Review and Giveaway: The Narnia Code DVD

When I found out that there was a DVD of The Narnia Code, I leapt at the chance to review it. I reviewed the book a couple of weeks ago, and I welcomed the chance to share what I had read more easily with my family.  I wondered, though, if I would find value in the DVD for me.

From the publisher:

The Chronicles of Narnia series by C. S. Lewis has become one of the most globally beloved franchises in history.  And yet, there are mysteries about the author and these seven stories that have fascinated scholars and fans for nearly half a century.
 
Enter Michael Ward who takes us inside the pages of Lewis' masterpieces and discovers a "secret imaginative key"  -  THE NARNIA CODE DVD.
 
Like a detective embroiled in an exclusive chase, Ward takes us on an illuminating adventure into medieval cosmology and spiritual symbolism. His absorbing conclusions  reveal a new third layer of hidden delight that will forever change your love and appreciation for C. S. Lewis and the Narnia books.

The video starts off with about a 15 minute video biography of C. S. Lewis, which is interesting all by itself.  I vaguely knew his story, but the dramatization certainly made it more real.  The biography continues throughout, but once we get to Narnia, the focus shifts.

The next quarter of an hour basically has to do with the Narnia series itself, and a bit about how Michael Ward discovered this medieval astronomy connection.

The final half hour actually details the planet-book connections, and more information about his theory and other people's reactions to this.  In the DVD, Ward only addresses the first four books - The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Prince Caspian, Voyage of the Dawn Treader, and The Silver Chair.  He does a great job describing them.

Then, there are the bonus features.  Another 45 minutes of material.  The first is interviews with people who knew Lewis well. The second shows "home" for Lewis.  The third is primarily Michael Ward talking about the planetary symbolism for all seven books, repeating some information from the main feature about the first four books, but adding information about the other three.

I would highly recommend the DVD to anyone with any interest in C. S. Lewis, and/or in Narnia, from tweens to grown-ups.  My older two sons (12 and 13) both enjoyed this.  As soon as Connor was grasping the concept, he started trying to work out for himself which planet went with which book, based primarily on mythology.  One of Michael Ward's statements towards the end of the DVD was something like, "Isn't it obvious once you see it?"  We are all in agreement here.

And... I have the chance to give a copy to one of you!  Leave a separate comment for each entry, please!

• Visit The Narnia Code and poke around.  Then comment about something that you learned or something that intrigued you.
• Like The Narnia Code DVD on Facebook
• Be friends with me on Facebook
• Share information about The Narnia Code's website, or their trailer, on Facebook, your blog, or somewhere.  Include the link in your entry comment, if applicable.
• Share about this giveaway, and again, include a link.
• Follow me through Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs.  Can enter one for each way.
• Tell me who in your family would be most interested in this DVD and why.

I will draw a winner on December 13 after I get home from Scouts.  In other words, no entries after 11 pm Mountain Time.  I may get the winner posted that night, but more likely it will be Tuesday morning.  I will use random.org to generate a winner.  If I don't hear from you with shipping information, I will draw a new winner.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising."