Bethlehem: Year Zero

From Bethlehem, comes a special bulletin on the "Crisis in Palestine." Faithfully replicating a modern-day news program, Bethlehem Year Zero presents events surrounding the birth of Christ to viewers in the form of fast-breaking news. From the observatory in Galilee comes word of a comet heading for Jerusalem, along with reports of a three man mystery delegation seeking a meeting with Herod. Journalists speculate about their identity as well as news concerning a pair of "miracle pregnancies" (Mary, a virgin, and Elizabeth, a woman well into her 60s, are about to give birth?) And so the program continues, recounting events from an ancient perspective, right through to the massacre of the innocents and subsequent flight to Egypt. Of course, the real danger in this approach is the temptation to be "cute" and superficial, but that's not the case here: meticulously researched and scripted with minute attention to detail, this production features real depth and provides a genuine understanding of the birth of Christ within the political context of the times. Truly "Good News." Highly recommended. Editor's Choice. A 2 volume companion set, Dateline: Jerusalem, which uses the same format to examine Christ's trial, crucifixion and resurrection, is also available for $29.99. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Reed)