User reviews

I was surprised how good this movie actually was. I've watched this almost ten hour movie twice already. As a christian I just loved to see Peter and Paul in action. There acting was just great. Peter was so great, and Paul too. You could almost see, that the Holy Spirit was working in them, and the message was very Biblical and good... This one is released on VHS in three parts. So it is possible to get it on VHS. But I hope it will be released on DVD soon. This movie is highly recommended. I give it 9 out of 10.

I don't know much about ancient Roman history, but I thought the A.D. film was very good and moving. I really liked the portrayal of Paul and Peter. I thought the actors who played them did a marvelous job. I have the 9 hour version on 5 VHS tapes. It is a nice movie to watch during the cold winter months. It was really sad and touching when the early Christians are thrown into the arena and when Valerius picks up the dead child in his arms. That scene moved me to tears. The girl that played Sarah, Amanda Pays was also good. I liked the character that played Caleb. The sets and costumes were very nice too. I wish that they had this on DVD. It's too bad that they don't make movies like this anymore. I give it an 8.5 out of 10.

POSSIBLE SPOILERS

"Soon the night will come, and we shall be questioned of LOVE..." (the most memorable quote from the movie).

When I watched the miniseries ANNO DOMINI, it made me think that I watch the continuation of Jesus of Nazareth (1977). This has its basis in the fact that the screenplay of Anthony Burgess appears in Jesus of Nazareth too, as well as the photography by Ennio Guarnieri. Other crew are also the same, except for the director, of course. What else makes it strikingly similar to Zeffirelli's colorful depiction of Christ's life is the convention, the music (very touching), the way Jews are showed. And I like it. It is really a true depiction of the situation of the first Nazarenes, or later called Christians. Some scenes showing the spread of Christian faith are really touching!

The historical plot is, however, a background. What comes into view are the fictitious characters, mostly Jews and a Roman, who, in the long run, convert to Christianity. One of them is a Roman soldier, Valerius (Neil Dickson) who falls in love with a Jewish girl, Sarah (Amanda Pays). He experiences the insane reign of Caligula (John McEnery) and sees the decadence and moral downfall of the Roman Empire. When he meets Paul of Tarsus, his life is never the same... I was particularly moved by the scene near the end when he says that while holding the body of a little girl killed on arena, he knew he had been holding Jesus crucified. As a result, the movie is not only another mini series about the 1st century, but leads to profound religious reflections.

The Roman story, however, is poorly presented. It is faithful to history but it too much imitates the style of a classical BBC series I CLAUDIUS (1976) (most viewers remember an excellent acting of Derek Jacobi). Here, in A.D. it is not that interesting! Maybe, the role of Nero (Anthony Andrews) - but that's one of the very few good portrayals of Romans. Ava Gardner as Nero's mother gives a memorable performance, but not her finest one, James Mason is not bad as Tiberius (his last role), and John McEnery is good as insane Caligula (but I like John Hurt in I CLAUDIUS more). The arena moments are haunting and historically exaggerated. Children, worn as sheep, go to arena to be bitten by wild dogs.

/When Caleb wants to rescue them he says to the guard: "Leave them in peace! These are children!" The Roman's reaction is: "Children? These are Christians"!/

I also don't know what led the producers present Poppaea, Nero's wife, as such a gentle, good woman.

Nevertheless, the cast of the movie are very good - lots of great stars (another similarity to Zeffirelli's movie), like already mentioned Ava Gardner, James Mason, John Mc Enery, Anthony Andrews and lots of others. They are a real treasure of this film and make it more valuable.

I love Philip Sayer's portrayal of Paul. He is the best Paul ever. His eyes, his face expression are wonderful!!! In fact, I can't imagine a better choice for Paul of Tarsus. The scene of Saul's (later Paul's) conversion is visually stunning and very moving. "Saul, why do you persecute me?"... Denis Quiley's portrayal of Peter is also worth considering, but not that memorable.

In sum, I would put it like that: ANNO DOMINI is worth watching due to its story, its cast and its touching content combined with lovely music. The Christian plot is done very well; however, don't pay too much attention to the Roman plot if you saw I CLAUDIUS (1976) before. 7/10

In the tradition of the Robe, Quo Vadis, and Jesus of Nazareth, this film is more than just a religious movie but a historical account of the Roman Empire. It goes in greater detail than any thing I've seen before about the time period. I've seen it only once and that was when I was ten years old. It left such a good impression on me that I still remember it fifteen years later.

I plead with the people who own this, PUT IT OUT ON DVD please, and Thank You.

The team Anthony Burgess/Vincenzo Labella has after tremendous movies like "Jesus of Nazareth" and "Moses the Lawgiver" once again surpassed itself by retelling the story about the birth of christianity in such a fascinating and powerful way. Nothing compares to the profound "road to Emmaus-scene" which conveys the new hope in Christs resurrection in a very moving way. Dennis Quilley played Peter in accordance with Luke's descripion of him in the book of the acts. But the greatest performance was undoubtetly Philip Sayer as Paul who especially knew how to portray the change that took place in his character on the road to Damascus. Watching him in his role was seeing a vivid portrayal of what it means and takes to change from Saul to Paul. Nobody knows what Paul acctually looked like but everytime I hear the name Paul or think about this great apostle the image of Philip Sayer as Paul popes up in my mind - an astounding performance! The roman emperors Tiberius, Caligula, Claudius and Nero were depicted in a very impressive way. They even had some similarity with the real emperors busts which are still preserved. Apart from the wonderful spititual message this movie conveys it is as some other viewers already observed very accurate with historical details like f. e. Claudius who hid himself behind the curtain before he was hailed as Romes new emperor or Calebs mentioning of Pilates massacre among the samaritans that made him lose his position. Scenes like these were in absolute accordance with the historical records of the roman age. (A little flaw: baptisms were performed by immersion at that time) Not only the acting but also the music was first class! It couldn't have been better. I also wonder why this movie isn't available on DVD or at least on VHS.

To whom it may concern: Release it on DVD!

To retell the stories of the Bible is too difficult to do on a low budget. The series "Anno Domini" shows this perfectly. In addition is is filled with presumptions that are not historically correct: Like for instance, that Peter went to Rome. It is a historical fact that Peters grave was discovered merely forty years ago in Jerusalem, by catholic archaeologists, but that the Vatican tried to cover it up. They didn't make it.

If there is any better way to enjoy a day I know it not! This mini-series won an Emmy for good reason! Christian history is pretty accurate, but the addition of Roman history is exceptionally amazing. It's great to see how history and Biblical history coincide. The fictional heroic characters add to the exceptional drama -- two Jewish persons (brother and sister) and Romans they each become attached to. The all-star cast (James Mason as Tiberius, Anthony Andrews as Nero, Colleen Dewhurst, Susan Sarandon, Ava Gardner, Ian McShane, etc.) is extensive. The acting and storyline are very well-cast and the acting well-done. Stirring and excellent soundtrack follow as well. Definitely go for the longest series possible, as the shorter versions are VERY condensed! Begins with Christ being taken off the cross during the reign of Tiberius and follows the lives of the apostles and the fictional characters through the decades under the reign of Ceasars Caligula, Claudius, to the reign of Nero. Follows the historical aspects of Roman politics and treason, the senate, and the Biblical histories such as Peter converting the Ceaserean, Paul on the road to Damascus and Luke's written works. All in all, a historical dramatic gem!

I love the way this made-for-TV mini-series very accurately reveals details about the culture and lifestyles of both the Jews and Christians, as well as the Romans. It's a compelling, epic story. Actually, I've also seen and like the slightly edited Gospel Communications -distributed versions even more. One is 9-hours and the other is 6-hours with a study guide that really helps to bring out the incredible accuracy of producer Vincenzo Labella's work. The cast is full of stars and the acting is appropriately...excellent!

When this mini-series first aired on television, I had the foresight to videotape it. Since then, I have watched it every year. I am glad to have it and I wish that it was available on DVD. I am hoping to get in put on DVD. It is well worth the watch. I have notice that a number people on this sight have asked to have this movie put out in the wider market. I think that it should be. It is far too often that such great movies come along and have the staying power that this movie has. The casting is phenomenal and, despite the leaps in time within the movie itself, the timeline is good in its movement. Historically speaking, the major events during the 35 years after the death of Jesus are given due time and attention. I heard tell that an additional mini-series was supposed to flow out from this, but never heard about it coming to TV.

This seems like it was conceived as a mash-up of Jesus of Nazareth and I, Claudius. The problem is that the two stories, that of Imperial Rome and that of the early Church, although they were historically simultaneous, really have nothing to do with one another. Each is a distraction from the other, attempts to link them are contrived, and it is impossible to hit a tone that is right for both: it has neither the X-rated intelligence of the one, nor the intense (albeit conventional) piety of the other.

Actually, even more than either, it is like a reverse spoof of Monty Python's Life of Brian: that is, as if instead of the usual procedure of seeing a 'straight' film and turning it into a spoof, they watched a comedy and have tried to turn it serious (very serious!). Many shots and scenes, particularly early on, are incredibly reminiscent of the famous Gospel parody, so that you're expecting to hear 'Alms for an ex-leper!' or whatever.

Though the cast and production values are good, it is slow and stodgy. And poor old James Mason, getting blown about by the wind on top of Capri (or wherever it really is): is that what finished him off?

I saw A.D. a few years ago on television. It was the only series/film about the Roman empire I saw, in which the Forum Romanum was rebuild realisticly. Although it is very difficult (not to say impossible) to revive the past, I would say that the cast and crew of A.D. managed to recreate the first decades of the Roman Empire in a realistic and believable way. If one wants to learn more of the history of this period, A.D. provides a good history lesson.

I liked also the way in which the several stories are set. Not only do we get a view of the lives of the first Roman emperors and the deciples in Israel, the series also follows the lives of a few common people in these times. The mixture of these stories (although this is fictious) is very good.

I find A.D. a very good series. It is a pity that there are no reruns of the series. I understand A.D. is on VHS, but I did not find it yet (Maybe someone can help me with this). Hopefully one day it will be released on DVD. I am looking forward to that.

I saw this mini series about the young Christianity in Rome, when I was a girl and never quite forgot about it. It reminded me in some ways of "The Robe" which is in that case a very high compliment. I also was madly in love with both Caleb and Julius Valerius Licinius, and so was my sister, btw. See? I even remember the names. I was looking up and down the net and didn't find any trace of it on DVD. I would so like to rewatch it again and see, if it still has the same magic and exceptional storytelling I remember it had. Whoever is in possession of the rights for this: If it was out on DVD I'd buy it instantly. *hint, hint*

This mini-series starts where "Jesus of Nazareth" leaves off, with sightings of Jesus after his resurrection. I believe it to be just as good as "Jesus of Nazareth" also. It was made by some of the same personnel, although the actors are different. The locations, costumes and sets are just as good. The big difference here is, there are a lot of fictional sub-plots in this mini-series, but they only enhance the overall experience. They bring together all the true stories in it that are taken from the Bible and from other historians of the period. I know of only one movie that tells this story, and this mini-series does a better job, partly because of its length. I recommend the 9-hour unabridged version rather than the 6-hour version. If you want to know the story of the early church, starting from the very beginning after Christ rose from the dead, this is for you. Highly recommended for any Christian or just anyone into ancient Christian history. I give it 9 *'s out of 10.

A. D. is an excellent movie for all ages except perhaps for the very young in as much as there is some very anxious moments in the area where Christian children are killed. The casting is great! I have seen this movie many times and I cannot tire of it. My copy of it runs for about 12 hours and it is in three parts. All of the emperors are played well and exemplify what was really done in those times. From the beginning where Jesus walks with two of his disciples and all the way down to the very end, you are shown what it was like to be Christian in ancient Rome and what Roman laws and activities including cruelty,was like over four Roman emperors. The music is wonderfully matched to the story. This movie should be placed onto a DVD and with full screen rendition.

A.D. has to be one of the most breathtaking attempts to create a film based on the events surrounding the early Roman Empire's encounter with the then-nascent sect of Christianity. Unfortunately, the attempt is bloated and collapses under the weight of its own pretensions. Many in the incredible ensemble casts give terrific performances, not the least of which are Ava Gardner, Anthony Andrews, James Mason, and Paul Freeman. However, there is an equal number giving uninsipired performances, particularly among the fictional main characters.

The dialogue verges between passable and ludicrously embarrassing. That some great actors had to deliver ham-fisted lines is somewhat of a travesty. It also becomes overwhelmingly preachy and sentimental at times, so don't look for an objective view of the historical period.

The best thing going for A.D. is the production values, which are top-notch. Moreso than any movie up until that point, it conveyed a real sense of what it was like to live in that time period. But that and the few inspired performances aren't enough to save this from being a missed opportunity.

I have both the 6 hour cut version of this remarkable masterpiece and the 10 hour uncut version. The Shorter version designed , perhaps for all ages, and well to be shown in a child's Sunday school class. the 10 hour, longer uncut version, containing more of a balance of the Bible / Roman Imperial History aspect of the early decades of the Christian church, and more intended to be viewed in a home environment. Either way, James Mason gave us a fine, EXCELLENT farewell performance as Tiberius, He who was emperor at the time of the Crucifixion of Jesus Christ and the successor, Caliguila, Claudius and Nero were also exquisitely and masterfully portrayed, Caligula, well.. No one will equal Malcolm McDowell on THAT one, But thats another discussion. A magnificent follow up series to Jesus of Nazareth, look at the right place on line, and you will find............or more aptly........SEEK and ye shall find.

I loved this television mini series; there has been none like it since. I found the acting to be very good and realistic. It has been so long since I watched it I do not remember specific details but what I do remember is how well it impressed me as far as historical/biblical accuracy is concerned. And how well I remember the scenes where Nero (?) placed Christian families in the coliseum's with the lions. I would truly love to watch this movie again and have the opportunity to share it with my own children so they could see what took place during the time of the early church. I have wanted to purchase this movie on VHS, DVD whatever but have not been able to find it ANYWHERE. Does anyone know where this can be purchased?

Wonderful quality entertainers, James Mason, Anthony Andrews , AvaGardner , to name a few, in an exquisite historical drama about the early church, and her conflicts with the Roman Empire. Re ently bought a pirated copy for $10, and it plays we.. Fine sequel to Jesus of Nazareth

Recently I have been gathering any DVD's set in Ancient Rome and having seen so many recently I can truly say that this series is one of the best I have ever seen. Overall, I would only rank HBO's Rome higher. I saw A.D on television back when it first aired and it has stuck with me ever since. It is unique as it covers both the history of the Early Church and the Early Imperial period as well. The main problem with the abridged version available on DVD is that it cuts out the vast majority of the Early Imperial material and leaves only the material germane to the Early Church. Now even that is still worth seeking out as it has the greatest depictions of Peter, Paul and Stephen ever on film. It has only one of two appearances of the character Simon Magus ever on film (that I am aware of, the Silver Chalice being the other) and it is quite faithful theologically to the New Testament. But it is only half of the story! And that is a shame because there are so few films that deal as seriously with the Early Imperial period as this film does. I truly hope that whoever owns the right to this will see the light and release the full epic on DVD. Until then I am contemplating acquiring the VHS set and attempting to transfer it over to DVD myself. Yes it is THAT good!

I thought that this movie was excellent in that it shows the events surrounding the early church as well as what was going on in Rome at the same time.The acting was superb and the details flawless.I thought that John McEnery looked very much like the bust of Emperor Gaius Caligula that I saw in the museum in Alexandria,Egypt.This movie has not been rivaled since.I highly recommend it for all Christians who are interested in the history of the church.

With excellent performances by Philip Sayer (Saul/Paul), Dennis Quilley (Peter), Vincenzo Ricotta (Stephen), Cecil Humphreys (Caleb), Millie Perkins (Mary), and Anthony Andrews (Nero), the deep struggles and conflicting emotions that marked Christianity's early beginnings are vividly brought to life. The opening scene is both touching and well crafted as are the sequences dealing with the struggles of early Christians. The burning of Rome. the slaughter of Christians (especially the scene with the children dressed as lambs, the struggle between the early Christians and their Jewish beliefs and between the Jewish leaders and Christians, are all well presented. I also liked the effort to present both Romans and Jews for what they are-human beings-some good, some bad, but all human. I was touched by the series and only wish it was available on VHS.

A.D. is a well acted and sincerely told story of the early beginnings of Christianity. Using the Roman quest for power and its corrupting influence as a contrast to the humble beginnings of early Christians, the series is able to capture the spirit of the Act of the Apostles. While the Jewish segments are superior to the Roman ones, A. D. is still able to bring these historical events to life. Well acted and presented, this is a mini-series well worth watching for families who are interested in Christianity's early beginnings.