5 Films of Faith (DVD)

Five-disc set includes: Samson and Delilah (1949)Cecil B. DeMille's spectacular retelling of the Old Testament tale of romance and betrayal stars Victor Mature as the long-haired, lion-wrestling Israelite strongman, Samson-whose secret lies in his uncut, luscious locks-and Hedy Lamarr as the scheming temptress who woos him, then delivers him into captivity at the hands of the Philistines. With George Sanders, Angela Lansbury, Henry Wilcoxon, Russ Tamblyn. 133 min. C/Rtg: NR The Ten Commandments (1956)Cecil B. DeMille's final film was this grand-scale religious epic starring Charlton Heston as Moses, an adopted Egyptian prince chosen by God to abandon a life of luxury and lead his fellow Israelites out of slavery. The flight from Egypt, the parting of the Red Sea, and Moses' receiving of the Commandments are among this classic film's many highlights. With Edward G. Robinson, Yul Brynner, Anne Baxter, Yvonne de Carlo, and a cast of thousands. 3 3/4 hrs. C/Rtg: G Brother Sun, Sister Moon (1972)Director/co-writer Franco Zeffirelli weaves a poetic spell chronicling the life and times of Italian Catholic friar St. Francis of Assisi (Graham Faulkner). Experiencing a vision while fighting on the battlefield as a soldier in the Crusades, Francis returns home and dismisses his family's material wealth-deciding to adopt a lifestyle of selflessness and devotion to others. Co-stars Judi Bowker, Kenneth Cranham, and Alec Guinness as Pope Innocent III; songs by Donovan. 121 min. C/Rtg: PG King David (1985)Visually stunning take on the life of the second King of Israel with Richard Gere in the title role, as David's life is traced from the slaying of Goliath to his contentious relationship with father-in-law and predecessor Saul (Edward Woodward) to his controversial union with Bathsheba (Alice Krige). Dennis Quilley, Niall Buggy, Cherie Lunghi, Hurd Hatfield co-star; Bruce Beresford directs. 113 min. C/Rtg: PG-13 Noah (2014)The Old Testament story of Noah (Russell Crowe) gets an imaginative reworking in this ambitious drama from director/co-writer Darren Aronofsky. Faced with apocalyptic visions from "the Creator" that foretell humanity's imminent destruction by flood, Noah constructs a massive ark to bring his family-as well as every beast, bird, and creeping thing of the Earth-to a new world unspoiled by mankind's sins. With Jennifer Connelly, Emma Watson, Ray Winstone, and Anthony Hopkins. 137 min. C/Rtg: PG-13 Standard/Widescreen; Soundtrack: English; audio commentary; featurettes; theatrical trailers.