 min.) Paulist Press, [1989].Note: Looks at each of the celebrations of Holy Week and draws connections between the real events of Jesus' life that last week and our everyday experiences. Jesus' final days are illustrated followed by a modern vignette of young people who experience triumph, disappointment and renewal of faith and friendship.

Celebrating the Church Year for Children: Lent.  Level I (15 min.) Paulist Press, [1989].Note: Catholics perform many special actions in Lent. We dedicate ourselves to repentance and turning a New Life. But what do all these actions mean in the life of a child?

Charles Caterpillar Level P-I. (10 min.) Mystic, Ct: Twenty-third publications, [1989].Note: Charles is a good caterpillar, but one day he yields to peer pressure and eats a farmer's corn instead of leaves. His friend is eaten by a crow and Charles barely escapes being eaten himself. Later, he begins to feel funny and thinks he's dying, but he's only becoming a butterfly. As a butterfly, Charles enjoys helping nature by spreading pollen among the flowers.

Children's Easter Collection. Level P-I (45 min.) Family Films, [1980].Note: Two animated films on one tape about Easter. Join Benji and his loveable, shaggy dog as he begins to understand why there is Easter and appreciate its message of God's love. Music sung by Leslie Uggams. The second film shows a little boy telling his dog about the event of the first Easter, including the events of Holy Week though the Resurrection.

The Donkey's Tale: A Story About the Life of Jesus Level P-I (13 min.). Mystic, CT: Twenty Third Publications, [1991]. Note: Moshe is the foal that Jesus rode into Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. Moshe and his donkey family encounter the Messiah at various times in Jesus' life, from birth to resurrection. Illustrations, with voice-overs.

Easter Is Level P-I. (30 min.) Family Films, [1980].Note: Join Benji and his loveable, shaggy dog in this animated musical about Easter. Upbeat and light hearted, the music is sung by Leslie Uggams, as Benji begins to understand why there is Easter and appreciate its message of God's deep love.

Easter Season: A Time to remember. Chesto, Kathleen. Level A (20 min.) Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, [1991]. Note: Parents experience a "letting go" as their children grow into adulthood and begin a new life. But parents also learn that memory will hold a family together, despite moves or transitions. And so, family experience can teach us about the eucharist, in which we remember Jesus' passion and death and celebrate his new life in the resurrection.

The Easter Story. Level P-I  (30 min.) Lusk, Don. [S.l.]: Hanna-Barbera Home Video, [1989].Note: "The animated Easter story is one in a series of Bible episodes seen through the eyes of three young visitors from the 20th century. . . .[It] begins with Jesus' joyful entrance into Jerusalem on Palm-Sunday. The story continues with the drama of Christ's betrayal, arrest and crucifixion and his triumphant resurrection and ascent in to Heaven"--Container.

Easter Today, Easter Forever. Level P-I (33 min.) [S.l.]: Family Films, [1988].Note: Using puppets and live people, we follow Nanny's loss of a special friend, Isaiah not being chosen for a school play, and Mrs. MacTuggle's bad cold. Still Nanny and Isaiah have the best Easter ever. Nanny and Isaiah adventures teach children and their families about Jesus and the difference He can make in their lives.

Easter: A Celebration of Hope at the University of Notre Dame. Level S-A (60 min.) Washington, D.C: U.S.C.C, [1998]. Note: Join the internationally renowned Folk Choir of the University of Notre Dame in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart as they celebrate Christ's resurrection - and the hope it symbolizes - through scripture readings, songs, and hymns. From the lyrical "Now the Green Blade Rises" to the rousing "I Have Been Anointed," the choir takes viewers on a deeply moving journey that enlivens the spirit and strengthens the soul.

Easter: The Price of Love, the Gift of Life. Level P-I (30 min.) Peterfy, Sr. Ida. ACTA Publications, [1987]. Note: Sr. Jane presents various types of success. This segment tells about Easter and the meaning of the success of Jesus: joy over sorrow, and life over death. The events of Holy Week are explained, and the children are encouraged to be joyful and to value Jesus' success in the gift of salvation.

 Eucharist: Celebrating Christ Present. Level S-A (33 min.) Richstatter, Fr. Tom. Cincinnati, OH: St. Anthony Messenger Press, [1995]. Note: Catholics have received a variety of emphases in their understanding of the Eucharist. Before Vatican II, the 'unbloody' sacrifice of Christ was represented in mass. Post-Vatican II stresses the 'meal' aspect. A third emphasis uses Easter. 4 segments: story, testimony, teaching and music.

Godspell. Level J-A (101 min.) Matthew. Burbank, CA: Bridgestone MultiMedia, [1996].Note: John the Baptist gathers a group of disciples to follow the word of Jesus Christ, and act out his parables.

Grandma's Bread. Level P-I (17 min.) Los Angeles: Franciscan Communications, [1985].Note: Mario's grandmother dies before she can fulfill her promise to bake her traditional Easter bread for his First Communion. On the day of Mario's First Communion, the family celebration is complete when Mom brings in the Pane de Pasqua, which she baked. They all join hands and echo Grandma's words, "Now we are a family!"

The Greatest Story Ever Told. Level J-A (199 min.) Baker, Carroll. Culver City, CA: MGM/UA Home Video, [1990]. Note: The story of the life of Christ.

El Ha Resucitado.  Level P-J. (25 min.) Irving, TX: Nest Entertainment [1990]. Note: This is the story of the passion, death and victorious resurrection of Jesus. Sorrow and despair turn to complete joy and love as the women and disciples behold their resurrected Master.

He is Risen. Level P-J  (25 min.) Irving, TX: Nest Entertainment [1990]. Note: This is the story of the passion, death and victorious resurrection of Jesus. Sorrow and despair turn to complete joy and love as the women and disciples behold their resurrected Master.

The Hero. Level J-A (30 min.) Family Theater. Albany, NY: Family Theater, Inc. [1992]. Note: Tied thematically to the sorrowful journey of Jesus to his cross, this contemporary saga depicts a young man's struggle to free himself from alcoholism.

 In Remembrance. Level J-A (47 min.) Garland, TX: Evangelical films, [1981].Note: A stirring recreation of the Last Supper and the events that surrounded it. Dramatically portrays the lives of the disciples on their last night with Jesus.

Jesus. Level S-A (29 min.) Deacon, John. Vancouver, B.C: distributed by Campus Crusade For Christ of Canada, Inc, [1979]. Note: Filmed in the Holy Land, this very accurate portrayal of the life of Christ is based on the Gospel of Luke. The audience will see and hear life-changing biblical truths just as Christ taught them.

Jesus Christ Superstar Level J-A. (108 min.) Lloyd Webber, Andrew. Universal City, Calif: MCA Home Video, [1986]. Note: Focuses on the last week of Jesus' life, his betrayal and crucifixion as seen through the eyes of Judas and related in song and music.

Jesus of Nazareth. Level S-A (180 min.) Hussey, Olivia. Livonia, Mich: CBS/Fox Video, [1986].Note: Depicts the life of Jesus Christ from his birth to his resurrection.

Journey to Easter: A Lenten Program for the Family. Level S-A (90 min.) Los Angeles, CA: Franciscan Communications, [1987]. Note: Fr. Anthony Scannell hosts this 7 part program of Scripture, drama, story and music for a more personal and prayerful understanding of what Lent and Easter are all about. The themes are: 1. A Journey Apart; 2. a Change of Heart; 3. Who are You?; 4. Lost and found; 5. The Servant Comes; 6. the Way of the Cross; and 7. The Light of the World.

Lent Cycle A: The Gospels Live. Level J-A (376 min.) Mystic, CT: Twenty-third publications, [1993].Note: Vol. 1: The Woman at the Well John 4:5-42 (11 min.) Vol. 2: The Man Born Blind John 9:1-41 (14 min.) Vol. 3: contains both dramatizations on one tape. Takes place in a modern day setting.

Lent/Easter. Level J-A (20 min.) Los Angeles, CA: Franciscan Communications, [1986].Note: The themes and devotions of the Lent and Easter season are dramatized. Ten vignettes of about 2 minutes each cover themes like: the woman at the well, the history of the crucifix, the seven last words, Jesus preaching in the Temple and the Shroud of Turin.

Lent: A Time of Renewal. Scannel, Fr. Anthony. Level S-A (105 min.) Los Angeles: Franciscan Communications, [1988]. Note: 7-part program (5-19 min. ea) based on Sunday Gospels for Lent, Holy Week and Easter, using stories, drama, music and visual meditations. Presented by Fr. Tony Scannel.

Lent: A Time to Forgive.  Chesto, Kathleen. Level A (20 min.) Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, [1991]. Note: Lent allows us to slow down and realize that we are loved for who we are, not for what we do. Parents can accept and love their children, despite their mistakes. The sacrament of Reconciliation offers us this same gift of forgiveness. We can learn to forgive and accept ourselves as God does, and then offer forgiveness to others.

Light in the Darkness: The Easter Story. Level ALL (30 min.) Chicago, IL: Liturgy Training Pubications, [1995]. Note: This retelling of the Passion in pantomime can be used as a devotion or as a centerpiece for worship. It can also be used to stimulate study and discussion of the Passion narrative.

Liturgical Year. Level S-A (40 min.) Paulist, [1989].Note: 4 parts on one video. 1: Advent-Christmas-Epiphany; 2: Lent and Easter tridiuum, 3: Sunday and Ordinary Time 4: This is our Feast: the Easter Season. Each is 10 minutes.

The Magic Boy's Easter. Demetral, Christopher. Level ALL (24 min.) St. Louis, Mo: Envoy Productions, [1989]. Note: "Tells the dramatic story of a disabled boy who is moved to faith in Jesus by a dream experience in which he becomes a magician's helper in ancient Jerusalem, where he meets Jesus on the road to Golgotha"--Container.

Matthew. Marchiano, Bruce. Level S-A (250 min.) Deluxe ed. Brentwood, TN: distributed by Visual International, [1997]. Note: A dramatization of Jesus' life, crucifixion, and resurrection based on the Gospel of Matthew. Vol. 1 (1:1-9:1); Vol. 2 (9:2-14:36); Vol. 3 (15:1 -23:39); Vol. 4 (24:1-28:20).

One Who Was There.  Farrow, Tisa. Level I-A (36 min.). Nashville, Tenn: EcuFilm, [1980].Note: A lonely, old woman, who is one of the few survivors who actually witnessed the crucifixion and resurrection of Christ, recalls and shares her memories with a newer generation of Christians thus strengthening and reassuring herself as well. Her name is Mary Magdalene.

Our Catechumens at the Celebration of the Triduum. Level A (50 min.) Note: Dr. Searle reflects on the implications of the RCIA and its relationship to the parish celebration of the Triduum. Recommended for RCIA leadership, parish pastoral staff, sponsors, and catechists.

El Pan de la Abuelita. Level P-I (17 min.) Los Angeles: Franciscan Communications, [1985]. Note: Mario's grandmother dies before she can fulfill her promise to bake her traditional Easter bread for his First Communion. Mario's mother prepares the Pane de Pasqua, they all join hands and echo Grandma's memory.

La Pascua. Level J-A (66 min.) Scourby, Alexander. New York: New Media Bible, Genesis Project [1989? 1977]. Note: The story of Jesus' last days, in 4 chapters: Jerusalem, The last supper, The crucifixion, Resurrection and ascension.

The Proud Tree. Level I-J (25 min.) Roche, Luanne. Liguouri, [1990].Note: Based on a children's book, this video tells the story of the Crucifixion from the viewpoint of Rex, a proud and ungrateful tree,  who became the cross Jesus carried to Calvary. 

RCIA: The Journey Through Easter. Level A (25 min.) Dubuque, IA: ROA/Video Images, [1986].Note: An introduction to the RCIA process using "flashbacks" of RCIA candidates as they reflect on pre-catechumenate, the Rite of Becoming a Catechumen, the Rite of Election, the Purification and Enlighten.

El Revolucionario. Level I-A (48 min.) TBN Productions. Spanish language letterbox. Worcester, PA: Gateway Films Vision Video, [1996]. Note: Main events from the Gospels dramatized in their historical & cultural context in a fast-paced style: Christ's birth, baptism, the wedding feast, walking on water, His crucifixion, ascension & others.

The Revolutionary Level I-A (48 min.) TBN Productions.. Letterbox format. Worcester, PA: Vision Video, [1995]. Note: Main events from the Gospels dramatized in their historical & cultural context in a fast-paced style: Christ's birth, baptism, the wedding feast, walking on water, His crucifixion, ascension & others.

Sharing the Passion. Level A (17 min.) Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, [1994].Note: As adults, we may often listen to familiar stories of Jesus' suffering and death, but may perhaps not make the connection to these events as the key to our own urgent questions born or personal need and pain. Based on the Stations of the Cross, this program invites us to question Jesus and listen carefully for the answers he put forth to us.

The Silent Witness. Rolfe, David W. Level J-A  (55 min.) Santa Monica, CA: Pyramid Films, [1979].Note: Investigates the possibility that the Shroud of Turin was the burial garment worn by Jesus Christ. Experts from various fields provide interesting information which seems to indicate that the shroud is either authentic or the most clever fraud in the history of man. Winner of many awards.

Sister Wendy's Pains of Glass. Level S-A (58 min.) Beverly Hills, CA: CBS Fox Video, [1998, 1995]. Note: Join Sister Wendy as she takes you to Cambridge to explore the stained glass Passion Windows at the chapel of King's College. Includes music by the King's College Choir. Nontraditional view of the Stations of the Cross.

The Stations of the Cross for Children. Costello, Gwen. Level P-I (15 min.) Mystic, CT: Twenty-Third Publications, [1997]. Note: Children are guided by Fr. Stan as they make the Way of the Cross. Each station is described in simple and clear language using illustrations. He then reflects on each station by inviting children to apply it to situations at home and school.

The Stations of the Cross. Killgallon, James. Level S-A (40 min.) Chicago, IL: ACTA Publications, [1996]. Note: The thought provoking meditations written by Fr. James Killgallon for each of the 14 Stations recall the mysteries of Calvary and offer a practical application for today's Christian.

The Story Behind the Cross. Macarelli, Rob. Level I-J  (30 min.) Nashville: Tommy Nelson, [1998].Note: A teacher (Reinhold) takes his class to a park to pick up garbage and ends up giving a vivid and meaningful rendition of the death of Christ when he breaks up a dispute over a cross in the park.

This is the Night. Level S-A (30 min.) Chicago, IL: Liturgy Training Publications, [1992].Note: The Easter Vigil service crowns the many celebrations that mark the journey a parish makes with those who wish to join it in faith. In this video we follow the elect and the candidates from the celebration of the third scrutiny during Lent to their baptisms and receptions at the Easter Vigil, to Easter Sunday morning.

The Very First Easter. Level P-I (11 min.) Family Films, [1980].Note: This animated film shows a little boy telling his dog about the events of the first Easter. The story begins with Jesus' entry into Jerusalem and includes the visit to the temple, the Last Supper, the arrest and Crucifixion. The boy's story ends with an empty tomb and Jesus appearing to the disciples after the Resurrection.

Walking with Jesus: a Children's Way of the Cross. Level P (8 min.) Twenty-third Publications, [1983]. Note: This filmstrip-on-video uses events in the lives of children today alongside the Stations of the Cross to tell the Holy Week story.

Bedbug Bible Gang: Easter party. Level Pre-P  (27 min.) Fenton, MO: Morning Light Media, [2000].Note: Animated story led by the "Bedbugs" about Easter. The bedbugs tell the stories of the Palm parade, the garden surprise and doubting Thomas.

The Way of the Cross: Meditations on the Passion, Death and Resurrection of Jesus / Worcester, PA: distributed by Vision Video, c1999. Level S, A (40 min.) Devotional exercises before representations of incidents in Christ’s passion. These meditations offer us a strong message of comfort that we are not alone as we walk with Jesus, that we are the beneficiaries, the heirs of Jesus’ glorification on the cross.

The Way Of The Cross: Stations On Our Journey Of Faith Level: S, A  (43 min.)  Offers four different approaches to the traditional Catholic Lenten observance of the Stations of the Cross: spirituality, social justice, history and a video meditation on the stations.

Tales from the Madhouse Level: S,A   (2 VIDEOS, 56 min. each - Four 14 minute episodes on each videocassette) An unique and provocative look at Bible characters involved with Jesus in his final days.  In eight separate stories, inhabitants of a Victorian insane asylum struggle with the meaning of Jesus Christ in their lives and the world.  All are characters, recognizable from the Gospels, who reveal how they might have lived in the modern world.  They are linked by one unifying and experience that has left an indelible mark.  Each character brushed with Jesus in some way, but most missed the moment.  They touched and then lingered in the shadows.  They were offered freedom, but made friends with their chains.  Now they are haunted by the memory of what might have been.  This acclaimed series with an all-star cast opens up the Scriptures, the story of Jesus, and Easter week in a fascinating, thoughtful and evocative manner.  VOLUME 1. Pilate’s wife /The Rich Man/The Best Friend/The Mourner   VOLUME 2. The Servant Girl/Barabbas/The Centurion/The Thief.