Bill Moyers: On Faith and Reason + Bill Moyers –
Genesis: A Living Conversation
(Acorn/Athena DVD Sets)
Picture:
B- Sound: B- Extras: C Features: B-
Now for
the conclusion of this review….
The
second DVD set featured here is Bill
Moyers – On Faith and Reason. Bill
Moyers states that he was inspired to make this documentary after attending the
“World Voices” conference; a conference that hosts poets, playwrights,
novelists and many more. This
documentary does reference a wide variety of Biblical writings, but more so
features what humanity has done with religion.
The panel of experts gives insight and their take on what the Bible and
religion and general has done to the human psyche. Whereas each individual has their own
personal point of view it is inspiring and interesting to note that no one ever
puts another opinion down, but rather builds upon it. In general the consensus seemed to be that
humans are flawed and with their flaws they have twisted religion to fit their
cause. What has been going on for
millennia is by no direct reference to God or the Bible, but instead
individuals have taken its writings to their own personal causes. Religion can be used in whatever way people
want, but it is their own faith and reasoning that inspires their actions. It is a very good set that offers a variety
of perspectives to arouse thought and conversation. The personalities featured on this set are as
follows:
Disc 1
Salman
Rushdie
Mary
Gordon & Collin McGinn
Jeanette
Winterson & Will Power
Disc 2
Anne
Prevost & David Grossman
Richard
Rodriguez & Sir John Houghton
Disc 3
Margaret
Atwood & Amis
Prema
Chodron
The
picture and sound are nothing impressive, but get the job done for the purposes
of this documentary that does not require too many bells and whistles. The picture is a 4:3 full screen that is
gritty at times and features bland/washed colors. The detail and crispness is not there and
overall is mildly adequate. The sound is
a simple Dolby Digital Stereo that comes solely from the front, but since this
is purely dialogue based there is little to complain about as it is crisp,
clean and clear.
The
extras for each set feature a 12-page viewer’s guide with an introduction by
Bill Moyers as well as a Biography of Bill Moyers himself.
Both
featured documentaries are nicely done, not the most thrilling or interactive I
have seen, but nice nevertheless.
- Michael P. Dougherty II
