Da Vinci Code Decoded (2004)

Exploring Further

Dan Brown's DA VINCI CODE is pure fiction yet being based upon the latest theories about the Leonard, Da Vinci Jesus's bloodline and Holy Grail studies.

If you want to explore deeper into such studies upon which Dan Brown's bastseller novel based, this DVD is a nice guide.

While this DVD may serve well for Davinci Code enthusiasts, it lacks or ignores the serious criticism cast upon from a number of researchers and theologists. So it is by no way well-balanced and may not fit for the material for serious debate.

Enjoy it as pure entertainment. It gives you more insights than King Solomon's Mines series or Indie Jones series.

Verdict: Typically has the TV documentary flaw...For pro- Da Vinci Code fans.
Rating: 80 out of 100
Recommended for: DA VINCI CODE enthusiasts. May 2, 2008

Disappointing. Nothing revealed, nothing decoded

This was a poor attempt at capitalizing on the success of The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown. The book, which is wildly successful and has sparked controversy throughout the world, and the movie, which is milder but still controversial both attract a lot of attention. This DVD simply tries to take that attention and turn it in to profit for the producers.
There is nothing profoundly interesting about this DVD. There is no new information and the DVD fails to truly point at the myths and facts from the book/movie. It merely states what the book says and why the book says it or what the book is based on without any corroboration.
Truly disappointing to a conspiracy theorist at heart. I expected more. May 6, 2007

Interesting Information, Yet...

Update as of 4/3/07 (See below for update.)

I have watched this DVD several times after borrowing from my local library. I give it three stars because I think it's worthy of at least looking at one point of view regarding the Da Vinci Code phenomenon, yet right now I have a few issues with it.

First, I personally do not agree with Dan Brown's assertion that (and I'm paraphrasing here) since the beginning of recorded time, history has ALWAYS been written by the winners. I suppose it's because I'm very cautious about writing in "absolutes" as I've often found that new information will come along to disprove what was thought to be absolute.

As well, some of the transitions between interviews left me feeling annoyed at times because it appeared that the interviewee(s) may have had more to say. This makes me wonder if the editing was done to serve the purpose of the subject of the DVD instead of presenting a more objective point-of-view.

I found it very interesting that Henry Lincoln, one of the co-author's of "Holy Blood, Holy Grail," stated that his book had absolutely had no validity at all. (I have the book, but haven't read it yet.) In any case, my initial thought was then, "Well, why write the book at all?" Perhaps being an artist is where my confusion is stemming from. What I mean is that in producing a work, to me it's valid to me, it's coming from some place inside of me that believes in what I'm doing. So, I'm a bit perplexed here and if anyone has insight in regard to this, I'm open to hearing it.

I do personally agree with Lincoln that anyone can write any sort of document, but that doesn't constitute it's validity. He also states that whatever we do know is based on heresay, guesswork and interpretation. I'm still undecided about my thoughts on that.

In any case, I'll probably watch the DVD again and update my review as I let things sink in and continue my research.

That all being said, I think the DVD is worth watching. I like to look at all sides of an issue and this is just another side to be taken into account and considered whether you agree with it or not.

UPDATE:

I am in the middle of reading, "Holy Blood, Holy Grail." Hence, I can understand a bit more where Henry Lincoln is coming from when he states his book, etc. has no validity at all. I do wonder if the statement is his way of getting off the hook at having written a book which, when you see, "The Real DaVinci Code" DVD proposes (and with a good deal of sense, although I don't like the interviewer's sarcasm) that the whole basis of the book is based on a hoax. Ultimately, whether or not the "facts" were a hoax...I have absolutely no idea. But I do tend to lean more on the side of the DVD "The Real DaVinci Code" after seeing it many times. That being said, I'd look into all the info and determine for yourself.



January 21, 2007

A breath of fresh air

This dvd does not claim to contain a debate about the origins of Christianity; it discusses an alternate viewpoint (as Dan Brown reminds us "the winners write the history books")This dvd is a nice antidote to all the oppressive ideas we have been raised with; esp. the idea of God as male, and the idea of women being unworthy of church leadership. This dvd includes interviews with Dan Burstein, Henry Lincoln, Martin Lunn, Lynn Picknett, Clive Prince, Dr. Karen Ralls, Dr. James Robinson, and Margaret Starbird. I particularly liked Margaret Starbird's interviews - she describes how when she first read "Holy Blood, Holy Grail", she found it blasphemous because she had been raised a loyal Catholic. But afterward, she had religious experiences regarding the content of that book which lead her to research Mary Magdalene and write "The Woman with the Alabaster Jar". She comes across as very rational, sensible and even heroic. It takes courage to contradict the dearly held beliefs of the majority. I thought Dan Burstein also made some very good points with his discussions about the lives and customs of Jewish people during the time Jesus lived. I think this dvd is an important reminder that just because you have been taught something all your life - that doesn't mean it is necessarily the truth. To be truly alive is to continue to search for the truth as long as you live. June 21, 2006

Deceptive cover box: this is a pro-Dan Brown DVD, not an opposing view

Like most people, before I spend money on a DVD, I read all the cover descriptions first.

The back cover starts with a breathless announcement about Dan Brown's book. Then it lists a series of questions by the book's detractors.

Based on the cover description, I honestly thought this DVD was going to be a reasoned "second opinion" regarding the historical information that Dan Brown uses as part of his novel.

I had no idea that the DVD was actually just a rehash of the same theories minus the mystery-thriller context. I'm guessing the marketers deliberately meant to ensnare people of faith into thinking they were purchasing an opposing view.

This DVD should be called: "The Da Vinci Code," Part Deux. May 28, 2006

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