The Timeless Message of Jesus' Word Comes to Life for Today's Families in an All-New, Feature-Length Animated Adventure
Featuring the Voices of Lucas Gabreel and Roma Downey
"This is a warm and nice story and every family member can enjoy this DVD. We happily award our Dove 'Family-Approved' Seal to this DVD. It is terrific!" -- The Dove Foundation
"I can think of no better way to retell the story of Jesus to our children than through the animals who offer us their unconditional love." -- Rick Torgerson, President, Luther College
Contact: Brian Burch, 616-233-0500; www.atjesussidemovie.com
TORONTO, Feb. 3 /Christian Newswire/ -- Phase 4 Films proudly presents an all-new animated DVD masterpiece featuring a star-studded cast in a story of hope, love, forgiveness and the one dog who walked At Jesus' Side.
In the time of Christ, five misfit animals have a chance encounter with Jesus which alters their lives forever. Our hero, Jericho (Lucas Grabeel, High School Musical), is a vagabond street dog who befriends Jesus and follows him throughout the last week of his life through The Resurrection. Jericho and his friends must lead an epic charge to strike down evil and fight for the freedom of the animals of Jerusalem, while Jesus fights to save the lives of humanity though his personal sacrifice on the Cross.
Jericho's grief at the Crucifixion becomes joyous celebration at witnessing the Resurrection, the greatest miracle of the Christian faith.
At Jesus' Side brings the teachings of Jesus to life for today's families through the story of these five friends on their journey of redemption. At Jesus' Side premieres on DVD March 16, 2010 in stores nationwide for $14.99 (SRP), just in time for Easter.
"Too often the presentations of Jesus' life and love are overwhelmed with theological 'weight,' especially for a children's audience, and they fail to deliver an accessible experience with Christ," said Patrick Wells, producer of At Jesus' Side. "At Jesus' Side uses the compelling tale of these five animal friends to present a biblically accurate story of Jesus' sacrifice and our redemption through his resurrection."
Sure to become a classic, At Jesus' Side is presented in the tradition of great family films like Lady and the Tramp, 101 Dalmatians and All Dogs Go to Heaven. The DVD is filled with rich animation from the producers and animators of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, and includes interactive and entertaining bonus features, such as printable coloring sheets and an exclusive interview with Lucas Grabeel.
Grabeel, a young, but highly accomplished actor as well as a singer/songwriter, has been in theater for much of his life. Viewers of At Jesus' Side will find a special feature on the DVD--an exclusive performance by Grabeel singing "It is Well," an old Christian hymn, as well as a song of his own composition, which has become a part of his daily routine.
His co-star, Roma Downey, is a veteran of stage and screen. Before becoming known internationally as Monica on TV's Touched by an Angel, Downey was best-known to audiences for her portrayal of Jacqueline Kennedy in the mini-series A Woman Named Jackie.
At Jesus' Side has been a nine-year labor of love for award-winning film director Bill Kowalchuk and executive producer Seth Willenson, who have created dozens of animated features, including Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer, Ben-Hur and In Search of Santa. Mike Wigley, chairman and CEO of Great Plains Companies, Inc. also served as executive producer.
The director and producers were advised by more than a half-dozen pastors, ministers and priests. Additionally, the director and producers were advised by a comprehensive panel including: Rev. David A. Olson, M.Div. and Daryl Aaron, D.Min., Ph.D. of Bethel College.
At Jesus' Side was the winner of a Redemptive Storyteller Award in the Distinctly Gospel category at the 2009 Redemptive Film Festival and was featured at the Chicago International Children's Film Festival.
At Jesus' Side is Dove Family Approved for All Ages.
About Phase 4 Films, Inc.
Phase 4 Films distributes features films, television and special interest content across all media in the North American market. Its label, kaBOOM! Entertainment, is one of the leading pre-school and children's brands in the market.
AT JESUS' SIDE Specifications:
Street Date: March 16, 2010
Pre-Order Date: February 9, 2010
Genre: Children's Animated
Run Time: 82 minutes
Rating: G
Sound: 5.1 Dolby Digital Surround Sound
SRP: $14.99 U.S.
Aspect ratio 4:3
Language: English Closed Captions, Spanish Subtitles
