National Geographic - Inside the Vatican

Rating:
Summary: Ideal for teaching about the Vatican and Papacy
Review: Every teacher of the Catholic faith to young adults and adults should incorporate this DVD into their classes. It is so unusual to see the Catholic faith presented without an agenda -- and this succeeds. Everything is clearly explained and given a historical context. I was impressed with the archival newsreel footage incorporated into the explanation of the papal elections.

Rating:
Summary: Ideal for teaching about the Vatican and Papacy
Review: Every teacher of the Catholic faith to young adults and adults should incorporate this DVD into their classes. It is so unusual to see the Catholic faith presented without an agenda -- and this succeeds. Everything is clearly explained and given a historical context. I was impressed with the archival newsreel footage incorporated into the explanation of the papal elections.

Rating:
Summary: EXCLUSIVE ACCESS TO THE HOLY SEE
Review: Gain behind-the scenes access to the See of Peter in National Geographic's INSIDE THE VATICAN. This documentary provides an unprecedented view of the inner workings of the Church, such as the election of a new Pope, enlistment of Swiss Guards, the ordination of Archbishops, the restoration of priceless works of art, and a history of the Papacy and its critical role in the development of Western civilization.

The Papacy has its beginnings with St. Peter, Prince of the Apostles, and leader of the formative Church. He is the first Pope, who ministered the flock in Rome at the time of Nero, and was martyred at Vatican Field in a circus in the outskirts of the city. The disciples recovered his body and buried it in the same field, which became a center of pilgrimage in the ensuing centuries. The exact spot of his crucifixion was preserved by tradition, and is now marked by an altar. Constantine the Great built a basilica at the site of his tomb, which has been replaced with the magnificent renaissance structure of today.
One can see for the first time the original tomb of Saint Peter, which had been lost for centuries and has been rediscovered only a few decades ago, right under the main altar of today's basilica.

Of particular interest are the priceless documents from the last two millennia in the Vatican's Secret Archives. One can see letters from Michelangelo to Pope Julius II, the request of Henry VIII for the annulment of his marriage (this was denied, and led to the formation of the Anglican Church), and even a demand from the Mongol Emperor that the Pope pay homage to him! (Of course, denied.)

Great attention is given into a "normal" day in the Vatican: the restoration of priceless tapestries by Raphael; the cleaning of Bernini's colossal baldachino; meetings of international figures with the Vicar of Christ. In addition, one can see the blessed ministry of Pope John Paul II, a man of great compassion. Particularly moving is footage of his visit to a leper colony in Korea: the Holy Father embraces and kisses these poor souls, not shying from their diseased flesh, but rather sharing with them the love of Christ.

Truly the Gates of Hell have not endured against Christ's Church. The successors of Peter have served the Church, and will continue doing so, throughout the ages. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating!
Review: I found this dvd very entertaining and informative. It is a fascinating look into the operations of the most visited place in the world. The beauty and grandeur of the place especially the priceless paintings and artifacts have made the Vatican the most valuable wealth of historical information available. The dvd is great! National Geographic has done a great presentation of the Vatican and great to watch especially if you have never been there. This dvd is a great addition to any dvd collection.

Rating:
Summary: The living marble heart of a thriving institution
Review: Martin Sheen skillfully narrates this colorful and wonderfully-shot depiction of the inner workings of the Vatican. The film shows us the printing service, post office, art restoration lab and choirs of the world's smallest state. You will also learn about site's history, starting as Saint Peter's tomb and growing to a small "trophy," and to two successively larger basilicas. The section on the search for Saint Peter's tomb is especially well done, with computer graphics used to explain the location of a 1st-century necropolis beneath the basilica's massive dome. The Swiss Guard is depicted through the eyes of the young men who swear to defend the Pope with their lives. It is also depicted via the tailor who must design each of their 100+ piece uniforms. You will meet Arturo Marti, the Vatican photographer, view some of his quietly-touching photographs and accompany him to a papal audience with visiting dignitaries. You will meet the Franciscan nun who has devoted decades of her life to hand-restoring some of the Vatican's priceless artworks. You will encounter the Sampietrini workers, who labor unsung to clean the floors and haul the massive draperies used during beatification and canonization ceremonies. And you will glimpse the Holy Father himself as he ordains another crop of bishops who follow in the footsteps of the Apostles to do Christ's work on earth.

"Inside the Vatican" is a loving look at part of the Church's material edifice. The film does not sugarcoat the real-life historical excess of those who walked its marbled corridors. Crusades, Inquisitions and venality -- all parts of the human experience -- have colored the history of the place. Yet one would have to be a rabidly anti-Catholic polemicist (or just plain stone-hearted) not to admire the craft, effort, love and piety that also went into shaping these hallowed palaces.

"Inside the Vatican" is a wonderful choice for Catholic Sunday school teachers who wish to impart a bit of the positive side of the institutional Church to their students.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and very informative!
Review: National Geographic has done an excellent job on this documentary for it contains the most impressive views of the Vatican and some of the activities that take place behind the scenes. The documentary focuses not only on the present day but also on the two thousand year history of the Holy See and Christianity. The viewer will be taken on a privileged tour of some of the most exclusive places within the Vatican walls: St Peter basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. It describes some historical events, and the ancient traditions and rites, some of which date back to the time of the Renaissance, such as the Gregorian calendar, the Swiss Guard, the ordination of bishops, the ceremonial Beatification of the Blessed, and the selection of a new Pope. This documentary provides a good-natured view of the history of the Catholic Church in particular, and Christianity in general. Although it may be better appreciated by Catholics, it has an enormous historical value; it links our western civilization with its evolution from the time of the Roman Empire. Narrated by Martin Sheen, the picture is magnificent and the Dolby sound is excellent.

Rating:
Summary: Fascinating and very informative!
Review: National Geographic has done an excellent job on this documentary for it contains the most impressive views of the Vatican and some of the activities that take place behind the scenes. The documentary focuses not only on the present day but also on the two thousand year history of the Holy See and Christianity. The viewer will be taken on a privileged tour of some of the most exclusive places within the Vatican walls: St Peter basilica, the Sistine Chapel and the Vatican Museum. It describes some historical events, and the ancient traditions and rites, some of which date back to the time of the Renaissance, such as the Gregorian calendar, the Swiss Guard, the ordination of bishops, the ceremonial Beatification of the Blessed, and the selection of a new Pope. This documentary provides a good-natured view of the history of the Catholic Church in particular, and Christianity in general. Although it may be better appreciated by Catholics, it has an enormous historical value; it links our western civilization with its evolution from the time of the Roman Empire. Narrated by Martin Sheen, the picture is magnificent and the Dolby sound is excellent.

Rating:
Summary: Great insights
Review: This DVD provides great insights into the Vatican and the role of the pope. This video tells a great story with pictures.

Rating:
Summary: Well researched!
Review: This video is an excellent video to show students, young adults as well as adults who want to know more about their faith and how did the Vatican came to be. I think it is also encourage anyone who is interested or curious about the Cathoilc faith to take a preview of the video. The video decribes how an ordination happens at Saint Peters, what actually goes on during an ordination. The video also decribed a Blessed and is story and how one day, he could become a Saint by the Pope. Finally, once a Pope dies, a new Pope must be elected, the video will cover that as well. The pictures of the Vatican are just awesome. I've been to Rome before, and these pictures just bring back memories. Also, I forgot to mention, the Swiss Guards. The video goes into how one becomes a guard for the Pope and there uniform. You must buy it or at least rent it if you can. The Pope is seen in several frames thoughout the video.

Rating:
Summary: Well researched!
Review: This video is an excellent video to show students, young adults as well as adults who want to know more about their faith and how did the Vatican came to be. I think it is also encourage anyone who is interested or curious about the Cathoilc faith to take a preview of the video. The video decribes how an ordination happens at Saint Peters, what actually goes on during an ordination. The video also decribed a Blessed and is story and how one day, he could become a Saint by the Pope. Finally, once a Pope dies, a new Pope must be elected, the video will cover that as well. The pictures of the Vatican are just awesome. I've been to Rome before, and these pictures just bring back memories. Also, I forgot to mention, the Swiss Guards. The video goes into how one becomes a guard for the Pope and there uniform. You must buy it or at least rent it if you can. The Pope is seen in several frames thoughout the video.