The film opens with youthful city dwellers from various walks of life dropping their activities to follow John the Baptist (David Haskell from the original New York production). They sing ("Prepare Ye the Way of the Lord") as he leads them into a fountain where they are (metaphorically) baptized. There they meet Jesus (Victor Garber). Frizzy hair and mime makeup aside, the handsome young Garber (Titanic, Annie) is convincing in his film debut. Once baptized, they follow him around various scenic New York locations, singing and acting out passages from the Scriptures.

The largely unknown cast is talented and charismatic, but the film is only fitfully engaging on an emotional level because only Jesus, John, and Judas (Haskell again) emerge as distinct characters. Stephen Schwartz's pleasing pop-rock score, however, helps to smooth over the rough spots, and Robin Lamont's hit version of "Day by Day" remains a highlight. --Kathleen C. Fennessy

Product Description
The long-running 70s stage musical based on the gospel according to st. Matthew comes to dvd in this exhilarating big-screen adaptation. Includes the hit song day by day. Special features: subtitles in english spanish portuguese chinese korean and thai talent files and much more. Studio: Sony Pictures Home Ent Release Date: 02/28/2006 Starring: Victor Garber Lynne Thigpen Run time: 103 minutes Rating: G