The World's Greatest Stories - George W. Sarris

These are the best Bible-narration tapes I have ever heard... What makes these tapes different is the terrific interpretations of the characters and setting by actor George W. Sarris. Nebuchadnezzar sounds like a tough Middle-Eastern emperor. His descendant Balshazzar, frightened by the writing on the wall, mumbles his fear in an alchohol slurred voice (totally accurate, since he had been drinking heavily all day). The Bible characters cry, or threaten, or do whatever they do with amazing realism. But more than this, even the strictly descriptive portions are read in a way that makes them come to life. Mr. Sarris can make even the words, "Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon," describe the man's personality. Plus the well-chosen special effects and music do a great job of helping us "see" how it was. And the production quaility and packaging are first-class.

You probably realize by now that I'm really tough on Bible resources when it comes to accuracy. So tough. in fact, that I haven't bothered to include several series of Bible tapes that I went to the trouble of listening to, since they consistently made obvious mistakes. These tapes are different. They're really great.

...If you're not a Christian, or have always thought of the Bible as a boring book, these tapes will revoltionize your thinking. If you just want to turn your children on to Bible study, or want to learn how to read the Bible in a way that makes the text jump up and turn cartwheels, these tapes will do it for you. Get them today!

The Big Book of Home Learning
Review by: Mary Pride
Published by Crossway Books

		From an Independent Reviewer "Just buy them. Trust me. How's that for a review? Ok, here's a little more detail for you. Mr. Sarris (whom we have seen perform live: don't miss it if you ever have the chance!) does dramatic recitals of a wide variety of Scripture passages. When he performs live, his only props are his voice, body language and a long scarf. On his CDs, there are a few carefully chosen sound effects. Mr. Sarris is an old-fashioned master story-teller, bringing to life the dramatic and amazing account of God's miraculous works. He uses the KJV or NIV, word for word. By varying just the speed and inflections of his voice, he can suggest multiple characters - never a silly falsetto. His voice communicates all the emotions of each situation, helping listeners visualize the action of narrative passages. One small caveat: like the Bible, there are some sexual situations. You can hear the longing in the voice of Potipher's wife. You can almost hear Judah wiggling his eyebrows when unknowingly propositions his daughter-in-law. But honestly, do you doubt that it happened like that? Keeping that in mind, I would recommend these CDs for the entire family: our 2yo loves to listen and with the help of Mr. Sarris's expressive voice she can grasp much of the meaning of the KJV. Our 5, 6 and 8yo listen to them constantly. The 9, 11 and 13yo enjoy them. And since these are Scripture (not just Bible stories for children) they are wonderful for adults as well. Each CD is about 1 hour long and costs only $7.95. Shipping in free if you buy all 5 (do it! do it!). And just so you know, I gain nothing by telling you all this - at least, no cash or freebies. I gain only the knowledge that God's Word is being spread ever more. Well, unless a whole bunch of readers buy a whole bunch of CDs and tell Mr. Sarris that they heard about them here, and Mr. Sarris is overcome with gratitude and sends me a big fat surprise check...nah...but buy them anyway. Really. Kim C. Blogger Life In A Shoe, InAShoe.blogspot.com Find the review HERE.
		Evangelical Free Church of Hershey "The 173 men at the retreat were drawn from six churches...ranged in age from 17 to 85, and cut across blue collar, unemployed, retired and white collar lines...I was not sure how our men would respond to dramatic presentations of Scripture...as I looked around the room, I saw tears flowing down the cheeks of many, some rough and tumble, all staring with rapt attention..." You may read the entire letter... Gary T. Lathrop Pastor for Men's Ministries and Community Life
		From an Independent Reviewer "Oh wow, this man is awesome!" I was listening to tape 4 (Joshua & Esther) when I said these words, and I meant them. George W. Sarris has a bio listing degrees and experience enough to impress anyone, but you forget all that when you just sit back and listen to the man tell a story. Maybe I should back up a bit. The first tape I reviewed was tape 4, in which Sarris recounts the battle of Jericho (Joshua 1-6) and the complete book of Esther word for word from scripture, but with a storyteller's gift. You know you are listening to only one man, but it sounds like there are about 15 different actors here, presenting a variety of characters. The stories are accompanied by music and sound effects, both of which enhance the listener's experience, but they are mere accents to God's great stories told by what must surely be one of His most gifted storytellers. Eclectic Homeschool Online Review by: Clarissa von Koehnen
		A Review by Mary Pride These are the best Bible-narration tapes I have ever heard... What makes these tapes different is the terrific interpretations of the characters and setting by actor George W. Sarris. Nebuchadnezzar sounds like a tough Middle-Eastern emperor. His descendant Balshazzar, frightened by the writing on the wall, mumbles his fear in an alchohol slurred voice (totally accurate, since he had been drinking heavily all day). The Bible characters cry, or threaten, or do whatever they do with amazing realism. But more than this, even the strictly descriptive portions are read in a way that makes them come to life. Mr. Sarris can make even the words, "Nebuchadnezzar, king of Babylon," describe the man's personality. Plus the well-chosen special effects and music do a great job of helping us "see" how it was. And the production quaility and packaging are first-class. You probably realize by now that I'm really tough on Bible resources when it comes to accuracy. So tough. in fact, that I haven't bothered to include several series of Bible tapes that I went to the trouble of listening to, since they consistently made obvious mistakes. These tapes are different. They're really great. ...If you're not a Christian, or have always thought of the Bible as a boring book, these tapes will revoltionize your thinking. If you just want to turn your children on to Bible study, or want to learn how to read the Bible in a way that makes the text jump up and turn cartwheels, these tapes will do it for you. Get them today! The Big Book of Home Learning Review by: Mary Pride Published by Crossway Books
		Comments About The Real Story of Easter Video "George W. Sarris' one-person dramatizations of the Bible are so real that it makes you feel as though you are there. He brings the Word of God to life with an unusual talent that is truly a gift from God. I have never seen such a unique presentation, and I strongly recommend it." William R. Bright President Campus Crusade for Christ International
		"You made the Scriptures literally come alive in a magnificent way I have never experienced before...I have never seen one person act out the Scriptures as you have, making an absolute masterful use of different voice inflections, facial expressions, body movements, simple props, and even camera technique. The performance was brilliant, and inspiring...I say this without reservations: Everyone should see or hear your dramatizations. They will be richly blessed by an unusual and, I believe, anointed, experience." Jim Bramlett Author Former V.P., The Christian Broadcasting Network
		"The unique performance of relating and dramatizing three full chapters of Scripture in 'The Real Story of Easter' is remarkable...this video presents a very innovative example of the effectiveness of natural gifts in witnessing." D. James Kennedy, Ph.D. Senior Minister Coral Ridge Presbyterian Church

From an Independent Reviewer

Evangelical Free Church of Hershey

From an Independent Reviewer

A Review by Mary Pride

Comments About The Real Story of Easter Video