4 out of 5 Popcorn Kernels

Rating:  NA

Genre: Live Action/Puppet

Actors: Buck Denver

Directors: Phil Vischer

Series:  What's in the Bible Series

DVD Release Date: September 27, 2011

Run Time: 56 minutes

Description

Buck Denver Asks What’s in the Bible? Volume 1 is the first installment of the 13-DVD series from VeggieTales creator Phil Vischer. In his first new project since VeggieTales, Vischer has set out to teach kids (and parents!) the story of the Bible – God’s great rescue plan! We know the stories of Moses, Noah, David, and Jesus, but in this groundbreaking new series, we learn how they all fit together to tell one big, redemptive story. Vischer’s signature wit shines through with his all-new cast of characters, fast-paced flash animation, and catchy tunes. This is one journey through the Bible you won't want to miss!

Volume 1 In the Beginning Includes TWO 25-minute episodes:

• What Is the Bible? - How is it put together? Laugh your way to a better understanding of the structure and purpose of the world’s most important book.
• Who Wrote the Bible? - Explains how the Bible was inspired and how Genesis sets the stage for the rest of the Bible and all of history!
• Bonus Short:  Quacky’s Questions:  What is Kindness?

Sunday Mom Review:

This DVD is entertaining and filled with strong, accurate, Biblical content.  It is packed full of amazing information.  It is a great educational tool.  We all learned something. 

The puppets are cute and the songs are catchy.  I challenge you to find another movie where a pirate puppet explains the apostolic succession!  The characters are fun and silly, but do not distract from the Biblical message. 

The negatives:  Most of the characters speak fast and with a strong accent, which was difficult for the little one’s to understand. Those who were not bored did not quite get the message.  I would put the actual age range for this series at 7-12.  There is also a little boy puppet who makes some snarky comments to his mother.  I understand that it is intended to be humorous, but it seemed a little disrespectful.

Overall, it is well made.  I own this entire series.  This movie would make a great addition to any Sunday school or children’s worship curriculum. 

What Is the Bible?

This is the best video I have seen for explaining the who, what, where, and how of the Bible.  It breaks down very complicated subjects into the simplest terms.  That being said, as it is a very complicated subject, I recommend this one for the 10 years old and up crowd.  It is entertaining and the 3-10 year olds will enjoy it, although, they will not fully grasp the content.  In this age range, the most you can expect is exposure to the topic.

Who Wrote the Bible?

This episode covers who wrote the Bible, how the different books are classified, and the primordial history portion of Genesis (Chapters 1-11).  It is a broad overview of the stories in Genesis.  It provides a timeline of events that allows the viewer to see the “Big Picture”.  It includes creation, Adam and Eve, Cain and Able, Noah, and the Tower of Babel.  If you are looking for a detailed accounting of these stories, this is not the video for you.

Quacky’s Questions:  What is Kindness?

This is an adorable animated short about Quacky the duck’s quest to discover the meaning of kindness.  I highly recommend this episode for ages 3-8.  It would make a great addition to a lesson on the Fruits of the Spirit.

Sunday Kid’s Review:

2 year old:  It caught his attention, but he wondered away after 6 minutes.

4-year-old:  He thought it was HILARIOUS, although, he did not quite understand it.

11-year-old:  She thought it was both entertaining and informative.

17-year-old:  He learned things he did not know (like “What’s the Septuagint?”)  Although, he thought the singing was “lame”.