Lion Of Judah DVD

"The Lion of Judah" tells the story that changed the world... A laugh-filled, heartwarming, animated tale, "The Lion of Judah" is a classic inspirational film for the whole family. Join Judah & his stable mates as they embark on a roaring adventure towards freedom. This daring quest intertwines humour and troublesome situations, while delivering foundational messages with gentleness and breathtaking beauty.

For Judah, a lamb with the heart of a lion, it is a story of courage that will lead you on a pivotal voyage of hope and will leave you in awe of the power that one lamb can command. This remarkable epic features the stellar voice cast of Ernest Borgnine, Scott Eastwood, Michael Madsen, Sandi Patty and introducing Georgina Cordova as Judah the lamb. Recognized by The Dove Foundation with the 5-Star Dove Seal for Family Friendly Entertainment of all Ages.

“A mysterious crate…” and unseen hands pitch a heavy wooden crate is pitched into the barn and among the animals. “What is it?” questions the rooster. “Looks like a box to me,” says the pig as the crate bursts opens and out springs a triumphant young lamb, voicing his own fanfare: “tan-taraa! My name is Judah, and I can do anything!” “Can you do this?” replies the plucky rooster showing off his best dance moves and raising a little dust. “Someone make his stop,” plead the doves as the rooster’s show ends in chaos. “You guys are weird,” laughs Judah as the story commences with an unforgettable journey.

Suddenly the barn doors open. “This is our chance,” decares the lamb as he makes for the open door. “Chance for what?” asks the down-trodden looking pig. “Freedom!” cries Judah. But as he gallops for the open doors he’s grabbed by the same unseen hands and returned to the prison of the crate. “Don’t worry about me,” comes the muffled voice of the boxed-up lamb as he’s thrown onto the back of a cart. But nothing escapes the attention of the farm yards rats. “What does that say?” asks one rat, as the crate’s destination: ‘Jerusalem’ is clearly seen on the side of the crate. “It means the little guy’s in trouble and needs our help – so let’s get going.”

The barn animals set off to Jerusalem on a quest to save their friend. Arriving at the gates of the big city, they’re initially dismayed at the scale of their task. “He’s the reason we came here, laments the cow, “and he’s still missing.” The donkey is equally down cast, “I keep telling you you’ll never find him in this city. It’s too big,” he sighs. “Leave that to us,” croaks a rough voiced raven, turning to his feathered comrades he orders them: “to the skies, boys.” A story of courage begins to unfold as the animals gallop into the temple court - a place of sacrifices: “We’ve got to find Judah.”

The ravens appear at a knot hole in the crate holding Judah and reassure him: “Your friends are coming,” they promise, as with one kick the donkey, breaks open the crate the shatters the – not to mention a nearby cage holding the doves, and Judah leaps to freedom. “I’m free,” he shouts, “thank you!” This is an epic adventure you’ll never forget… “Happy – sad – happy – sad – scared – sad – happy…” reflects a dove on the whole adventure, as the reunited friends head off into the sunset, “I could do with a lie down.”

‘Lion of Judah’ gives you and your family an unforgettable animated movie experience. The life and message of Jesus is reflected in the story of the film’s unlikely hero, Judah, the fearless Passover lamb. Breathtaking, funny and action-packed ‘Lion of Judah’ weaves the adventures of farm animals on a a mission to save a friend, into the events of the first Easter, and the story of Jesus and his mission to save mankind.

THE PRODUCERS:
•    Directors: Deryck Broom
•    Co-Director: Roger Hawkins
•    Writer: Brent Dawes

VOICES:
•    Judah (Lamb) – Georgina Cordova
•    Boss (Raven) – Michael Madsen
•    Slink (Mouse) – Ernest Borgnine
•    Horace (Pig) – Omar Benson Miller
•    Jack (Donkey) – Scott Eastwood
•    Monty (Horse) – Anupam Kher
•    Drake (Chicken) – Alphonso McAuley
•    Esmay (Cow) – Sandi Patty
•    Raven 1 – Vic Mignogna
•    Raven 2 – Rodney Newman
•    Jesus – Bruce Marchiano
•    Peter – David Magidoff
•    Wallace – Matthew Rutherford
•    Helda – Adrienne Pierce
•    Hornsby – Roger Hawkins
•    Servant Girl – Serena Porter
•    Tony – Leon Clingman
•    Mother Sheep – Samantha Gray
•    Generic Bull – Chris Schoultz

Children are quick to pick up and remember stories. For children brought up in Christian households and churches, the stories of Jesus stay with them throughout their lives. But what exactly do those stories mean when they use picturesque or historical language, such as ‘Lamb of God’, or ‘Sacrifice’? Just why did the Jesus of children’s stories have to die? How, exactly, does Jesus represent the ‘Paschal Lamb’ and how does he ‘take away the sins of the world’?

Even adults would have difficulty with some of those questions, let alone children. And yet the whole of the Christian faith and its application to life is uniquely contained in the story of one short and equally unique, life. Basically Christianity is about a relationship – the finding, keeping and honouring of a relationship with the creator, father and spirit God revealed in nature and person of the man, Jesus. The makers of ‘Lion of Judah’ have found a way of explaining these concepts to children – and adults, by going back to the basics of the Christian faith and doing nothing more (or less) than telling a sensitive, captivating and revealing story.

Noting succeeds in communicating truth like a story - actual event stories or made up stories, adapted stories retold or reinvented. In this sense, no story is untrue – they all carry some kind of truth. Sometimes it’s the kind of truth revealed as fact, and sometimes it’s the kind of truth found in the best fables, moral tales and life stories. ‘Lion of Judah’ is a unique blend of actual event story (the passion and crucifixion of Jesus) woven into a fictitious story (of four animals on a quest to save a friend) underpinned with a moral tale of loyalty and determination, and shot through with the spiritual truth about the remaking of humanity’s relationship with God.

For adults it might seem strange to explain a story – the story of Jesus, with the story of Judah, a lamb apparently destined for sacrifice in the Jerusalem celebration of Passover. And that’s OK. But let’s not get above ourselves here. It’s because we didn’t understand the way God wanted his relation with us to be restored, and the lengths he was prepared to go to re-establish it, that we needed the whole story of Jesus in the first place. What makes ‘Lion of Judah’ such a success - from very young to very, very old, is that it’s a story that works on all those different levels. The very young will see an animated rescue-adventure story acted out around the events of the first Easter. Most adults will see all the comparisons and subtle parallels to the deeper meaning, and some will appreciate the deeper roots of the story in biblical tradition, history and theology. Hopefully more than a few will realise the teaching potential of this engaging and enlightening DVD in attracting a wide audience to see, hear and understand the essential truth of the Christian faith.

Without doubt, everyone who sees ‘Lion of Judah’ will appreciate the artistry and creative talents of the animators, voice-over artists – including the unmistakable tones of the late great Hollywood epic actor, Victor Borgnine, and musicians including Dove award winner, Kari Jobe. Few films of any genre are as beautifully produced as this, and in the specialised world of Christian animation for children, this is a work of outstanding and unusual quality. For its beauty and entertainment value alone this DVD deserves a place on movie shelf of every Christian family. For its sensitive portrayal of the basic truth of the Christian faith, it deserves to be played over and over again. – Les Ellison

Have you ever been sat watching the latest animation when a familiar voice drifts into your ear. All of a sudden the storyline is pushed aside, your thoughts consumed with putting a name to the mystery voice you vaguely recognise.
We’ve taken the trouble to research all those familiar voices, finding out where you might have heard them before to end the self-torment. So sit back and enjoy every moment of the film knowing the voice behind the animation.

GEORGINA CORDOVA: Voice of Judah (Lamb)
Where you’ve seen her before (Acting Roles):
•    Winx Club Children’s TV Series: Digit & Puff, 2001/12
•    Lie To Me TV Series: Pied Piper, played Kid Caller, 2010
Where you’ve heard her before (Voice Acting Roles):
•    The Sims 3 Video Game: 2011/2009
•    Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs Video Game: Voice of Steve, 2009
•    King of the Hill: Two Episodes, 2009
•    X-Men Origins Wolverine Video Games: Voice of Anna, 2009
•    The Tale of Despereaux: 2008

MICHAEL MADSEN: Boss (Raven)
Where you’ve seen him before (Acting Roles):
•    Sin City: Bob, 2005
•    Kill Bill Volumes 1 & 2: Budd, 2003 & 2004
•    Die Another Day: Damian Falco 2002
•    Free Willy 1 & 2: Glen Greenwood, 1993 & 1995
•    Reservoir Dogs: Mr Blonde, 1992
•    Thelma & Louise: Jimmy, 1991

ERNEST BORGNINE: Slink (Mouse)
Where you’ve seen him before (Acting Roles):
•    Red: Henry, The Record Keepers, 2010
•    E.R. TV Series: Paul Manning, 2009
•    BASEketball: Ted Denslow, 1998
•    Airwolf: Dominic Santini, 1984-1986
•    Jesus of Nazareth (TV Mini-Series): The Centurion, 1977
Where you’ve heard him before (Voice Acting Roles):
•    Sponge Bob Square Pants: Mermaid Man, 1999-2011
•    Small Soldiers: Kip Killigan, 1998

OMAR BENSON MILLER: Horace (Pig)
Where you’ve seen him before (Acting Roles):
•    CSI Miami TV Series: Walter Simmons, 2009-2012
•    The Sorcerer’s Apprentice: Bennet, 2010
•    Law & Order: Rudi Bixton, in Fat, 2006
•    8 Mile: Sol George, 2002
•    The West Wing TV Series: Orlando Kettles, in Election Night, 2002

SCOTT EASTWOOD (Clint Eastwood’s son): Jack (Donkey)
Where you’ve seen him before (Acting Roles):
•    Invictus: South African Springbok, 2009
•    Grand Torino: Tray, 2008

ANUPAM KHER: Monty (Horse)
Where you’ve seen him before (Acting Roles):
•    Spooks TV Series: Harakat, in Season 3 Episode 3, 2004
•    E.R. TV Series: Ajay Rasgotra, in Damaged, 2004
•    Bride & Prejudice: Chaman Bakshi, 2004
•    Bend It Like Beckham: Mr. Bhamra, 2002

ALPHONSO MCAULEY: Drake (Chicken)
Where you’ve seen him before (Acting Roles):
•    Breaking In TV series: Calvin 'Cash' Sparks, 2011-2012
•    Glory Road: Orsten Artis, 2006
•    Fat Albert: Bucky, 2004

SANDI PATTY: Esmay (Cow)
Where you’ve heard her before:
•    Sandy is an accomplished Gospel Singer
•    Won 6 Grammy Awards
•    Won 40 Dove Awards
•    Released over 30 Albums, her latest is called ‘The Edge of the Divine’, 2010
•    Sandi also has written a bestselling, ‘Broken on the Back Row’, which won Silver Angel Award in 2006

A laugh-filled, heartwarming animated tale for the entire family, ‘The Lion of Judah’ re-imagines the Easter story in a uniquely entertaining and contemporary way. Starring the voices of Scott Eastwood, Michael Madsen, Ernest Borgnine and Georgina Cordova, it’s a ‘ROARING’ adventure with a heroic lamb (Judah) and his animal companions. Learning that the townspeople have captured Judah, and plan to make him the highlight of an annual festival feast, the Stable-Mates leave their cozy barn and embark on an action-packed series of exploits to free their friend. During their daring journey they interact and entwine with history, finally seeking out the King, born in the stable 30 years earlier.

Special Feature: The Lion of Judah - Behind the Scenes

The Lion was the symbol of the Israelite tribe of Judah in the Old Testament. The Jewish King David, and Jesus, are traditionally described as from the tribe of Judah. In Christian tradition, the Lion of Judah represents Jesus - mentioned as such in The Revelation of John. The phrase appears in chapter 5 verse 5; "And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof." Many Christian organizations and ministries use the Lion of Judah as their emblem or even as their name. The use in C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia of a lion named Aslan is generally understood to represent Jesus Christ in the created world of Narnia.